10 Renovation Guidelines HDB Singapore: Maximum weight, structural columns, floor levels & more
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You’ve finally gotten the keys to your new HDB flat, but before you get all excited and carried away with your renovations, check first that what you plan to do is allowed by the HDB.
10 Renovation Guidelines for HDB
Read these closely if you are starting renovation for your HDB. The first and most important guideline pertains to your choice of renovation company, interior designer, or renovation contractor. Did you know that you can only engage a HDB Registered Renovation Contractor (RRC) to carry out the works? Failure to do so could cost you up to a $5,000 fine and other penalties!
Done? Now, here are some renovation demands that you should not ask from your interior designer or renovation contractor. Likewise, check if they are executing these for you. If so, these illegal renovations might land you in hot water with the authorities!
Here are 10 renovation guidelines you should stick to in Singapore's HDB flats:
Cannot overload the structure
No loads greater than 150 kilograms per metre square of floor area is allowed, to ensure that structural integrity isn’t compromised. So you may want to check how much that freestanding bath tub, for example, weighs.
Cannot alter the structural columns
This may be obvious common renovation knowledge to many HDB homeowners, but you can’t hack or remove structural entities like columns, beams, reinforced concrete walls (the load bearing walls), as well as floor slabs and staircases in a HDB maisonette. It’s best to differentiate which is which and determine what you can’t touch first.
Cannot build into high ceilings
Void areas, such as the double-volume staircase area within HDB maisonettes, have to remain as they are — no absorbing them as part of your floor area to get a bigger space.
Cannot raise HDB floor level too high
The maximum you are allowed to raise your floor level using concrete is 5cm. This includes the thickness of the finishing (e.g tiles) as well. If you want to have platforms, make sure the frame is constructed using other materials like timber joists.
For some, your platform storage floor may even prove to be an issue. Double check that the material or method that you build your platform storage is HDB-approved.
Cannot affect the façade of the HDB building
This includes applying paint to anywhere outside your flat, like the window ledges, common corridor walls and ceilings. Take note as well that you’re not supposed to install external grilles on the air-con ledge or use the space as something else.
Must get a HDB renovation permit
Some renovation works require a permit. Such works include hacking and demolition of internal non-structural walls, enlargement of bathrooms, replacement of floor and wall finishes, changing of floor level, repositioning of internal door entrances, and installation of water feature or pond.
Verify with the HDB if you need one, otherwise you may be required to reinstate the changes.
Home Renovation Cost 2023: How much does HDB renovation cost in Singapore?
Home Renovation Cost 2023: How much does HDB renovation cost in Singapore?
Follow HDB permit's renovation time frame
When you get the permit, the approved work has to be finished within three months for new blocks, and one month for existing blocks.
Cannot hack new floors & walls for 3 years
For new HDB BTO flats, you cannot immediately hack away the floor or wall finishes provided by the HDB in your bathroom. You can only do it three years after the completion date of the block to ensure that the waterproofing membrane laid on the cement screed prevents water leakage.
Nevertheless, you can lay new finishes over using adhesives — consider the new slim tiles available in the market for this.
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Ensure that waterproofing is done properly
When renovating your old (or past 3 years for new BTO) HDB bathroom, prepacked waterproofing screed and waterproofing membrane has to be applied before laying new floor finishes.
After which, conduct a water test with your contractor, as the HDB places heavy emphasis on waterproofing.
Homeowner bears responsibility for renovation faults
Even though you engage a HDB-registered contractor, as the homeowner, you are responsible for your own renovation and anything that goes wrong.
HDB expects you to ensure that the work carried out is according to the requirements, so never fail to check with your contractor.