HDB Renovation Permits 101

Before you start renovating your HDB flat, it's important to familiarize yourself with the necessary permits. Once you've received the keys to your flat and are eager to begin renovations, take the time to understand the permits required and the guidelines you need to follow.

Permits? What Permits?

Why do you need permits? Well, as the homeowner, it's your responsibility to ensure that you obtain all the necessary permits from HDB before starting any renovation work on your flat. HDB requires these permits to ensure that the renovations you have planned won't have any negative impact on the structure of your flat. Ultimately, this is for the safety of both you and your neighbors.

Additionally, it's important to choose a renovation contractor who is listed in the Directory of Renovation Contractors. This means that they are familiar with HDB's requirements and will carry out renovations in a way that protects the structural integrity of the building.

Floor Finishes

If you're considering removing existing floor finishes and replacing them with your preferred floor finishes, or if you want to raise the level of the floors in certain areas like the kitchen, balcony, bathroom, or toilet, you will need a permit. It's crucial to obtain these permits because incorrect execution of these works can place unnecessary stress on the floor slab of the flat, potentially weakening the overall structure of your flat.

Hardy and cost-efficient, vinyl is a popular flooring option that can be quickly laid above existing tiles, long as it complies with HDB’s guidelines on replacing floor finishes.

Walls

Before you start demolishing walls in your apartment, it's important to obtain a permit from HDB. This permit is necessary to ensure that the demolition doesn't affect the overall structure of the apartment. Likewise, if you plan to construct arches or rounded corners in existing openings, HDB's approval is required before proceeding with the construction.

HDB’s approval is required for construction of arches or rounded corners
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To replace the finishes on your internal walls, it's important to obtain a permit to prevent any interference with the existing wall structures. However, if you're simply applying wallpaper or plastering the walls, no permit is required.

Doors

When it comes to replacing your main entrance door, a permit is necessary if it is located along a fire escape route, such as facing a staircase or lift lobby. The replacement door and its frame must have a fire rating of at least half an hour and should be equipped with a door closer.

If you plan to change the position of doors within your flat, HDB requires a permit to ensure that the necessary hacking works won't compromise the structural integrity of the flat.

Bathrooms/ Toilets

In the case of bathrooms and toilets, it's advisable to wait for three years before removing any wall or floor finishes in your BTO flat. This waiting period is to avoid damaging the waterproofing works in these wet areas.

Instead of hacking away the original tiles, overlay them with the tiles of your choice. For more bathroom renovation tips, read The Basics of Bathroom Renovation!

After a period of three years, if you decide to modify the flooring or wall finishes in your bathrooms or toilets, or if you want to expand these areas, you will be required to obtain a permit from HDB.

Air-Conditioner Installation Works

Regarding the installation of air-conditioners, if you purchase a BTO flat and plan to place the compressor on the air-conditioner ledge, there is no need to seek a permit from HDB before proceeding with the installation.

However, if you have bought a resale flat that still uses a 30 Amps main switch, you must obtain a permit from HDB before installing air-conditioner units that require a new 15 Amps power point or a new 20 Amps isolator.

If you intend to install your air-conditioner on the exterior of the building or if any part of it protrudes outward from the structure, you will need to submit an air-conditioner installation report.

Window Works

When it comes to window-related works, permits are necessary if you wish to install or replace the windows or grilles in your flat's service yard or balcony. Additionally, the design of these windows and grilles must adhere to the approved color and design scheme by HDB. This ensures that your flat does not appear significantly different from your neighbors' when viewed from the outside.

Replacement of full height and ¾ height windows such as the above is strictly not allowed

To prevent accidents, make sure you hire a window contractor approved by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and registered with the Housing & Development Board (HDB) for installing or replacing your flat's windows. Also, ensure that the contractor follows HDB's safety requirements.

How to Apply for an HDB Renovation Permit

You can authorize your renovation contractor to submit an electronic renovation application on your behalf. If you plan to remove or relocate fixtures, or make changes to walls, you need to provide layout plans, elevations, sections, or details of the proposed works along with the application.

Once HDB receives your application, you will receive an SMS notification. You can view your renovation permit on My HDBPage once it has been approved.

Do HDB Renovation Permits Expire?

After getting approval for your renovations from HDB, it is important to complete the works as soon as possible because these permits have expiry dates. For new Build-To-Order (BTO) flats, the approved renovations must be finished within 3 months. Resale flats have a shorter deadline of 1 month to minimize inconvenience to your neighbors.

The renovation contractor must adhere to the specified timings for carrying out the renovations. Remind your contractor to inform your neighbors in advance and display a Notice of Renovation outside your flat, indicating the start and end dates of the works. This allows your neighbors to plan accordingly and avoid the noise and dust, if necessary.

Bonus: Dealing with Noisy Renovation Works

If you have neighbors who are renovating their flat, it can be challenging to cope with the noise, especially if you work from home.

Maintain a friendly relationship with your neighbors by communicating with them. Let them know if there are specific days or times when the noise might be particularly bothersome, such as during important meetings or interviews. By addressing these concerns together, both parties can find solutions.

If needed, you can seek assistance from your grassroots leader or other neighbors to mediate the communication with your new neighbor.

Check out this handy infographic that explains common light renovations that do not require approval from HDB.

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg