Share this article
Question: “I have just purchased a 30-year-old 5-room HDB resale flat. What are some things that I should look out for when renovating such an old unit?”
The appeal of older HDB flats lies in their typically larger floor area, as well as their location in matur e estates. However, buying an older resale flat comes with certain caveats.
Water seepage and leakage is one of the most common issues in older flats. This can be from the outdoors, from the neighbour above, or from within your own unit. Designer Verena Lim from Resistance Pte Ltd offers homeowners some tips in spotting water seepage issues: “Mould in the house can be an indication of water seepage or high moisture content in a particular area. Water marks around windows are another tell-tale sign. Pay attention to these spots and rectify them as soon as possible to avoid potential problems occurring in the future.”
If you are thinking of doing a vinyl overlay for the floor, check the existing floor finishes for cracks.
3 Common Problems To Watch Out For
Lights & Wires
The lighting and wiring in older flats tend to be very old and it is prudent for homeowners to consider rewiring the entire flat to avoid future issues.
Uneven Ceilings
Uneven ceilings are another common problem in older flats, which can pose a challenge when installing top hung, built-in cabinets or light fixtures.
Water Seepage
Water seepage issues and choking of existing drainage pipes are usually encountered in the bathrooms and other wet areas, so she advises homeowners to pay attention to these.
4 Parts To Replace Entirely
1. Doors
For old HDB resale units of a certain age, the doors, door frames, windows and grilles are usually not in good condition by now and are best replaced rather than repaired. Doors and door frames may be rotting, especially at the bottom corners.
2. Windows
Windows can pose a danger if their hinges are loose. For windows with grilles, bear in mind that the grilles will have to be removed before work on the windows can proceed. Verena points out that these costs can be hefty and homeowners may not have foreseen these problem areas and hence not factored in the budget for them.
3. Bathroom
When it comes to bathroom tiling, salvaging is not a long-term solution as it may pose leakage issues in the future. Especially in cases where the waterproofing is already compromised, replacing it along with the tiles is a better option.
4. Air Conditioner Units
If the air-conditioning units are fairly old, it may be worthwhile to change them, along with the trunkings during the renovation rather than have to contend with the mess, noise and dust when they break down and need replacing down the road. Verena advises homeowners to take the opportunity to consider where to position the new air-conditioning units and how to run the new trunkings in relation to the space planning and structural beams.
Renovate old 5-room HDB resale cost
How much would it cost to renovate an old 5-room HDB resale flat? Based on her experience, Verena estimates a ballpark figure of minimally $100,000 to $120,000 to properly renovate a 30-year-old five-room flat. “This can escalate to $200,000 if the owner wants to have quirky designs,” she highlights. Timeline wise, allow about four to five months for the renovation.
- Check for Structural Cracks: Older buildings may have hairline cracks, but significant ones can signal deeper issues.
- Investigate Previous Renos: Be aware of any past modifications. Some may require special approvals to amend or reverse.
- Assess Fuse Boxes: Older HDB flats may have outdated fuse boxes that don’t meet current safety standards.
- Consider Floor Height: Layering new flooring over the old can create issues with door heights and transitions between rooms.
- Inspect for Leaks: Check all pipes and water fixtures for signs of rust or leaks, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.
- Consider Compact Solutions: Older bathrooms may be smaller, so think about using space efficient fixtures and storage.