What should you do before renovating your HDB flat?

Pre renovation checklist: the order of steps

Work through these six steps in order. For a new flat, see how they fit into the wider BTO renovation sequence.

1. Report defects. In a new flat, report defects before renovating.
2. Choose a DRC contractor. Pick one from the official directory.
3. Check permits. Find out which works need a permit or a licensed person.
4. Agree the quote and contract. Get an itemised quote and a written contract.
5. Tell your neighbours. Give them written notice before work starts.
6. Display the notice. Put up the Notice of Renovation outside your flat.

Report defects first (new flats)

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 defects "within 1 month of key collection and before your renovation works begin", as its page on defects in new flats explains. This saves investigating later whether a defect came from construction or from renovation.

Submit a request online through the QR code in your Welcome Kit or on the notice on your kitchen wall, or at the temporary Building Service Centre (BSC) near your home. HDB usually takes less than 2 weeks to complete a repair. Use our BTO defects checklist as you walk through each room.

For a new flat, you must also open a utilities account with SP Services before a renovation permit can be granted, as HDB's renovation rules state.

Choose a DRC contractor

Before renovation, HDB requires owners to engage only contractors from its DRC, and you must make sure your contractor follows HDB's guidelines, as its important information on renovations sets out.

You can search the DRC through HDB's e-Service. DRC contractors are aware of HDB's requirements and of protecting the building's structural integrity, but HDB does not endorse them or vouch for the quality of their works. Your contract is a private one between you and the contractor.

In a release from the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS), the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) advises researching a contractor's credibility and track record before signing, insisting on a written contract, negotiating the deposit as low as possible and paying progressively by project milestones. You can also verify a contractor's Unique Entity Number (UEN).

Check which works need a permit

Some works need an HDB 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: HDB will require you to discontinue, correct or remove them and reinstate the flat, as its renovation permit page explains.

Your contractor submits an electronic application on your behalf, with an acknowledgement form signed by you, and HDB sends an SMS when it receives the submission.

Other works need an appropriately licensed person, HDB says: a PUB Licensed Plumber for water service and sanitary works, a Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW) for electrical installation, and a window contractor approved by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and listed with HDB for windows. Some electrical work needs its own HDB permit and should go ahead only after it is granted. PUB says regulated water service and sanitary plumbing works must be carried out by Licensed Plumbers, except simple plumbing works that handymen can do. EMA says electrical work in an HDB flat needs a Licensed Electrician, the class of LEW approved for loads of up to 45kVA. Its guide to engaging licensed workers explains how to check an LEW's licence.

If you remove or reposition fittings, or hack down or build walls, MyNiceHome says layout plans, elevations, sections or details of the works must be submitted with the application. Try the renovation permit checker, or read our HDB renovation permit guide.

Agree the quote and contract

In 2022, CCCS published a guide on fair trading practices for the renovation industry. Its five areas make a useful renovation checklist Singapore homeowners can apply to any quote:

• A renovation timeline that you and the contractor both agree.
• Transparent pricing with no hidden costs: accurate, clear and itemised quotes, with mandatory charges stated at the outset.
• Accurate descriptions of goods and services.
• A clear exchange, repair and refund policy.
• Your consent: changes to the contract only with your express agreement.

In the same release, CASE advises insisting on a written contract that says how delays are handled, and photographing outstanding defects and making sure they are fixed before full payment.

Plan your electrical points now too, so they are in the quote: see planning electrical points before renovation.

Tell neighbours and display the notice

Before renovations begin, inform neighbours within a radius of 2 units with a written notice at least 5 days in advance, and have your contractor put up the Notice of Renovation early. After getting the permit, you and your contractor must display the Notice of Renovation outside the flat until all renovations are completed, as HDB's renovation rules state.

Work must also keep to the hours on HDB's renovation page. HDB asks residents to keep DIY works to 7am to 10.30pm. Our HDB renovation hours guide has more detail.

If a problem with the work cannot be resolved later, HDB says you may seek help from CASE or the Small Claims Tribunals. See our guide to a dispute with a contractor.

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