Renovation Tips for HDB Owners

For HDB flat owners, knowing the essential renovation guidelines can help ensure that the renovation process is smooth and reduce any possible friction between them, their renovation contractor and neighbours. It is important that they ensure that the work carried out is according to HDB’s requirements, which could otherwise lead to undesired consequences.   These are some tips:

1. Engage an HDB Registered Renovation Contractor (RRC) from the list provided on HDB InfoWEB or through Mobile@HDB. These contractors have undergone training and understand HDB’s requirements when carrying renovation in HDB flats. However, do note that the engagement of these contractors is strictly on a private basis between the flat owners and the contractors and HDB is not privy to the contract. If there is a disagreement on the pricing, schedule or quality of the renovation, both parties would have to resolve the matter amicably between themselves. If the matter cannot be settled amicably, they may seek assistance through CASE or the Small Claims Tribunals.
2. Certain types of renovation, such as demolition of walls, require approval from HDB, while certain types of renovation are simply not allowed. Any unauthorised demolition of walls may affect the structural integrity of the building and pose safety risk to your family and the residents of the block. Thus, it is important that your RRC engage certified workers and obtain the necessary HDB’s approval before the start of the demolition of any wall. Do check through the renovation requirements on HDB InfoWEB to have a better understanding of the requirements.
3. After getting the necessary renovation permit from HDB, your RRC must display the Notice of Renovation outside your flat until your renovation is completed. Your RRC must also keep your neighbours informed of the renovation in advance by serving them a written notice at least 3 days before the renovation starts so that they can make prior arrangements to avoid the inconvenience during the renovation.
4. Be aware that general renovation works can be carried out only between 8.00 am and 6.00 pm daily. Noisy renovation such as demolition of walls, cutting of tiles and drilling works can only be carried from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm daily on weekdays, excluding Public Holidays.
5. Your renovation contractor is allowed to use not more than 2 HDB approved hand-held power tools to demolish walls or remove floor finishes. Such works must also be completed within 3 consecutive working days.
6. For existing blocks, the renovation must be completed within one month from the date of the renovation permit while new blocks are given three months to complete the works.