Do you need approval to change bathroom tiles?

HDB bathroom tiles rules: permit or not

HDB's renovation guidelines for building works say replacing floor finishes needs a permit, whether the floor is ceramic, homogeneous, terrazzo, marble, parquet, timber or other tiles. Laying vinyl, carpet or linoleum needs none. Neither does laying new finishes over existing ones with adhesive only, if HDB's conditions are met.

HDB's page on applying for a renovation permit says you must engage a contractor listed in the DRC for all renovations in your flat, and permit works start only after the permit is granted. Your contractor submits the application on your behalf, with an acknowledgement form signed by you. Works that need no permit must still follow HDB's guidelines, or they count as unauthorised works.

Check a specific job with the renovation permit checker, or read the HDB renovation permit guide for the wider process.

The 3-year rule for new flats

HDB's important information on renovations says toilet floor and wall finishes provided by HDB or the developer must not be replaced for 3 years from the completion date of the block, because of the waterproofing membrane laid under them. You may lay new floor finishes over the existing ones instead.

After the first 3 years, HDB's building works guidelines say replacing bathroom or toilet floor finishes needs a permit, with the same 50mm, waterproofing and floor trap grating conditions as any floor replacement. For the order of other jobs in a new flat, see the BTO renovation sequence.

Waterproofing membrane rules

The waterproofing HDB requires depends on the room. These conditions from its building works guidelines apply when you replace floor finishes. Floor traps need an unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (UPVC) grating with a long collar.

HDB's renovation rules page adds that you and your renovation contractor must conduct a water test on the bathroom or toilet on completing the replacement of floor finishes. Ask your contractor when the test will take place, so you can be there to see it.

Overlaying tiles instead of replacing

If you overlay tiles, HDB does not require a permit as long as you use adhesive only and meet the conditions in its building works guidelines:

• Only 1 layer of existing floor finishes, including cement screed, before the additional layer.
• A thickness of no more than 13mm, including adhesive.
• No tampering with the floor trap.
• No backflow or lateral seepage into the bedroom.

Overlaying is also the option open in the first 3 years, when the original toilet finishes must not be replaced.

Leaks into the flat below

HDB's guide to preventing and fixing ceiling leaks says leaks happen when water from the flat above seeps through the floor slab, usually from wear and tear of the waterproof membrane and screed. It typically occurs in toilets and bathrooms. This is why the membrane and water test rules matter when bathroom tiles are replaced.

The same HDB guide says flat owners are responsible for the upkeep of their own flats, including the floor and ceiling slabs. For a leak between two flats, the owners arrange the repair and split the costs. HDB recommends re-screeding and says you negotiate price and scope with the contractor yourself, so ask whether the quote is an hourly rate or fixed price.

If water is already coming through, read ceiling leak: what to do and compare a plumber or waterproofing specialist to decide who to call.

When to stop and call a professional

HDB's floor finishes guide says popping tiles come from expansion and contraction through thermal movement and water absorption. Remove the loose tiles, stack them neatly in a safe corner and cover the area with protective sheets such as cardboard, newspapers or carpets until repairs are carried out.

Removing floor finishes is restricted (noisy) work. HDB's renovation information page allows it only from 9am to 5pm on weekdays, not on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays or the eves of New Year's Day, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa and Christmas Day. Contractors cannot take more than 3 consecutive days to remove wall or floor finishes. Before renovations begin, inform neighbours within a radius of 2 units with a written notice at least 5 days in advance. Plan the working days with the renovation hours checker.

When you contact handymen, ask whether each company is a DRC contractor before it quotes for tile replacement. If the job is unclear, check which service you need first.

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