F&B · Retail · Clinic Fit-Out
Commercial Renovation in Singapore
Plan restaurant, cafe, shop, retail, clinic and salon fit-out — from layout planning and M&E coordination to scope-dependent landlord and regulatory pathways. Where a submission, design endorsement or regulated trade is required, the relevant Qualified Person, licensed specialist or appropriately registered contractor must be appointed for that scope. Send the floor plan, lease conditions and target opening date for review.
Planning an office? Use the dedicated office renovation guide for workspace layout, office-specific cost drivers and reinstatement links.
Maintaining an operating business site? Use the commercial aircon servicing guide for one-off or scheduled FCU maintenance, asset records, access windows and scope exclusions. This is separate from a renovation or fit-out quote.
Scope-dependent approvals
Qualified parties where required
Schedule confirmed after review
Design-and-build option
What FixMove handles for commercial renovation
- F&B fit-out — restaurant, cafe, coffee shop, bar; kitchen exhaust, grease trap, gas, commercial plumbing and pipework, and seating layout.
- Retail and shop — HDB shophouse, shopping mall lot, kiosk, showroom; shopfront, signage base, lighting and display joinery.
- Office and workspace — use the office renovation page for partitions, meeting rooms, server-room, AV, low-voltage and office reinstatement scope.
- Clinic, salon and wellness — consultation room, sterile zone, basin and wet area, soundproof partitions.
- Scope and approval coordination — landlord, building-management and regulatory requirements are checked against the proposed work; submissions and endorsements are handled by the relevant Qualified Person or licensed/registered party where required.
Common commercial renovation scenarios
These are the planning situations we see weekly across new leases, takeovers and expansions.
New F&B opening
Hawker stall, cafe, restaurant or bar — kitchen layout, exhaust, gas certification, dining-area finishing and licensing inspection prep.
Retail takeover or refresh
Mall lot, shophouse or strata retail unit — shopfront, signage planning, lighting refresh and display carpentry.
Clinic takeover or reconfiguration
Review room layout, privacy, plumbing, equipment loads, accessibility and any approval triggers before a clinic fit-out scope is priced.
Clinic or salon build
Reception, consultation rooms, treatment zones with privacy partitions, plumbing for sinks and electrical for equipment.
Cloud kitchen or food workshop
Compact F&B kitchen with exhaust hood, grease trap and stainless-steel finishing, designed for delivery-first operations.
Pop-up or temporary fit-out
2-6 week temporary commercial renovation for events, seasonal stores or short-term lease activation.
Commercial renovation budget drivers
There is no reliable live package price without a measured scope. Use these cost drivers to prepare an itemised quote for the specific unit, intended use and lease conditions.
Scope-dependent approval pathways
The applicable pathway depends on the unit's approved use, landlord rules and proposed work. The relevant authority, landlord or building management grants approval; required submissions and endorsements must come from the appropriate Qualified Person or licensed/registered party.
URA use checks
A Change of Use application may be needed when the intended activity does not match the premises' approved use. Confirm the current approved use before design commitments.
Fire-safety review
Changes affecting escape routes, fire compartments, occupancy or fire-protection systems may trigger fire-safety submissions. A relevant Qualified Person or licensed specialist should assess and endorse the regulated scope where required.
Structural and regulated work
Structural alterations and regulated trades require the appropriate design, supervision, contractor registration or licence for that specific work. The appointment is confirmed after the scope is classified.
SFA licensing (F&B)
Food-service licensing requirements depend on the operator, food activity and premises. Layout, equipment and workflow should be checked against the applicable licensing conditions; use our 2026 SFA Food Shop Licence checklist to prepare the core documents and inspection records.
Kitchen exhaust and waste systems
Grease, exhaust, drainage and waste requirements depend on the cooking process, premises and building constraints. Obtain the relevant landlord and specialist review before construction.
Landlord and mall fit-out
Shopping mall and managed buildings have their own fit-out manuals, deposit and approval timelines.
What to send for a faster quote
- Floor plan or rough sketch with measurements.
- Lease type (HDB shophouse / strata / mall lot / office unit) and approved use.
- Trade type (F&B, retail, clinic, salon, office) and concept reference.
- Target opening date or hard deadlines.
- Photos / video of current unit condition and shopfront.
- Landlord or mall fit-out manual if available.
Typical commercial workflow
- Site survey — verify dimensions, M&E provisions and lease constraints.
- Concept and 3D — layout, finishes and equipment layout review.
- Itemised quote — broken down by hacking, M&E, joinery, finishing and permit scope.
- Submission and approval — identify the landlord and authority pathways triggered by the use and work scope, with a Qualified Person or licensed trade party appointed where legally required.
- Build, test, commission — trades sequenced for opening day.
- Handover and close-out — record testing, defects, rectification duties and any workmanship or manufacturer terms in the contract.
Browse commercial renovation by trade
Open the most relevant sub-page for your trade. Each links back here for cross-reference.
Restaurant RenovationFull-service restaurants — kitchen exhaust, dining layout, SFA pathway.
F&B Fit-OutCloud kitchen, central kitchen or specialty F&B premises.
Food Court RenovationMulti-stall, central seating, central exhaust.
Coffee Shop RenovationHDB kopitiam, hawker stall and food-court unit fit-out.
Cafe RenovationBar counter, espresso bar and seating zoning.
Cat Cafe RenovationCat zoning, scratch-proof surfaces, ventilation.
Hotpot RestaurantTable exhaust, gas lines, fire-safe non-slip floor.
Korean BBQ RestaurantDown-draft table exhaust, smokeless grill, make-up air.
Ramen ShopBroth range, exhaust, open kitchen.
Sushi RestaurantChilled counter, display case, prep sink.
Seafood RestaurantLive tanks, plumbing, cold room.
Indian RestaurantTandoor, heavy exhaust, spice prep.
Vegetarian RestaurantClean kitchen, daylight, dining zones.
Buffet RestaurantService flow, hot/cold lines, return area.
Fast Food RestaurantQuick-serve counter, service line, open kitchen.
Bubble Tea ShopSealing station, water filter, chiller, cup line.
Dessert ShopDisplay chillers, prep counter, seating.
BakeryOven power, baking bench, display chiller.
BarBar counter, liquor display, soundproofing, lighting.
Central KitchenHigh-output flow, grease trap, cold chain.
Food FactorySFA clean zoning, epoxy floor, drainage.
Retail Fit-OutMall lot retail, showroom, brand experience store.
Shop RenovationHDB shophouse, strata shop, kiosk and standalone unit.
BoutiqueDisplay, lighting, fitting rooms, cashier flow.
Mobile Phone ShopDisplay cases, demo bar, repair back-room.
Optical ShopEye-test room, display wall, lens lab.
BookstoreShelf loading, reading zone, lighting.
FloristFloral chiller, plumbing, work bench.
Pet ShopEnclosures, plumbing, ventilation.
Watch Repair ShopPrecision bench, display, security.
SupermarketShelving, cold chain, checkout, back-of-house.
Hardware StoreHeavy racking, materials display, paint mixing.
Clinic RenovationGP, dental, aesthetic, TCM with privacy and plumbing.
Dental ClinicChair plumbing, compressed air, X-ray shielding.
Medical ClinicWaiting/consult zoning, sterile, accessibility.
TCM ClinicHerb cabinets, decoction, tuina rooms, ventilation.
PharmacyShelving, chiller, dispensing counter, compliance.
Veterinary ClinicTreatment/surgery/ward zoning, plumbing.
Confinement CentreMother-and-baby suites, nursing station, confinement kitchen.
Aesthetic ClinicLaser room, sterile treatment rooms, MOH-aware.
Tuition CentreClassroom soundproofing, daylight, fire egress.
Childcare CentreSafe finishes, toilets, nap area, ECDA.
KindergartenActivity rooms, rounded edges, outdoor, ECDA.
PreschoolPlay rooms, safety, ECDA-aligned layout.
Art SchoolStudio daylight, sinks, material storage.
Art StudioDaylight, sink, display wall.
Music SchoolSoundproof rooms, ventilation, acoustics.
Language SchoolClassrooms, soundproofing, AV.
Cooking SchoolTeaching ranges, exhaust, plumbing.
Driving SchoolClassroom, simulator bays, office.
GymLoading, shock-absorbing floor, showers, fresh air.
Yoga StudioWood floor, mirror wall, quiet zoning.
Pilates StudioReformer anchoring, floor, mirrors.
Dance StudioSprung floor, barre, mirror, soundproofing.
Boxing GymRing/bag loading, shock floor, ventilation.
Massage ShopSoundproof rooms, plumbing, warm lighting.
Nail SalonStations, fume extraction, seating.
Hair SalonWash basins, mirror stations, chairs.
Salon RenovationHair, beauty, nail or wellness — basins, wet area.
Pet Grooming SalonWash bays, plumbing, dryer ventilation.
Office Renovation CostS$40–S$120+ per sq ft planning bands for retained works, partitions, M&E, access and approvals.
Coworking SpaceDesks, meeting pods, soundproofing, access.
Accounting FirmCabins, archive room, meeting.
Law FirmSoundproof rooms, archive, reception.
Real Estate OfficeReception, negotiation, display wall.
Insurance OfficeOpen desks, meeting, brand wall.
Travel AgencyCounters, consult, display.
Data Centre Fit-OutRaised floor, power, precision cooling, fire.
Office ReinstatementEnd-of-lease reinstatement before refit.
Karaoke / KTVSoundproof rooms, lighting, AV cabling.
CinemaTiered seats, acoustics, projection.
Bowling AlleyLane base, ball-return M&E, noise control.
Billiard HallTable loading/leveling, lighting, floor.
Mahjong RoomSoundproof rooms, fresh air, wiring.
ArcadeMachine power, cabling, heat dissipation.
VR ArcadeExperience pods, tracking space, cabling.
Escape RoomThemed props, hidden wiring, fire egress.
Photography StudioLighting power, backdrops, blackout, makeup.
Bridal StudioIndoor sets, gown area, makeup, display.
NightclubDance floor, soundproofing, lighting FX, VIP.
WarehouseRacking, floor slab, fire, loading.
Mini StorageUnits, aisles, security, ventilation.
Factory UnitProduction flow, power, floor, exhaust.
Car WorkshopLift bays, spray booth, parts store, NEA-aware.
Dry CleanerEquipment power, exhaust, counter.
LaundromatWater supply/drain, dryer venting, coin stations.
Tailor ShopWork benches, fitting, storage.
HDB BTONew flat full-home package.
HDB ResaleHack, renovate, value-add.
Resale FlatOlder flat refresh and upgrade.
Executive Condo (EC)Full-home EC fit-out.
CondoPrivate condo full-home renovation.
Serviced ApartmentShort-stay config, durable finishes.
Studio ApartmentSmall-unit storage maximisation.
Landed HouseTerrace / semi-D / bungalow.
ShophouseConservation and mixed-use conversion.
HostelBunk zones, common areas, bathrooms, fire safety.
Hotel RenovationGuest rooms, lobby, F&B, MEP, phased occupied build.
KitchenCabinets, worktops, M&E, waterproofing.
BathroomWaterproofing, tiling, fixtures, wet/dry.
ShowroomDisplay, lighting, brand build-out.
A S$10 fuel surcharge applies to every visit. No additional standard call-out or inspection fee applies. Urgent service or a customer-requested appointment time adds one S$30 fee, subject to technician availability and confirmation. The S$30 is a separate service fee. Pricing terms.
Commercial renovation FAQ
What does commercial renovation cost in Singapore?
A reliable quote requires the floor plan, proposed use, retained and new works, M&E loads, wet services, finish level, access rules and approval scope. FixMove can prepare an itemised written quote after reviewing those inputs; the written scope, exclusions and provisional sums control.
Do I need permits for commercial renovation?
Not every project needs the same approvals. Requirements depend on the approved use, building, landlord rules and whether the scope changes fire safety, structure, services, exhaust, drainage or accessibility. Where the law requires it, the relevant Qualified Person, licensed contractor or registered specialist must prepare, endorse or carry out that part.
How long does commercial fit-out take?
The programme depends on design sign-off, landlord review, authority or licence pathways, long-lead equipment, site access, testing and rectification. The project schedule should be issued after the scope and triggered submissions are reviewed, with dependencies and opening-date risks stated.
Can FixMove handle landlord and management approvals?
FixMove can coordinate drawings, method statements and submission information within the agreed scope. Any document that legally requires a Qualified Person, licensed contractor, registered specialist or other named professional must be prepared or endorsed by that party, and approval remains with the landlord or authority.
Do you do design or only build?
Both. We can take in your concept, layout sketch or designer drawings and convert to a buildable scope, or do the full design-and-build with you, including 3D visualisation, material proposal and shop drawings.
What should the handover and after-sales terms cover?
The contract should state inspection and testing records, defect reporting and rectification duties, exclusions, manufacturer documents, payment milestones and any workmanship or product warranty offered for the specific project. Only written terms included in the signed scope apply.
Scope, Approvals & Qualified Parties
Commercial approval needs are scope-dependent. The approved use, landlord rules and changes to fire safety, structure, M&E, exhaust, drainage or accessibility determine which reviews apply. A Qualified Person, licensed contractor or registered specialist must be appointed where the particular submission or trade legally requires one.
Verify before appointment: ask for the named party, licence or registration category, covered scope, exclusions and the relevant public-directory record where one exists.
Important: landlords and authorities grant approvals; coordination does not guarantee approval or timing. The written proposal should identify who prepares, endorses and submits each required document. See the verification guide →