A Guide to Renovating Your HDB Flat

Are you preparing to renovate your apartment? Take some time to understand the necessary steps for a successful renovation experience. Are you all set to renovate your apartment? Prior to beginning, acquaint yourself with these steps to ensure a seamless and stress-free process. Here are the essential eight things you should be aware of!

1.  Engage a Contractor listed in the Directory of Renovation Contractors

When hiring a renovation contractor, it's important to choose someone from the Directory of Renovation Contractors. This applies even if your renovation doesn't require approval from HDB.

The Directory of Renovation Contractors includes contractors who are knowledgeable about HDB's renovation rules and requirements, which are in place to protect the building's structural integrity. You can find the directory on HDB InfoWEB or the Mobile@HDB app.

However, please note that HDB doesn't endorse or guarantee the quality of the renovations. The contractors are fully responsible for their contractual obligations to you, including the quality of their work.

2. Submit a Renovation Application

To begin your renovation, you and your contractor must get prior approval from HDB before demolishing or hacking any walls, whether partially or completely. This requirement is crucial for ensuring residents' safety, as unauthorized demolitions or hacking can compromise the building's structure.

For renovations that require HDB's approval, make sure your contractor submits an online application to HDB, along with a signed acknowledgment form from you, the flat owner, before starting work. You'll receive an SMS notification once the contractor submits the application. To check the status of your renovation permit application, log in to My HDBPage on HDB InfoWEB.

3. Contact Other Agencies on Related Works

If you need other services during the renovation, like air-conditioner installation, it's important to engage a BCA-trained installer if you plan to mount the unit on the exterior or if any part of it will project from your flat. After installation, you'll need to email the installation report to the HDB Branch managing your flat.

Refer to the list below to see if a licensed worker or contractor is required for other types of work.

4. Keep Renovations to Permitted Hours

Renovation noises can bother your neighbors, particularly those with young kids or who work from home. To maintain good relations with them, remember to:

• Give your neighbors within a 2-unit radius a heads-up at least three days before starting renovations. Also, make sure your contractor displays the Renovation Notice outside your apartment well in advance and throughout the renovation process.
• Stick to the specified timeframes for conducting renovation work.

• If you're doing DIY projects, try to limit the noise by working between 7:00am and 10:30pm.
• Close your flat's main door while working to minimize noise for your neighbors, and give them a heads-up about any noisy projects in advance.

5.Handling Payment and Disputes for Renovations

The agreement between flat owners and contractors for renovations is a private matter and not regulated by the government. If there are any disagreements regarding pricing, costs, work schedule, or the quality of renovations, both parties should try to resolve them together.

If you're having difficulties finding a resolution, you can seek assistance from organizations like the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE), Singapore Mediation Centre, or the Small Claims Tribunals. Legal options are also available.

6. Proper Use of Elevators

Moving into a new home and undergoing renovations can be an exciting but busy time. You may notice movers and contractors carrying large items, which might cause slight delays in elevator arrival.

To contribute, ask your contractors or vendors to avoid jamming the elevator doors when moving materials and furniture, as this can damage the elevators and inconvenience other users.

7. Maintaining a Clean Neighborhood

Disposing of unwanted items and renovation debris properly is important to prevent safety and health hazards in your estate. It also helps maintain a positive image for your neighborhood.

Make sure to remind your delivery persons, movers, and contractors to dispose of debris and unwanted items at designated disposal sites. They should not wash or flush debris into the sewage system or throw bulky items down the refuse chute, as it can cause damage and inconvenience to you and your neighbors.

If you witness misuse of elevators or dumping of debris in common areas, you can report such instances through the OneService website or app.

8. Take care of your home on a regular basis.

Lastly, make sure to regularly inspect the various components and installations in your home. This will enable you to identify any areas that need attention early on, preventing them from turning into costly issues that require extensive repairs.

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg