HDB renovation rules: permits and contractors
As the flat owner, you are responsible for the renovations in your flat and must make sure your contractor follows HDB's guidelines, according to HDB's important information on renovations. Three questions come up before any work starts: whether you need a permit, who may do the work and whether a wall can come down.
Which works need an HDB permit?
Some do. HDB's renovation permit page says works such as those in its guidelines for building and sanitary works need a permit, and may start only after it is granted. Works that need no permit must still follow HDB's guidelines, or they are unauthorised works. The renovation permit checker shows where your job falls.
Must my contractor be on the DRC?
Yes. HDB requires flat owners to engage only contractors from its Directory of Renovation Contractors, and you may face prosecution for not engaging a DRC contractor. The rule covers all renovations in your flat. Before you sign anything, verify a contractor's Unique Entity Number (UEN).
Can I hack a wall?
Only with HDB's prior written approval, which HDB requires for all demolition and hacking of walls, partial or complete. Structural members, such as reinforced concrete walls, columns, beams and slabs, may not be hacked at all. The HDB renovation permit guide has more on getting approval.
Hours and noise
HDB allows general renovation works from 9am to 6pm on weekdays and Saturdays, with none on Sundays and public holidays. For DIY works, HDB asks residents to keep to 7am to 10.30pm, keep noise to a minimum and avoid DIY drilling or hammering from 10.30pm to 7am.
When are noisy works allowed?
From 9am to 5pm on weekdays only. HDB's restricted works include demolishing walls, removing wall or floor finishes, cutting tiles and heavy and excessive drilling. They are not allowed on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays or the eves of New Year's Day, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa and Christmas Day. Try the renovation hours checker.
Who handles a renovation noise complaint?
HDB does for HDB units, and the Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST) does for condos. The National Environment Agency (NEA) says it regulates noise from additions and alterations works in landed properties only. Residents affected by noise from an HDB or condo unit give feedback directly to HDB or their MCST. The renovation noise complaints guide has more.
Electrical and plumbing
Electrical and plumbing works come with their own conditions, and many of these jobs need no permit at all. The two questions below cover hidden wiring and who does plumbing.
Can wiring be hidden in walls?
No. HDB does not allow wiring to be embedded in reinforced concrete slabs, beams, columns, walls, wall plaster or other finishes, even in metal or high impact PVC conduit. Covering wiring with PVC trunking needs no HDB permit. See electrical renovation rules in HDB flats for the details.
Who can do plumbing works?
A PUB Licensed Plumber does water service and sanitary works, according to HDB's plumbing and gas guidelines. PUB allows handymen to do only simple plumbing works. Gas service works need a Licensed Gas Service Worker (LGSW). None of the plumbing and gas works in those guidelines needs an HDB permit, but each must follow HDB's technical terms and conditions. The HDB plumbing renovation rules guide has more.
Floors and finishes
Some works are not allowed at all. HDB's examples of disallowed works include the ones below.
| Area | Not allowed |
|---|---|
| Structure | Hacking reinforced concrete walls, columns, beams or slabs |
| Floor | Raising the floor level beyond the allowed 50mm with concrete |
| Ceiling | Plastering ceilings |
| Outside the flat | Installing awnings or other fixtures |
| Common areas | Painting external parts, such as common corridor walls and ceilings |
| Windows | Replacing full height, 3/4 height or bay windows |
| Aircon ledge | Enclosing it, including with external grilles |
Can I change the toilet tiles in a new flat?
Not for 3 years from the completion date of the block. HDB says toilet floor and wall finishes provided by HDB or the developer must not be replaced in that time, because of the waterproofing membrane laid under them. New floor finishes may be laid over the existing ones. The HDB floor tile rules guide has more.
How high can I raise the floor?
With concrete, no higher than the allowed 50mm. HDB lists raising the floor level beyond the allowed 50mm with concrete among its disallowed building works. Before you finalise the design, run through the pre-renovation checklist so your plans stay within the rules.
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Find the right serviceWhere to go next
If this renovation rules FAQ does not answer your question, these guides go deeper. HDB is not a party to the private agreement between you and your contractor, so disputes are settled without reference to HDB.
- Condo renovation rules: for condo units, which are managed by their MCST.
- HDB renovation hours: general, noisy and DIY hours in one place.
- Dispute with a contractor: your options when you cannot resolve a problem with the contractor.
Questions
How many power tools can be used at once?
Two. HDB allows only 2 of its approved handheld power tools, or their equivalent, to be used at any one time. Noisy works with those tools must also stay within HDB's hours for restricted works. Ask your contractor how the work will be scheduled within both limits.
How long can wall hacking go on?
No more than 3 consecutive days. HDB says renovation contractors cannot take more than 3 consecutive days to demolish walls or remove wall or floor finishes. Any hacking of walls, partial or complete, also needs HDB's prior written approval.
Must I display a renovation notice?
Yes. After you get the renovation permit, HDB says you and your contractor must display the Notice of Renovation outside the flat until all renovations are completed. HDB also asks for the contractor to put up the notice early, and for neighbours within a radius of 2 units to receive a written notice at least 5 days in advance.
Who removes renovation debris?
Your contractor does, if your Town Council does not provide a debris removal service. HDB says owners must make sure the contractor removes and disposes of the debris at an NEA-approved site. Where Town Council haulage and debris removal applies, you pay for it. HDB's permit page suggests checking the charges with your Town Council.
What counts as unauthorised works?
Works that need an HDB permit but were done without one, and permit-free works that do not follow HDB's guidelines. HDB will require you to discontinue, correct or remove unauthorised works and reinstate the flat. Check whether your job needs a permit before any work starts.
How long do I have to complete approved works?
Within 3 months of the permit date for newly completed blocks, or 1 month for existing blocks. HDB sets these periods for approved renovations. Agree a schedule with your contractor that fits inside the period before work starts, and keep the Notice of Renovation displayed until everything is completed.
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