What does HIP cover?

What the HDB HIP covers

The Home Improvement Programme (HIP) is a highly subsidised government programme that helps keep ageing HDB flats in good condition. Start with HDB's HIP page for eligibility and precinct information.

HIP has 3 components: Essential improvements for public health and safety, Optional improvements you can choose, and EASE (Enhancement for Active Seniors) senior-friendly fittings. Details may change at HDB's discretion, as HDB's HIP booklet notes, so check the current details for your precinct.

For repair problems outside HIP, see who to ask about HDB or condo repairs.

Essential, optional and EASE items

HDB's HIP page lists these items under each component.

According to HDB's HIP page, the new main door and grille gate is fire-rated where the Fire Code requires it and comes with a home fire alarm device.

What the toilet upgrading package includes

According to HDB's HIP page, the toilet upgrading package covers a new waterproofing membrane, wash basin, floor and wall tiles, louvred vent, toilet door, grab bar and pedestal pan. The water test below can make it compulsory for your flat.

Costs and co-payment

Your share depends on the items you choose. Under HDB's HIP page:

• Essential improvements are fully funded by the Government for Singapore Citizens.
• Optional improvements are subsidised for Singapore Citizens, so you pay a share for the ones you choose.
• Where your water heater needs a new dedicated circuit, citizens get it at a subsidised rate, while Singapore Permanent Residents (PRs) pay the full cost.

You select Optional and EASE items within 6 weeks of the successful poll. Packages are paid in full even if some of their items are not installed.

Payment is due only after all works are completed. HDB's HIP page says HDB then sends you an invoice for your share.

The water test and the 6-year rule

Before works start, a condition survey documents structural cracks, spalling, existing ceiling leaks and wall tile cracks, and checks your water heater connections. If you do not take the toilet upgrading package, a free water test checks your toilet for leaks to the flat below.

Under the rules in HDB's HIP booklet:

• If the water test shows a leak to the flat below, you must opt in for the toilet upgrading package.
• If you skip the test, or fail it and do not upgrade, you are fully responsible for any future ceiling leak to the flat below for 6 years.
• After those 6 years, the upper and lower flat owners are jointly responsible, as under the Lease Agreement.

Timing your own renovation

If you plan to renovate your toilet and HIP is coming to your block, the order of works can change what you pay. According to the FAQ in HDB's HIP booklet, if you recently renovated your toilet and it fails the water test, the toilet package can fix the waterproofing of the whole floor and the bottom 1 or 2 courses of wall tiles, re-tiled to match. You still pay the full share of the package cost.

You also remove and reinstate any fittings, fixtures or cabinets that obstruct the works, at your own cost. If your existing water heater uses connections that do not meet current regulations, a new dedicated electrical circuit is offered, run in uPVC trunking from the consumer unit to the toilet.

Before you book your own contractor, ask your HIP Information Centre how the HIP timing affects your renovation plans.

During the works

HDB's HIP booklet says works in your flat run from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday (not on public holidays), for up to 10 working days. An adult household member must be at home. A typical HIP project takes about 18 months from the successful poll, and the works carry a 1-year Defects Liability Period.

Work outside HIP and who to call

For work outside the HIP scope, you can agree the scope and cost with the HIP contractor in writing at the Information Centre, or use your own contractor. If you use your own, the price depends on the job, so compare handymen and ask what each quote includes.

HDB's important information on renovations says flat owners must engage only contractors from its Directory of Renovation Contractors and make sure they follow HDB guidelines. Some works also need an HDB permit; see HDB renovation permits.

EMA says electrical work in an HDB flat needs a Licensed Electrician, the class of LEW approved for loads of up to 45kVA. EMA's guide to engaging Licensed Electrical Workers also says to verify the worker's licence card before any electrical work starts. See electrical work in HDB flats.

If you add an aircon later, HDB's aircon installation guidelines say a flat upgraded under HIP needs no electrical permit for a new 15A power point or 20A isolator for the aircon.

For plumbing changes, check which jobs need a licensed plumber.

Questions