SINGAPORE – After an anxious wait due to the delays from the Covid-19 pandemic, my husband and I finally stepped into our brand-new five-room Build-To-Order (BTO) flat. Excitement surged through us, but so did our commitment to renovation frugality.

Having diligently saved for this moment, we were keen on maximizing our budget for essential upgrades and repairs. After deliberating with an interior designer, we scrutinized multiple quotations to pinpoint areas where we could cut costs. Among these was a quote for electrical work that set us back a staggering $8,500!

Determined not to munch into our savings unnecessarily, we took on the daunting task of crafting our own lighting plan. This endeavor would end up saving us substantial cash—not to mention turning into an unexpectedly delightful experience.

As I learned from Aaron Lee, co-founder of Shiok Lighting, the primary driver of these overwhelming costs is the infamous number of lighting points a home may require. In general, new BTO owners can anticipate spending around $2,000 just for basic wiring and installation, with older resale flats requiring much more, often exceeding $8,000.

For those in a five-room BTO like ours, the average cost of lighting equipment generally hovers under $1,500. This was a relief, as we realized we had the potential to keep our costs manageable by strategically reducing our lighting points.

Diving Into the Details

With no interior designer to guide us through lighting placement, we faced numerous challenges, starting with the search for a reliable lighting contractor. This process involved careful communication about our electrical requirements—a daunting challenge for two novice homeowners.

To aid our journey, I reached out to lighting experts, who provided invaluable insights into the purpose of each room. Understanding that each space required its specific lighting style (think functional lights for work areas and soft lighting for cozy environments) helped solidify our overall concept. And with a floor plan in hand, we explored numerous lighting shops to fully grasp our options.

Here’s where things took an unexpected turn for the better. I quickly became enamored with the idea of using various lighting effects strategically throughout our home. The possibility of using warm spotlights to accentuate art pieces was particularly inspiring, while balancing the need for minimalist aesthetics helped shape our final choices.

The Joy of the Hunt

Shopping for lights became an enchanting adventure! Each store visit revealed something new. Should we stick with six downlights for the living room, or add a statement pendant light? The flexibility of track lighting fascinated me—these allowed us to optimize our space without incurring excessive installation costs.

I was delighted by the variety, akin to a kid in a candy store, choosing everything from pendant lights to stylish floor lamps and spotlights. The versatility offered by track lighting soon filled our kitchen and wardrobe spaces perfectly.

Selecting Light Effects and Functions

As I collaborated with Mr. Lee, I learned homeowners generally consider two main factors in lighting: the effect and the function. While diffused lighting creates a soft ambiance suited for functional areas, focused lighting like track lights or spotlights can transform intimate spaces.

After experimenting, I ultimately chose warm light for the living area to engender a welcoming atmosphere. I even opted for a two-in-one ceiling fan that doubled as a lamp, which adjusted via color temperature depending on my activity—savings galore!

Smart Savings and Modern Comforts

Thanks to our careful planning, we managed to save around $2,000. This newfound allowance enabled us to invest in smart home technology, integrating our lights with Apple’s Siri. Now, I can control the lighting from my smartphone, effortlessly switching them on and off, or set them to turn off automatically when we leave.

Plus, the motion-sensing lights we installed in the bathroom have been nothing short of miraculous! No more fumbling in the dark for a switch in the dead of night.

While organizing our lighting plan may have been an arduous and time-consuming task, it rewarded us with not only substantial savings but also the joy of creating a comfortable, stylish home tailored to our needs.

Ultimately, we are living proof that with the right approach, tackling home renovation can be an enjoyable adventure. Because as the saying goes, a penny saved truly is a penny earned!