Interior Designers
HBD Renovation: Essential Rules Owners Must Know
by Business Listings EditorPhoto Credit: ©iStock.com
Whether planning to renovate a newly acquired HDB resale flat or a brand new HDB flat, a responsible homeowner needs to follow the HDB guidelines prior to commencing any renovation works.
Renovation permit
As a prerequisite to starting renovation work by your registered contractor, a permit should be obtained from the Housing Development Board (HDB).
Your contractor will have to apply for the permit on your behalf.
Although there are some works that do not require a written approval – such as a kitchen extension into the service balcony without removing walls and replacing door frames-, you are still required to comply with the Board’s conditions, if any, for those works.
Notice of Renovation Work
Upon securing the Board’s approval, the registered contractor should display a Notice of Renovation Work on the premises until all work is done.
The contractor is also obliged to inform neighbours (a minimum of 2 flats surrounding the flat to be renovated) about the works to be done – whether such works require a permit or not.
The neighbours should be furnished a copy of the notice at least 3 days prior to the start of any work.
Private Contract
The HDB flat owner is responsible for his flat and any improvement works that will be done.
Therefore, the registered renovation contractor that the flat owner has hired is also his responsibility. The homeowner should ensure that all renovation works are being done according to the HDB requirements.
Since the renovation contract is between the flat owner and the contractor, any dispute should be settled between them. If not, the CASE or the Small Claims Tribunal may be asked to assist either party. Legal action through court proceedings is also an option.
Work Schedule
General renovation can only be done between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm daily.
Renovations that involve drilling works, demolishing walls, cutting tiles, etc. are only allowed from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekdays, and prohibited on weekends and public holidays.
DIY noisy renovation works is not advisable from 10:30 pm to 7:00 am as this may be disruptive to neighbours. Neighbours must be informed of any deviation from these limits.
Work Tools
In demolishing walls and/or removal of wall/floor finishes, the registered renovation contractor is limited only to use a 2 HDB-approved handheld power tools or an equivalent thereof at any one time. The said work should be finished within 3 consecutive days.
Work Completion
Renovation work must be completed within a month, and 3 months for existing blocks and new blocks, respectively, from the issuance date of the renovation permit.
And once all renovations are completed, the HDB unit branch in your flat must be informed immediately.
A note of caution: upon conviction, any flat owner violating the above shall be fined not exceeding $5000.
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