The level of home safety in Singapore remains high with an estimated 0.5 percent of probability for theft, break-ins, and house fires each year, according to an analysis of government data. However, this doesn’t mean that you should take safety for granted.
The analysis gleaned its findings from the Singapore Police Force and Singapore Civil Defense’ data. While the country has a relatively low rate of theft and robbery, you shouldn’t take your chances with a poorly designed house. Those who have been thinking about hiring an interior designer in Singapore should keep safety in mind when making necessary changes.
Some Ways to Protect Yourself
The chances of a house fire can increase by more than 20 percent per year when you take into account its likelihood of happening once within 50 years. In other words, your home has a higher rate of catching fire if it already happened. The same applies to cases of robbery and theft, but you shouldn’t be overly concerned if you have the right insurance coverage.
Primary insurance generally protects your property from fire damage. You should include a separate policy for your furniture and other valuable items such as jewelry since insurers might not cover these items upon being lost, stolen, or damaged. The cost of additional policies can range between $30 and $50 per year.
The Cost of Renovations
Once you decide on making some changes, the cost of remodeling your house will depend on your preference. Installation of home alarm systems in a 90-square-meter, four-room HDB flat can cost up to $4,000, depending on the complexity of work. More than 30 percent of Singaporeans live in HDB flats, so rates are somehow easier to determine.
A full-unit renovation will require you to spend at least $30,000 on average for a retro design, while contemporary and transitional styles are among the most expensive at an average of $82,000. If you only like minimal changes, you can spend around $1,000 for a paint job. This is a simple upgrade that makes your home look new, and it’s one of the first things to consider when planning to sell a unit.
Top Design Trends
A safe home shouldn’t necessarily mean that it has a boring style. Since $30,000 for a retro style still seems unaffordable, there are other ways to achieve a new look for your home. For instance, textured wallpaper in the bedroom and living room serves as an example. These are some of the home décor trends for 2019, along with having hand-crafted pieces and nature-inspired colors.
Indoor plants will be another trend that will be more common this year. But before you choose any plant, consult an interior designer to know what works best for each room.
Singaporean homeowners should consider reassessing the safety of their residences regularly. If you plan on doing some renovations, home insurance can also protect you from unexpected damages. Even if you are covered, it’s still better to hire an insured contractor for your peace of mind.
