4 Smart Tips to Maximise Your BTO Renovation Package

  • Sep 13, 2017

The day has arrived: You finally receive the long-awaited announcement that your new Built-to-Order (BTO) flat is ready. Once the initial wave of excitement of collecting the keys subsides, the next immediate thought is how, and when, to begin the renovation process and what packages are available. Furnishing a new home is a massive project to undertake, not to mention a costly one as well. In order to have peace of mind and avoid spending more than what you’ve budgeted for, here are some handy tips every new BTO flat owner must take note of before commencing home renovation proper: Design by Inspire ID Group  

Enlist Assistance Only From HDB-approved Contractors or Interior Designers

If there is one piece of advice you should take away from this article, it is that you should always check whether the contractor or interior designer you engage is registered to carry out HDB renovation works. The reason for this is simple – any work done must comply with guidelines stipulated by HDB. Otherwise, HDB will consider them to be unauthorized and demand the BTO flat be reinstated to its original condition with immediate effect. This would implicate the renovation budget you have set aside. Aside from being able to advise you on the best course of action to take based on the configuration of your BTO unit, an HDB approved contractor or interior designer can pinpoint what you can and cannot do, with respect to HDB’s rules and regulations. Do note that before you can commence your home renovation, you’ll need to authorize him/her to submit an electronic renovation application on your behalf. He/she is then required to attach a copy of the signed acknowledgement form and submit it for HDB’s approval before the renovation works can begin. Design by Willis Design  

Take Note of the 3-Year Restriction Period for Bathroom Floor and Walls

New BTO homeowners may have lofty aspirations for transforming their bathrooms into urban sanctuaries, but before you proceed to happily buy a renovation package and instruct your contractor to start hacking away, do take note of the 3-year restriction period on renovation works you can do to the floors and walls. Bathrooms in new BTO flats come with wall and floor finishing coated with a waterproof membrane, a measure that prevents water from seeping through the flooring onto the ceiling of the flat below. In the event you decide to disregard the 3-year duration and replace the tiles, you’ll be effectively voiding the warranty altogether. So, unless you plan to bear the risk and cost of moisture-related damage to the interior of your bathroom, as well as that of your irate neighbours living on the floor beneath you, it is advisable to leave the tiling as it is for the first three years. Use the first three years as a buffer period to expand your renovation budget. However, this setback does not mean you cannot fully realise your dream of having a luxe spa-inspired bathroom. In accordance with HDB’s rules, you can request your contractor to tile over HDB’s existing ones with those you have selected. If not, you can also opt for a more affordable alternative in the form of a slip-resistant laminate to achieve the look you desire.  

The Type of Flooring You Pick Matters

We do not wish to be wet blankets but have to highlight that with new BTO flats, homeowners must be aware of HDBs guidelines on flooring matters. With the wide variety of flooring choices available in the market, it is tempting for homeowners to settle on a few choices that best suit their personalities. Regardless of the preference, there is one important rule to follow: it is compulsory, as of June 2015, to use pre-packed cement screed on dry areas in the BTO unit – namely for the floors and walls of bedrooms and living rooms. We do not wish to be wet blankets but have to highlight that with new BTO flats, homeowners must be aware of HDBs guidelines on flooring matters. With the wide variety of flooring choices available in the market, it is tempting for homeowners to settle on a few choices that best suit their personalities. Regardless of the preference, there is one important rule to follow: it is compulsory, as of June 2015, to use pre-packed cement screed on dry areas in the BTO unit – namely for the floors and walls of bedrooms and living rooms. Design by Absolook Interior Design  

Demolishing of Walls is Not as Simple as It Seems

One of the most common requests contractors get from new BTO homeowners who have started their renovation works concerns the demolition of connecting walls. While it is understandable couples may wish to maximize their home space especially when they have forked out a hefty sum for the renovative package, there needs to be prior approval from HDB before any work can be done to hack or remove the wall in its entirety. In fact, this ruling applies for resale flats as well – the reason being HDB needs to ascertain whether any modifications will weaken the structural integrity of the entire building. In order to confirm if the proposed wall can be removed, homeowners must get their contractors to submit all proposed plans to HDB for clearance of the new BTO. This encompasses the whole gamut of work that can possibly be done to walls – inclusive of building arches between two walls, construction of an opening through it (eg. doorway or passage) and moving it forward/backwards from its current position. The renovation package has to comply with the terms stated by HDB.  

Browse through the list of Interior Designers, their reviews and portfolios at http://www.renonation.sg/professionals/interior-designers/

Submit your renovation enquiry:

Tags :

Meet Interior Designers. Get Quotes.

Get in touch with our listed renovation companies. They will provide you with a free non-obligatory estimate for any of the Renovation Packages included in their services.

Related Posts

Crafting Your Dream Home: Navigating 10 Renovation Pitfalls with Lessons from the Real Homeowners

Crafting Your Dream Home: Navigating 10 Renovation Pitfalls with Lessons from the Real Homeowners

As you embark on the exciting journey of transforming your new space, it's wise to glean insights from seasoned veterans who have navigated the renovation lands...

18 Common Kitchen Design Mistakes That Will Make Cooking and Cleaning a Challenge

18 Common Kitchen Design Mistakes That Will Make Cooking and Cleaning a Challenge

In this article, let us explore common mistakes in kitchen design that can transform the heart of your home into a nightmare. Designing your kitchen is like wri...

The Ultimate BTO Buying Guide for First-Time Homeowners

The Ultimate BTO Buying Guide for First-Time Homeowners

I recently caught up with a couple of friends who happened to be in the midst of planning to buy a BTO. One of them was single, while the other was engaged. Des...

Immerse in a Whole New Experience in Singapore’s First Experience Centre for Water Dispensers

Immerse in a Whole New Experience in Singapore’s First Experience Centre for Water Dispensers

From Insta-worthy spots to informative zones Stepping inside this immersive Wells Experience Centre is quite an experience. You are first greeted by a supers...

Crafting Colour Harmony, A Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect Palette for Your Home

Crafting Colour Harmony, A Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect Palette for Your Home

Design: Metre Architects Embarking on the journey of transforming your living space with a fresh coat of paint can be both exciting and daunting. The colour pa...

Renonation
GET FREE QUOTE