Lighting plan for a resale HDB kitchen in Singapore

A resale kitchen often comes with one central bulb and tired wiring, which makes prep and cooking harder than they should be. This HDB Renovation Guide Singapore compares three common lighting plans with the real pros, cons, and rough prices. The clear winner for most homes is layered light, a bright task strip over the counter, soft ambient fill, and a hood light, because it cuts shadows where knives work.

HDB rules on lighting points

HDB caps the number of added electrical points, so plan enough but stay within the limit. A registered contractor submits the works under the renovation permit. LED and smart switches are common upgrades and draw little power, which helps keep the point count sensible.

Plan 1: single central LED panel

One broad LED panel in the ceiling, about 24W to 36W.

• Pros: cheapest, easy to file, even basic light, quick to fit.
• Cons: shadows on the counter, poor for fine prep, no mood control.
• Price: S$120 to S$300 with labour.

Plan 2: under-cabinet task strips plus ambient

LED strips under the wall cabinets for the counter, plus a dim ceiling light.

• Pros: lights the work surface directly, saves power, looks clean, helps seniors see food.
• Cons: needs more points, strips must be rated for kitchen heat.
• Price: S$500 to S$1,200.

Plan 3: full layered smart system

Task strips, ambient dimmers, hood light, and a smart switch set on a schedule.

• Pros: best control, safe for kids and elderly, energy tracking, resale appeal.
• Cons: highest cost, more points, setup time.
• Price: S$1,200 to S$2,500.

Steps to plan the lights

1. List tasks, washing, chopping, cooking, and eating, then light each zone.
2. Count points with the contractor and keep under the HDB cap.
3. Put task lights at 600mm above the counter, not on the ceiling.
4. Choose WELS-rated fittings where water is near, and LED everywhere.
5. Test at night before the final payment.

Tips to get it right

• Use warm white 3000K to 4000K so food looks true.
• Keep a switch by the door at 900mm to 1200mm for easy reach.
• Pick a CaseTrust firm with Renovation Continuity Insurance.

FAQ

Can I add as many points as I want? No, HDB caps the count. Plan the key zones and stay within it.

Are smart switches worth it? For seniors and kids, yes. Scheduled off saves power and stops forgotten heat.

How long does the lighting take? About 1 week inside a 10 to 16 week resale renovation.

A resale kitchen lights up best in layers, bright at the counter, soft overhead, and easy to switch. Pick the plan that fits your point limit and budget, and daily cooking gets safer and calmer.

Walk the room at night with the contractor before you pay, since shadows that hide at noon show up then. A quick fix to the strip height costs far less than living with a dark counter for years.