{"id":55416,"date":"2022-06-23T09:06:47","date_gmt":"2022-06-23T01:06:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.99.co\/singapore\/insider\/hdb-renovation-guidelines\/"},"modified":"2023-08-04T17:46:07","modified_gmt":"2023-08-04T09:46:07","slug":"hdb-renovation-guidelines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.99.co\/singapore\/insider\/hdb-renovation-guidelines\/","title":{"rendered":"Renovating your HDB? Here’s a comprehensive list of HDB renovation guidelines."},"content":{"rendered":"
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You’ve just gotten the keys to your new flat, and you’re raring to start building out your dream home.<\/p>\n

Yes, we know your Pinterest boards are bursting with inspiration, but curb your enthusiasm and read this article before jumping into your home renovation project.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether you’re renovating a BTO or resale unit, there are various HDB renovation permits and guidelines to adhere to. As the homeowner of your HDB flat, you will be responsible for obtaining all HDB renovation permits before commencing the project.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here’s a comprehensive list of HDB renovation guidelines for your reference.<\/p>\n

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Contents<\/b><\/h2>\n

HDB permits and the type of renovation that requires them<\/a><\/strong>
\n Walls<\/a><\/small>
\n Floors<\/a><\/small>
\n Doors<\/a><\/small>
\n Bathrooms\/ Toilets<\/a><\/small>
\n \ufe0f Air-conditioners<\/a><\/small>
\n Windows<\/a><\/small><\/p>\n

Hiring licensed contractors <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

What isn’t allowed? <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Important things to note <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

How long do I have to renovate? <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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HDB renovation guidelines: Die-die must do<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

There are many hoops to jump through before you can even think about building out your dream home.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here’s a list of non-negotiables regarding the renovation of your HDB flat.<\/span><\/p>\n

Get valid permits from HDB (aka written approval)<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

What exactly requires permits?<\/p>\n

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Before you start renovations, there’s a whole list of permits you need to obtain.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1. Walls \u2013 Hacking or demolishing\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Say you love an open floor plan and that loft apartment aesthetic, and want to remove as many walls as possible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You must obtain HDB’s prior written approval before hacking or demolishing your walls (both partially or completely).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adding arches or rounded entranceways also requires HDB’s prior approval.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Arches are a stunning complement to your home, but make sure you get prior approval before building it. (Photo credit: Qanvast)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Why?<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0All HDBs have load-bearing walls, which ensures the structural integrity of the building. Any damage to these walls may compromise how the building is held up, and one wrong move may bring the whole place crumbling down around you and cause grievous injuries.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You laugh this off as an exaggeration, but demolishing any structure is a serious matter. In June 2022, a\u00a0<\/span>41-year-old Bangladeshi worker died<\/span><\/a>\u00a0when a wall he was hacking collapsed on him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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2. Floors \u2013 Removing or replacing<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you’re thinking of stripping away the existing floor finishes and replacing them with the terrazzo tiles of your dreams, you’ll need a permit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To raise the floor level in various rooms (such as the kitchen, balcony, bathroom or toilet) also requires written approval.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why?<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Carrying out floor hacking and retiling works incorrectly may add unnecessary stress on the existing floor slabs. This weakens the overall flat structure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you want something inexpensive and durable, you can look at installing vinyl flooring. It comes in an exhaustive range of finishes and can be overlaid over tiles, saving you the time and money required for hacking.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Vinyl floorings come in a wide variety of finishes and is inexpensive to install. (Photo credit: Qanvast)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Read this:<\/i> 7 types of flooring commonly used in homes<\/a><\/p>\n

(back to top)<\/em><\/a><\/small><\/p>\n

3. Doors \u2013 Repositioning or replacing\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Did you know replacing your main entrance door requires a permit? This is if it’s located along a fire escape route within 3 metres from the nearest staircase of the lift lobby.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ensure the replacement door and accompanying door frame are half-hour fire rated as this prevents smoke and fire from spreading to other units.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Permits are also needed when moving the placement of doors in your home as it requires the hacking of walls.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

(back to top)<\/em><\/a><\/small><\/p>\n

4. Bathrooms or toilets \u2013 Removing finishes<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

There is a three-year wait before you can strip any existing wall or floor finishes in your BTO flat. However, you can lay new toilet floor finishes over existing floor finishes using adhesives, as long as you don’t compromise the integrity of the tiles below it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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You need to wait a minimum of three years before changing the tiles in your bathroom. (Photo credit: Qanvast)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Flats that have completed their 5-year MOP are exempt from the waiting period, including resale flats.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why?<\/span><\/strong> If you hack your BTO toilets, the waterproofing works in those wet areas may be damaged. This may cause water damage and ceiling leaks in both you and your neighbours’ flats.<\/span><\/p>\n

Read this:<\/i> Tackling ceiling leaks and water seepage in your HDB flat<\/a><\/p>\n

(back to top)<\/em><\/a><\/small><\/p>\n

5. Installing air-conditioners\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you purchased an older resale unit and want to\u00a0<\/span>install an air-conditioning unit<\/span><\/a>, you may need to apply for an electrical permit.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This is if your flat still uses a 30 amps main switch and the installation of your new air-conditioner units requires a new 15 amps power point or 20 amps isolator.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Newer blocks completed on or after 1 January 1994 or flats that have undergone either the Main Upgrading Programme (MUP) or Home Improvement Program (HIP) are equipped to handle higher capacity electrical equipment and appliances, so no permit is required.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Only licensed air-conditioner installers can install your aircon systems. They also need to submit an\u00a0<\/span>installation report<\/span><\/a>\u00a0within two weeks after installation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Unsure of your block’s electrical loading? You can contact the HDB branch office at 1800-225-5432 to enquire.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

(back to top)<\/em><\/a><\/small><\/p>\n

6. Windows \u2013 Installing or changing<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Yes, changing your window grills also requires permits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why?<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Imagine if everyone decided to flex their creative freedom and install their preferred window grills. It would be interesting but very chaotic looking.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Restrictions are imposed to ensure that your new windows and grills’ design fits in with the pre-approved HDB colour and design to maintain the current aesthetics of the HDB block.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Hiring licensed contractors<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Going on Carousell and finding a fly-by-night contractor to cut costs and save extra money might be tempting but could also get you in trouble.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It is an offence for any individuals to carry out regulated works unless they’re licensed or under the direct supervision of a licensed worker.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, what types of work require the hiring of licensed contractors?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Water service and sanitary works<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Who to engage:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0A\u00a0<\/span>Public Utilities Board (PUB) Licensed Plumber (LP)<\/span><\/a>\u00a0from the\u00a0<\/span>LP portal<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Basic plumbing works<\/span><\/a>\u00a0can be carried out by handymen who don’t possess a licence. However, any other water service works will require a registered plumber.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Gas service works<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Who to engage:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0An\u00a0<\/span>Energy Market Authority (EMA) licensed gas service worker<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

A licensed gas service worker must handle any work involving piped gas installation or appliances. This includes new gas installation and replacement, addition and alteration to the existing installation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here’s a\u00a0<\/span>comprehensive list<\/span><\/a>\u00a0of water and gas works that don’t require permits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can use the\u00a0<\/span>EMA portal<\/span><\/a>\u00a0to check if the worker carrying out your installation is licensed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Electrical installation works<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Who to engage:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0An\u00a0<\/span>Energy Market Authority (EMA) licensed electrical worker<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Electrical work<\/span><\/a>\u00a0such as new wiring, rewiring and extensions must be tested before a licensed electrical worker’s electrical supply is on.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Electrical workers also fall under EMA’s jurisdiction, so just like gas services, you can check the worker’s license status on the\u00a0<\/span>same<\/span><\/a>\u00a0portal.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Window works<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Who to engage:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0A HDB-listed\u00a0<\/span>Building Construction Authority (BCA) approved window contractor<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are 15 contractors licensed to carry out renovation and window works, and strangely the names of all the companies start with “A”.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What if I don’t follow HDB’s guidelines?\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Knowingly engaging someone not from the Directory of Renovation Contractors (DRC) is an offence.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Failure to adhere to these rules and breaching HDB’s renovation guidelines may result in a fine of up to S$5,000 and other penalties for you and the worker.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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HDB renovation guidelines: What else isn’t allowed?\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

1. Embedding wires in walls\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Yes, we get it. Wires are unsightly, and plastic casings snaking around the skirting and ceilings isn’t ideal, but there’s no way around this.<\/span><\/p>\n

While getting your contractor to hide the wiring in walls is tempting, it’s also illegal. This includes columns, beams, wall plaster, or reinforced cement (RC) slabs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Get yourself a good interior designer who can plan creative ways around this. They can incorporate the wires into your home’s design or by hiding them in plain sight by matching the colour of the wires to the walls.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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This unit incorporates its wires into the overall design. (Photo credit: Qanvast)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Another way is to add more electrical points, thus reducing the length of wire needed from one point to another.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Installing a loft\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Some HDB owners are getting creative and adding extra space by installing a mezzanine floor<\/a> within their flats.<\/span><\/p>\n

While there are HDB loft units for sale, they are few and far between (at the time of writing, there aren’t any for sale).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But if you’re wondering, the answer is still no \u2013 you can’t create another floor within your apartment because it’s highly illegal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why?<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Having all that additional weight can compromise the structure of your HDB block as it is not designed to handle the extra load capacity.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) also flags mezzanine floors as a feature that illegally increases the gross floor area (GFA) of the building, which is not approved.<\/span><\/p>\n

But wait!\u00a0<\/span><\/em>Not all hope is lost. You may still be able to install a mezzanine floor, provided your ceiling is high enough. You also need to get approval from the URA and BCA and submit relevant documents to the Fire Safety and Shelter Bureau (SCFD-FSSB) in compliance with the fire code.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Painting the area outside your flat<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

This may sound like a no-brainer, but it needs to be included in the list. You’re not allowed to customise the walls and ceilings of the common corridor by painting them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
What do you mean I can’t paint a mural outside my house?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While you may toy with the idea of giving your exterior walls a pop of colour so you have something cheery to come home to, you should scratch that thought because anything that changes the facade of the common area is <\/span>definitely<\/span><\/em>\u00a0not allowed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We’ve seen people hang photos outside their units \u2013 that’s one way to personalise your humble abode without flouting the rules.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That’s not all \u2013 here’s a whole bunch of other things that aren’t allowed<\/a> (and keep in mind that this isn’t an exhaustive list by any means).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Renovation works that aren’t allowed<\/h2>\n

Building works<\/h3>\n