How Much Will Waterproofing Cost?
Waterproofing is like an invisible umbrella protecting your home from the damage you don’t see—until it’s too late. Ask anyone who’s dealt with leaky ceilings or floor seepage, and they’ll tell you: you don’t want to cut corners here. But how much will waterproofing cost in Singapore? Whether you’re renovating your BTO flat, resale apartment, or landed property, the short answer is—it depends. The long answer? Well, let’s talk numbers, material, surfaces, and a few clever tips you won’t find in the average contractor quote.
At Dream Vinyl Flooring, we work closely with homeowners, interior designers, and contractors every week, and waterproofing is always one of those “invisible but essential” budget items. So, if you’re looking for a breakdown, an explanation, and a little clarity—you’re in good hands.
What Affects Waterproofing Costs in Singapore?
Before we even put a price tag on it, let’s acknowledge something: waterproofing isn’t one-size-fits-all. The costs can vary depending on the type of surface, the location, the extent of damage, and whether you’re patching a leak or applying a full membrane as part of a new build or renovation.
Here are the key cost factors at play:
Type of Area: A small toilet or balcony is a different story from an entire rooftop or basement. Waterproofing your kitchen floor might cost you less than half what it would for your open balcony exposed to direct rain.
Waterproofing Method: Cementitious coatings, liquid membranes, polyurethane systems, or bituminous membranes all come with different price tags and lifespans. Some are easy to reapply, others require full hacking and removal.
Labour Intensity: For existing homes, hacking away tiles and re-screeding floors can push the cost up significantly. For new homes or BTOs not yet fitted out, the work tends to be quicker and cleaner—hence cheaper.
Extent of Damage: If your waterproofing is part of leak rectification rather than prevention, expect to pay more. Detecting the source of water ingress often requires tests, hacking, and sometimes plumbing works.
Warranty: Reputable contractors offer waterproofing warranties—usually 5 to 10 years. Longer warranties generally reflect higher quality materials and workmanship, and you’ll pay a premium for peace of mind.
Estimated Waterproofing Costs in Singapore (2025)
Now let’s get to the part everyone wants: the price. Based on average industry rates in Singapore this year, here’s what you can expect:
Toilet Waterproofing (HDB, Condo, or Landed):
You’re looking at around $400 to $800 for a standard HDB toilet floor (~2m² to 3m²). This typically includes hacking, screeding, applying waterproofing membrane, and retiling. For higher-end condos or larger bathrooms, this could go up to $1,200 or more.
Balcony Waterproofing:
For outdoor balconies, prices start around $25 to $40 per square metre, depending on material. Full retiling plus waterproofing could land you around $1,000 to $3,000.
Roof Waterproofing:
This is the heavyweight of waterproofing jobs. Expect rates of $30 to $60 per square metre, with total jobs for a typical terrace house roof costing between $3,000 and $6,000. Larger landed properties can reach $10,000 or more, especially if you opt for premium membrane systems with long warranties.
Wall Waterproofing:
This can range from $300 to $800 per affected wall, depending on whether it’s internal or external, how high it is, and whether scaffolding is needed.
According to a 2023 article by Qanvast, 3 in 5 Singapore homeowners underestimated waterproofing costs by at least 30% during their initial renovation budgeting phase. It’s not glamorous work, but it’s necessary.
Why Waterproofing Matters to Your Flooring Too
Here’s where the expertise of Dream Vinyl Flooring comes in. Flooring and waterproofing go hand-in-hand—literally. If the foundation isn’t sealed, even the most luxurious vinyl planks or ceramic tiles can warp, loosen, or mould from moisture creeping underneath. That’s why we always ask clients: has your subfloor been treated? Did your contractor waterproof the toilet, kitchen, or balcony before installation?
We’ve seen cases where homeowners installed beautiful vinyl flooring only to realise a year later that water seepage from an unsealed wall or leaky pipe had caused bubbling and discoloration.
And yes, this matters even for water-resistant options like SPC flooring or vinyl click systems—they can withstand spills, but not rising moisture from below.
Waterproofing in BTO Renovations vs. Resale Flats
If you’re renovating a BTO flat, good news: most wet areas like toilets and balconies come pre-treated with waterproofing by HDB. However, the moment you hack tiles or modify the layout, that layer is compromised, and it becomes your responsibility to reinstate waterproofing.
On the other hand, resale flats (especially older ones) often suffer from degraded waterproofing layers—many of which are over 20 years old. If you notice musky odours, peeling paint, or stubborn damp spots on your walls or floor, it’s not cosmetic—it’s moisture creeping in.
According to a recent Straits Times article, PUB received over 1,200 water seepage reports in HDB units last year alone (source). So yes, it’s more common than you think.
How to Save on Waterproofing Without Compromising Quality
Let’s be honest—no one gets excited about paying $2,000 to coat their toilet floor in invisible liquid rubber. But the price of skipping it is often higher. Still, there are ways to make waterproofing more affordable:
Work With Certified Contractors: Choose BCA-certified waterproofing specialists who offer workmanship warranties. Avoid shortcuts or cheap options that don’t provide guarantees.
Plan Ahead: Coordinate waterproofing with your tiling or flooring schedule. If you’re redoing your bathroom, complete the waterproofing before installing your tiles or vinyl.
Bundle with Flooring: At Dream Vinyl Flooring, we work with renovation partners who offer package deals that combine screeding, waterproofing, and vinyl flooring installation. The bundling helps reduce logistics costs and project duration.
Understand the Materials: Some membranes need multiple coats and curing time. Others are spray-applied and fast-drying. We’ll always advise you on the right method based on your site condition and renovation schedule.
What Happens If You Skip Waterproofing?
In short? Water finds a way. And when it does, it doesn’t knock politely.
You might see white efflorescence marks on your tiles, wet spots along the skirting, or worse—flooring boards that expand, buckle, or detach altogether. For wooden and laminate floors, it’s a death sentence. For vinyl or SPC, it’s repairable but inconvenient.
Moisture can also lead to mould growth, which is a health hazard, especially in enclosed wet areas with poor ventilation. It’s not just about protecting your tiles or planks—it’s about protecting your home’s air quality.
How Dream Vinyl Flooring Supports Waterproofing-Ready Renovations
While we don’t sell waterproofing as a standalone service, Dream Vinyl Flooring collaborates closely with certified waterproofing and renovation contractors. Every project we take on starts with a simple question: is the surface ready? We check the screed, moisture levels, and integrity of the substrate. If it’s not ready, we tell you—and recommend what needs to be done.
We believe in setting expectations early. Because flooring is more than aesthetics—it’s a long-term investment. And we want yours to last.
For example, in our recent flooring project for a landed property in Yio Chu Kang, the client was shocked when our moisture test showed 90% humidity in the concrete subfloor. Instead of installing the vinyl immediately, we coordinated a membrane reapplication with their contractor. Two weeks later, the floor was dry, and the vinyl has stayed perfect since.
Final Thoughts: Is Waterproofing Worth the Cost?
Absolutely. Waterproofing isn’t just another renovation line item—it’s the foundation for every other finishing in your home. Whether you’re laying vinyl flooring, installing carpentry, or just want to avoid mould and mildew down the road, a little foresight here pays off tenfold.
The cost might feel invisible upfront, but the consequences of skipping it are painfully visible later.
Let’s Build It Right From the Start
If you’re planning a renovation and want to ensure your flooring is both beautiful and long-lasting, talk to us at Dream Vinyl Flooring. We’ll help you check your surface conditions, advise on whether waterproofing is required, and coordinate everything from the ground up.
It’s not just about installing a floor. It’s about creating a home you’ll love—without the leaks.
Click on the link to find out more about our services and products. Chat with our sales representatives today!
About Dream Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl Flooring
Interior Design
Home Renovation
WhatsApp Us Now!
Comment (1)
[…] Waterproofing is like the invisible shield protecting your HDB home from the chaos of leaks, damp walls, and swelling flooring. But like any shield, it doesn’t last forever. Whether you’re a homeowner planning renovations or a contractor advising clients, knowing how long HDB waterproofing lasts is a bit like knowing when milk goes sour—it’s not a matter of if, but when. The lifespan of your waterproofing can make or break your renovation investments (sometimes quite literally). So let’s unpack what you really need to know about this silent home hero. […]