8 HDB Renovation Rules for BTO and Resale Flats.

HDB have strict guidelines for renovation

Congratulations, you are about to get your keys to your new BTO flat or you have purchased an HDB resale flat and are now planning your home renovation. 

As tempting as it would be to dive straight into planning paint colours and choosing appliances and furniture for your new apartment, first you need to be familiar with and adhere to the rules and regulations set out by HDB. 

Remember, failing to follow any of the rules set out by HDB is not an option. The rules and regulations are set out to ensure the safety of your home and your block. If in doubt, always ask prior to commencement of work, it always pays to check twice and do it once.

1. Submit all plans to HDB for approval before hacking or erecting walls.

You may have a vision of an open plan home, with plenty of light streaming through and the easiest way to do this is to hack or knock down walls. A good example of this is to remove a wall between the kitchen and living room to create an open plan kitchen/ living space with an island in the middle. Be warned, any hacking of walls requires approval from HDB.

Which walls can be hacked?

Some walls, columns, beams and slabs are load-bearing walls and cannot be removed, moved or altered in any way. But why are load-bearing walls important? Simply put, load-bearing walls are structural elements in the home that help to transfer weight from the roof, through the floors, and down to the foundation. 

On your floor plan, load-bearing walls are usually shaded in solid black or grey. Other walls, which are normally shown with double lines in your floor plan, though not load-bearing, hide important wiring and piping and cannot be tampered with. Therefore it is essential that you get permission from HDB before you hack or take down any walls within your home. 

What about building new walls?

Similarly, you also need permission from HDB to erect any walls. Whilst splitting a room in two may seem to solve challenges such as creating enough private sleeping areas for each family member, there are rules and regulations such as adequate ventilation, access to fire escapes etc which HDB will take into account before granting any permits required.

Remember, get any permits or permissions from HDB in writing. Your contractor will need to apply for these, but as the homeowner, you should ask for and keep a copy of these from your contractor.

2. Exposed pipes cannot be permanently concealed.

Yes, we understand that some homeowners want to cover up exposed pipes in their bathrooms or kitchens as they may detract from the overall appearance and style you are going for. This is, however, simply not possible as pipes cannot be permanently concealed. In the case of any clogs or issues with the piping, HDB must be able to access the pipes to carry out their investigations or repair works. 

That doesn't mean you can't be creative, work with your Interior Designer or Contractor to explore options that may work within your space. 

3. Renovation Timings.

Renovation timings must be strictly adhered to

Typically, homeowners must occupy the flat for at least 5 years before applying for the Request for Confirmation of Eligibility to Sell Your HDB Flat and putting it up on the market. Why is this important? Well, let's face it, you are going to be living beside your neighbours for at least the next few years. Start the relationship off right by bearing in mind that renovation works are noisy and disruptive, not just for you, but for those living within your block. 

Arguably, sticking to the timings set out by HDB isn't only a renovation requirement but also your social responsibility as a homeowner to minimise disruption for your neighbours.

So what are the specific rules? 

• General renovation work can be done from 9 am to 6 pm on weekdays and Saturdays 

• No renovation works at all, no matter how quiet they are can be carried out on Sundays and Public holidays

• Noisy works like demolishing of walls, cutting of tiles or excessive drilling can only be done from 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays 

•  Renovation contractors are allowed to use not more than 2 HDB Approved Hand-held Power Tools or their equivalent at any one time to demolish walls and/or remove of wall/ floor finishes. 

• Such work must be completed within 3 consecutive days.

• No noisy renovation works can be carried out on weekends, public holidays and eve of major public holidays

Other important rules:

• Once you get your permit, you’ve got 3 months to complete your renovation in the case of a new BTO flat, or 1 month if it’s a resale HDB flat.

• You have to inform at least 2 neighbours of your renovation, at least 3 days in advance.

With so many of your neighbours working from home, be considerate and work with your Interior Designers and Contractors to keep disruption to a minimum. A little bit of courtesy goes a long way. 

4. Front door needs to be fire-rated.

Ensure you install a fire rated front door to your HDB

Whilst you can replace the internal doors within your HDB with few restrictions, there are separate rules when it comes to replacing your front door. All front doors must be suitably fire rated. The replacement door and/ or frame must be half-hour fire-rated and the frame must have a self-closing device. Most HDB front doors are designed to contain smoke and fire within the unit so they don’t spread to staircases or lift lobbies. Given the risk of fire, making sure that your new front door meets HDB’s guidelines is essential to protect you, your family and your neighbours in the event of a fire. 

5. Electrical works.

Electric jobs include the electrical wiring of lights, air-con units, switches and more in a house interior decoration in Singapore. If you're looking for a brand-new electricity supply, the HDB standards regarding electrical jobs tell you the process of what you require to do. They also tell you what you need to do in order to get an upgrade on your already existing electrical power supply. The standards provide a detailed situation of all the important things you should provide for either of these situations.

6. False Ceiling.

You don’t need an HDB permit to install a false ceiling, but you’ll need a minimum floor-to-ceiling height of 2.4 metres. The standard HDB floor-to-ceiling height is 2.6 metres, which gives you a 20-centimetre leeway to make it fancy schmancy. As counter-intuitive as it may sound, installing a false ceiling can actually add perceived height to your home – the gap between the original and the lowered ceiling creates a sense of depth and space.

Also, false ceilings are strictly not allowed in bathrooms; in the kitchen, they should not cover the gas pipes.

HDB Flooring needs to adhere to strict guidelines

7. Flooring.

There are 2 means to revamp your floor: overlay laminate tiles on top of your existing tiles, or hack out the existing tiles completely and replace them with new ones.

Only the latter needs an HDB license. Due to the fact that overlaying floor covering is much more budget-friendly than redesigning your entire apartment, a lot of homeowners prefer overlays instead.

Keep in mind, no matter which option you choose, the total thickness of your flooring surface can not surpass 50mm.

8. Changing windows and grilles. 

Firstly, a renovation permit from HDB is required for all windows replacement work. A BCA Approved Window Contractor (AWC) who is listed in HDB’s Directory of Renovation Contractors needs to apply for a renovation permit from HDB before carrying out the window replacement works. If you want to replace Grilles, similar restrictions apply. If you are not sure if the window works you want to carry out will be in violation of any HDB rules, it is important to check with your BCA AWC or the HDB website at the planning stage. 

To Read More, Visit HDB’s Website.

Top Renovation Tips 2023

If you are a homeowner undertaking renovation works in 2023, we have some top tips to help keep your stresses down this year.

Plan: Before starting any renovation work, it's essential to have a clear plan that includes a budget, a timeline, and a detailed design. This will help ensure that the project stays on track and within budget.

1. Get the right permits: In Singapore, you need to obtain the necessary permits from the relevant government agencies before starting any renovation work. Failure to do so can result in fines or even legal action.

2. Choose the right contractor: Selecting a reputable and experienced contractor is crucial to the success of your renovation project. Be sure to check their references, read reviews, and ask for a detailed contract that spells out the scope of work and the cost.

3. Prioritize safety: Safety should be a top priority during any renovation project. Make sure that the contractor follows all safety regulations and that the work site is kept clean and organized to minimize hazards.

4. Focus on functionality: When planning your renovation, think about how the space will be used and what features are most important to you. This will help you make the most of your space and ensure that your renovation is functional and comfortable.

5. Consider energy efficiency: Renovations are a great opportunity to improve the energy efficiency of your home. This can help you save money on your utility bills and make your home more comfortable to live in.

6. Don't neglect the details: Attention to detail is crucial in any renovation project. Be sure to choose high-quality materials and finishes, and pay attention to the details, such as lighting, hardware, and paint colors.

7. Hire Professional Interior Designer: This can be a great help if you do not have a clear idea about how your renovation should be. They will help you to plan and design your space and can also manage your renovation project effectively.

Should You Pick A Contractor or Interior Designer For Your Home Renovation In Singapore?

When you begin your home renovation journey the choice can be. overwhelming. At this stage, you don’t know what you don’t know. This guide is intended to help you on your journey and whether an Interior Designer (ID) or a Contractor best fits your needs, budget and can bring your vision to life. There are many elements that drive up or down the cost of renovation, hiring the right skills for your vision, is critical to ensure that you don’t go over your budget.

Home renovation is not cheap.

Let’s be clear, renovating your home is a time-intensive and costly undertaking. According to renovation portal Qanvast, the average 4-room HDB BTO flat renovation is estimated to cost about $43,000 to $45,000 in 2020. Making over a resale flat is more extensive (and therefore expensive), and is expected to cost $45,000 to $52,000.

Here is where things get interesting. The typical Singaporean makes around $4,563 a month. After CPF, this comes to about $3,650. Assuming you save 20% of this (an average savings amount), you would stash away $730 a month. Let’s further assume that your significant other does the same so you are putting away almost $1500 dollars a month towards your renovation.

Breaking this down, if the average 4-room HDB BTO flat renovation is estimated to be $43,000, you would need to save for a whopping 28.6 months or put it another way over 2 years (2 years and 4 months to be exact). And this is if you come in on the average side of the estimates, you never know when your renovation costs will be higher due to unforeseen circumstances.

Some people believe that hiring contractors rather than an ID will save them some money when doing the renovation. Let’s investigate further.

Interior Designer or Contractor, what’s the difference?

Simply put, when we say Interior Designer in Singapore it is someone who coordinates and manages your renovation project. They conceptualise design ideas specific to your lifestyle, oversee the entire project (including sourcing for and liaising with contractors), and go furniture and material shopping with you to ensure a harmonious theme throughout the house.

A contractor, by contrast, is only responsible for executing the renovation work you request (e.g. demolishing, hacking, tiling). They do not offer design advice – and typically only give their input or advice in on matters relating to the structural integrity of your home.

Depending on your requirements and. what you want them to. do, your contractor may need to outsource the work to subcontractors (e.g. electricians, plumbers, and painters). Bear in mind you will typically l need to liaise with these subcontractors also.

There is no one size fits all approach.

First things first, not every homeowner is suitable to go down the DIY Contractor route. Whilst it can save money to hire Contractors, Interior Designers bring a lot of benefits to a project, so don’t dismiss this out of hand. There are no hard and fast rules, you need to do what makes the most sense for your project. Having said that, there are some tips on how to find the right Interior Designer that may help you to narrow down your options.

If you prioritise design and convenience, consider an interior designer.

If your priorities are design and service, then you would be better off considering using an Interior Designer, commonly referred to as an ID. Typically Interior Designers provide a design plan before any works start. These can include floor plans and 3D rendering. This makes. it easier for you to visualise the finished state of your home. It also means that you can make. changes whilst the design is still on paper (as it were) rather than being midway through the project and deciding to move a feature wall.

Interior Designers also take on the task of liaising with Contractors and any Subcontractors. This saves you time and also the hassle of overseeing every Contractor. The other major advantage of an ID is that they know the sequence or order that the works come in handing over this project and timeline management can be a relief for homeowners to save their own time and stress levels. You will of course need to pay more for the services of an Interior Designer, however, one question to ask yourself, would the money saved by not engaging an interior designer to be worth my own time saved?

The good news is that not all Interior Design firms charge the same, some will work on a percentage basis, some will work on a per hour basis and some will charge a flat fee. Its up to you, as the homeowner, to work out how much of your budget you can spend to engage with an Interior Design firm. There are always certain qualities that you should prioritise when looking for your Interior Designers such as reliability, experience and dedication.

If you prioritise cost savings and know what you want, consider hiring Contractors.

Have you sat down and looked at your budget and can’t justify any additional expenditure on Interior Design? Or perhaps you already know what your vision is and how you want your home to function and look like?

Outsourcing to Contractors is an option to consider. Contractors, in general, don’t offer additional services such as 3D rendering which allows you to visualise the end product, however, more and more are offering this to compete with ID”s and win over homeowners. There are also multiple apps and websites available now FOR EXAMPLE which will allow you as a homeowner to plan out your space, add your furniture and even change the textiles with the plan so you can visualise what your home will look like like when completed.

Going without an Interior Designer may seem daunting, however, if you know what you already want, then hiring Contractors to execute can be a great option. One consideration to keep in mind is that coordinating Contractors and Subcontractors can take. up a lot of your time. You may need to visit the site more often or have to spend time. coordinating between Contractors.

So what to choose?

In the end, only you can make that decision. There are pros and cons to both approaches. The budget will factor heavily but also, whether you want to undertake the project yourself. Be mindful that no matter which approach you take, project costs can creep up, unforeseen circumstances will happen and ultimately what you have in your mind or on paper, may not be the same as the finished product.

It is ultimately not “just a BTO, resale flat or condo”, this is your home and your money.

3 Rules To Help You Choose Your Kitchen Floor Tiles.

When it comes to kitchen flooring, there are many alternatives. If you're in the procedure of remodelling your kitchen, at some point you've most likely been overwhelmed by the amount of selection available. The style of the tiling, as well as the style of your kitchen area, is essential. So it's simple to really feel overwhelmed in a sea of colour swatches, examples and also structure choices.

What floor you select, is naturally, really vital, as a result of its ability to tie a space with each other. Together with your choice of the wall colour, floorings will have the single greatest effect on the overall feel and look of your space. Without direction, you can finish off with a kitchen area that really feels disjointed. Never ever fear, we help you cut through the mess as well as streamline the process.

1. Choose easy-to clean-tiles

Many people pick floor tile floor covering because it's easy to tidy. This is a super essential factor to consider. As the space where you prepare, cook and also enjoy your dishes-- sanitation is ought to always be leading of mind. Talk with your neighbourhood ceramic tile specialist concerning their selection of easy-to-clean ceramic tiles. You'll want to select something that won't stain or fracture easily. Clay, as well as sedimentary rock, are wonderful options, and they're fired to appear like all-natural stones. Quarry floor tile is much more costly than even more standard ceramic, but it's fairly striking in the appropriate setting. Keep in mind that some tiles will certainly call for special cleansing options to clean, so read up regarding cleansing practises before making a decision.

2. Suit your cabinets

Among the main features in your kitchen area is the kitchen cabinetry. Your cabinets typically identify the general 'look' of your room. The cupboard surface you pick can help establish your cooking area ceramic tile selection, as they will need to reside in harmony to produce the natural design. Think about colour and also contrast when deciding. Do you want to make use of the same colour throughout, or go with opposite ends of the spectrum? Both can have an influence when done correctly. Bring a sample of your closet coating to the store when selecting your ceramic tile. You won't regret planning ahead.

Go for durability

Kitchen area remodellings allow financial investments, so durability is key when picking your kitchen floor tile. Kitchen areas are typically the most-used areas in your home, so pay cautious consideration to exactly how you utilize your space. Although most kitchen area floor tile is resistant, it still calls for love and also attention, as well as the long life of each material, varies. See to it you purchase flooring ceramic tile that is really intended for usage as 'floor tile'. If you choose a wall floor tile for flooring, typically the coefficient of friction will be too low, causing floor tile that is too unsafe for walking. Choose a floor tile that has actually a minor elevated pattern, or appearance to it to permit a much safer cooking area flooring. These floor tiles likewise tend to be extra durable options. In the long run, you need something that can deal with everyday wear and tear as well as still look excellent.

Purchasing kitchen area tile doesn't need to be a drag. In fact, you don't even require to leave the convenience of your house. You can locate all your details online, include evaluations and also mock-up images. You can even take into consideration getting samples, as well as have them supplied at your home to contrast your choices.

Is It True That Resale Properties Always Cost More To Renovate?

Home renovation is not to be undertaken lightly.

When comparing new launches with resales, you've likely heard the saying, "resale properties require more renovation". It is thought that, since you need to hack up the previous work, it adds time and money.. Since the saying is so common, some buyers use it to motivate them to always stick with new launches.

Renovation costs vary from unit to unit, and no study has proven that resale properties will be more expensive to renovate. Moreover, it is impossible to predict the final cost of the renovations. 

Resale properties often have higher renovation quotes since they can end up being more expensive.

Important Cost Factors To Consider Are:

1. The Hacking Of Previous Works

2. Size Of Unit

3. The Current State Of Plumbing And Electrical Work

4. Appliances

1. The Hacking Of Previous Works.

You may find that hacking out the previous bathroom and starting again is the only option.

In many cases, you can mitigate the costs of these renovations by choosing to live with what is already there. It is one of the biggest wastes to hack up rooms that had been renovated just a few years before the unit was purchased. 

Consider resale units with an interior design you like. Adding what's missing in this way ensures the renovation costs are comparable to buying a new unit. You could use an overlay instead of hacking away and replacing an old layer of material.

Having this done prevents the need to re-waterproof surfaces in areas like balconies, kitchens, and bathrooms (you'll need a contractor to figure out the cost since it varies by unit).

2. Size of Unit.

It stands to reason, the larger the unit, the most it will cost to renovate.

It is important to keep in mind that older resale units are typically larger than newer ones. In the 1980s, the average 4-room flat was about 1,130 square feet.

Currently, the average 4-room apartment is about 969 square feet. Renovation costs are more closely correlated with the size of the unit than with its age. Buying a new condo unit isn't just about the difference in size - and the renovation costs associated with cutting up and replacing floors, walls, repainting, etc. over a greater area won't be comparable between a new and an older condo.

When you're buying an older resale unit, keep in mind that the space may be bigger - but that size will work against you on the renovation front. Before you decide to purchase a giant unit from the 1980s, remember that the maximum renovation loan is only $30,000.

3. The Current State Of Plumbing And Electrical Work.

If the plumbing is in good condition, this can save you money.

Several hundred dollars distinguish a new unit from a resale unit without extensive work on plumbing (and this assumes the new unit comes as is with basic fixtures).

There might not be a difference in cost between new and resale renovations if there is no electrical work required, and all light fixtures are in good working condition.

Make sure the property is in great shape before buying it to avoid high resale renovation costs. Make sure the seller fixes any plumbing or electrical issues before you buy the unit (or offer a lower price to compensate). 

4. Appliances

Relocating or replacing aircon will drive up costs.

Relocating the air conditioner is one thing you want to avoid. The wiring and piping need to be rerun; this can cost over $2,000 in some cases (at which point a new system may be more worthwhile).

Though refrigerators are usually replaced anyway, you might check to make sure the resale unit includes a functioning washing machine and dryer.

If all of these things are in good working order, you may not have to spend as much on a resale renovation after all. 

In Summary.

The fact that resale properties always come with a higher renovation cost is not true. Several of the cost differences we've outlined can be avoided. Several of the cost differences we've outlined can be avoided. 

What Is The Most Relaxing Colour To Paint A Bedroom?

What are the best room shades for sleep? Sleep is not just rest, it is likewise just how our body repairs services, revitalizes and re-energizes for the next day. This is why having an excellent area to rest as well as recover in is so important for a healthy life. Our bedrooms are our safe space made to make us feel as in your home and comfortable as possible.

Even, the colours in your room can impact the high quality as well as the amount you sleep. It might seem surprising, but the shades in your bedroom can influence your mood, which consequently impacts your sleep. So prior to you pick a colour to paint your entire room, or buying a brand-new bedding collection, we suggest you take a look at which colours are the most effective for promoting relaxation and also healthy resting behaviours.

What is the Science?

Why is selecting the best colour so essential? Every marketing master recognizes that shades resemble magic. The very same chooses to sleep. Shades can influence your emotions and also your state of mind. For example, some research studies have revealed that checking out the shade red rises the heart rate as well as adrenaline flow. If that happens before bed, you can only imagine exactly how it may make you sleep.

Right here's just how shades influence your habits. Various colours affect your mood, which makes you act in a different way. Remember the colour red? There's a reason bull competitors make use of a red cape. And targets are red. They enhance enthusiasm, also anger, as well as excitement. Various other influences that shades may have are the taste of food, and exactly how warm or cool something really feels. This makes good sense; we even classify them cosy and also awesome shades. If you can comprehend the way shades affect you, you can decorate much more functionally, specifically for rest.

Especially, this is exactly how colours affect sleep. Softened or low-key tones advertise better sleep than even more lively primary ones. Additionally, this isn't simply an old wives tale. These suggestions are data-driven. Showing that the best bedroom colours for rest exceed just viewpoint. A research study of over 2,000 Travelodge hotels aided establish which colours assist and harm rest. It is additionally suggested to use a level finish over shiny. This assists colours appear softer, as well as softer methods sleepier.

Based upon shade psychology, research study, and also the referrals of sleep professionals, below are the very best bedroom colours for rest, in addition to the worst colours to paint your bedroom:

Blue Brings Calm.

Blue is the best colour for sleep. Blue is calming. Calming is sleep. The eyes even have special receptors in the retinas called ganglion cells, which makes the brain specifically responsive to blue. If there is one point you can do right, it's painting your bedroom blue. Without a doubt, this holds the location at the top of our listing for the very best room’s colours for sleep.

Not A Fan of Blue? Here are other great choices:

Yellow Brings Happiness.

Yellow is the second-best colour to choose for sleep. Wake up happy with yellow, sunshine walls.

Green Brings Outdoors Indoors.

Green is an organic colour that reminds us of nature. People sleeping in green bedrooms reported waking up feeling upbeat and positive.

Orange Brings Warmth.

Orange is a good colour because it is warm and happy. It is also said that orange helps with indigestion, which could be keeping you awake at night as well. Variations of orange to consider include terracotta or clay if a bright orange is not for you.

Pink Brings Softness.

This is a great choice for a bedroom, especially if you pick a soft muted pink colour that is more natural and close to a skin tone than a pretty pony. A soft natural pink tone is comforting and typically has soft orange undertones. Feng Shui often suggests using gentle colours that are similar to skin tones because they give us a calm zen-like feeling. We suggest against choosing a hot pink colour as it gets too close to the red family which is aggressive, energetic, and difficult to sleep around.