In what order should BTO renovation work happen?

Before any work: defects, utilities and permits

Start with utilities. For a new flat, HDB's renovation rules say you must open a utilities account with SP Services before a renovation permit can be granted. SP Group asks you to allow 7 business days lead time after opening the account.

Next, check for defects. All newly completed HDB flats are covered by a 1-year Defects Liability Period (DLP) from the date of key collection. HDB asks you to report items within 1 month of key collection and before your renovation works begin. HDB usually takes less than 2 weeks to complete a repair.

MyNiceHome's move-in guide suggests going through each space systematically, labelling defects with painter's tape or sticky notes and keeping a defects list. Slight colour variations in floor tiles or in the width of tile grouting are not considered defects. For more, see the BTO defects liability period.

Then the permit. HDB requires you to engage a contractor listed in its Directory of Renovation Contractors (DRC) for all renovations in your flat. You authorise the contractor to submit the application electronically, with an acknowledgement form signed by you. Works that need a permit start only after it is granted. The guide to HDB renovation permits covers the process.

Before works start, HDB asks you to inform neighbours within a radius of 2 units with a written notice at least 5 days in advance. Once the permit is granted, you and the contractor display the Notice of Renovation outside the flat until all renovations are completed. To turn these rules into dates, use the BTO renovation planner.

BTO renovation sequence: a common order of trades

The order below is common practice, not an HDB rule, so agree the renovation order of works with your contractor.

1. Hacking and approved wall or floor works. All demolition and hacking of walls needs HDB's prior written approval. Under HDB's renovation rules, these noisy works run only 9am to 5pm on weekdays.
2. Electrical points and plumbing. HDB does not allow wiring to be embedded in walls, so points are planned before carpentry. HDB's plumbing guidelines require a PUB Licensed Plumber for water service and sanitary works.
3. Flooring and wet works. Floor finishes and other wet works follow once hacking and pipework are done.
4. Carpentry. Built-in cabinets and wardrobes go in next.
5. Aircon installation. HDB's aircon guidelines require an installer trained by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and an installation report to the HDB Branch within 14 days after installation.
6. Painting, then lights and fittings. Painting comes near the end, followed by lights and fittings.

To decide on sockets and lighting points early, read planning electrical points before renovation. For the aircon stage, you can compare companies on the aircon installation page.

Rules that shape the order

Several HDB rules set the pace of your BTO timeline. Only 2 of the handheld power tools approved by HDB may be used at any one time, and contractors cannot take more than 3 consecutive days to demolish walls or remove wall or floor finishes. Restricted works 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. Approved renovations must be completed within 3 months of the permit date for newly completed blocks. These rules are on HDB's important information on renovations page; see also HDB renovation hours.

HDB's electrical guidelines rule out embedded wiring, so new wiring runs in surface trunking, above a false ceiling or behind carpentry. Under HDB's aircon guidelines, all aircon piping must run internally, with condensate discharged into a floor trap in the flat.

Protect the new flat during works

MyNiceHome's move-in guide asks you to cover the home fire alarm device with a plastic sheet during renovation and remove the cover right after. Internal partition walls in BTO flats are drywalls.

HDB's crime prevention advice for renovation is to use good quality close-shackled locks, not number locks, and not to leave home appliances in the flat. Arrange delivery of appliances after you move in and renovations are completed.

Cleaning and move-in

Post-renovation cleaning comes after all trades finish and before appliances and furniture arrive, so the cleaners work in an empty flat. Book post-renovation cleaning once the last trade has left. The price depends on the job; see the post-renovation cleaning cost guide.

Some minor defects can be fixed after you move in, as HDB's defects page notes. When the flat is clean, work through the new home move-in checklist.

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