Do you need a HDB renovation permit to renovate your HDB home in Singapore? We will elaborate more on this page. Other than the HDB renovation permit. We will also share with new homeowners regarding renovation checklist and moving house checklist. This is to smoothen the process of moving into for new homeowners.
HDB Renovation Permit
Well the truth is, you don’t need a HDB renovation permit unless you are doing hacking works. Hacking works are defined by works that require extensive drilling and also breaking down of walls. For example, hacking of floor and wall tiles are considered hacking works. Strangely, shifting of door position also requires a HDB renovation permit. This is so that HDB can look at the exit flow of your house.
HDB Renovation Permit
Well the truth is, you don’t need a HDB renovation permit unless you are doing hacking works. Hacking works are defined by works that require extensive drilling and also breaking down of walls. For example, hacking of floor and wall tiles are considered hacking works. Strangely, shifting of door position also requires a HDB renovation permit. This is so that HDB can look at the exit flow of your house.
These are the following works that requires HDB Renovation Permit:
Replacing floors
Hacking walls
Relocating Doors
Changing Staircases
Replacing Windows
Bathroom Works
Gas Works
Installing Air-conditioners
HDB Renovation Timing
Is there a specific HDB renovation timing that you need to adhere to? By right general renovation works have to be done between 8am to 6pm daily.
Whereas i) Noisy renovation such as demolition of walls, removing wall/floor finishes, cutting of tiles and drilling works, etc. are restricted from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm daily during weekdays. But frankly speaking, many of the renovation works that don’t cause a lot of noise may drag out beyond these timing. As long as you don’t cause disturbance to your neighbors. You should not get a complaint.
HDB Licensed Renovation Contractor
Do you need a HDB licensed renovation contractor to carry out the works?
Theoretically, yes you do. A contractor is supposed to be listed in the directory of renovation contractors before they can carry out the works.
However, this does not prevent a main contractor from getting a sub-contractor that is not listed under the HDB directory of renovation (DRC) works to carry out the works. This is especially muddy. Basically, you just need someone that is listed under DRC so that you can get a permit. And any company that they subcontract to carry out the work is their problem. This system exists so that they will be subjected to the HDB demerit points system. If the main contractor breaks certain renovation rules, they will be subjected to demerit points. This is the same as the driving licence system.
HDB Hacking Permit
What is a hdb hacking permit? In case you are confused by now. When people talk about HDB hacking permits, it is essentially the same as a HDB renovation permit. That is because most of the HDB renovation works that require a HDB renovation permit are hacking related. For example, replacing floors, hacking walls and bathroom works. These works all involve extensive drilling and hacking.
How long is HDB hacking permit?
How long does a hdb hacking permit last? If it requires hacking work, it will typically take 2-3 weeks to get approval. Hence BTO flats usually get approved much faster than resale flat. However, the permit will get approved much faster if no hacking works are done, it may take just 2-3 days to get approved.
Once the hdb hacking permit is approved, it must be completed within 1 -3 months from the date the permit is approved. 1 month for existing blocks and 3 months for newly completed blocks.
HDB Hacking Permit Cost
It will only cost $20 to apply for a hacking permit. Hence, the waiting time to get the hacking permit.
Hacking Wall HDB Price
Basic hacking of the wall in each room cost about $300 – $800. You will have to find licensed contractors to carry out this work. As this work is subjected to approval by HDB.
What are the consequences of not getting a HDB hacking permit?
Basically, HDB has the power of inspecting your house at any point of time. If they were to find works that are not subjected to approval. They have the right to make sure you reinstate those works to the original state. That will be a huge waste of time and money to you.
HDB Renovation Checklist
We have prepared a step by step renovation checklist should you decide to take charge of the renovation process on your own. You may also wish to use this renovation checklist to cross reference with your interior designer. Regardless, just a word of advice from us, too many cooks spoil the broth. You may want to place your faith in the renovation process with your interior designer as they may have a lot more experience than you in the renovation process.
Nevertheless you may wish to download the renovation checklist here:
HDB Moving House Checklist Singapore
Other than the HDB renovation checklist. We also prepare a moving house checklist for those buying resale flats. This is so you don’t miss out on all essential items that you wish to transport over to your new home
HDB Renovation Checklist
We have prepared a step by step renovation checklist should you decide to take charge of the renovation process on your own. You may also wish to use this renovation checklist to cross reference with your interior designer. Regardless, just a word of advice from us, too many cooks spoil the broth. You may want to place your faith in the renovation process with your interior designer as they may have a lot more experience than you in the renovation process.
Nevertheless you may wish to download the renovation checklist here:
HDB Moving House Checklist Singapore
Other than the HDB renovation checklist. We also prepare a moving house checklist for those buying resale flats. This is so you don’t miss out on all essential items that you wish to transport over to your new home
Moving into a new house checklist:
Discard all unwanted items.
Isn’t this the best time to throw away items that you have not seen for years? The rule of thumb is, if you have not used the item for over 2 years. You may consider disposing of them. As there is a very high chance you will not be using them again.
Sort out your most important paper documents first .
This includes your birth certificate, insurance policies, passports and bank documents. It may surprise you, but paper documents are the easiest to lose when you move home.
Decide which high ticket items that you wish to move over to your new home.
This typically involves your fridge, refrigerator, study table/ cabinet. Decide if it is time to get a new one or if it makes more sense to shift these items. You may have to check the cost of transporting each specific item to make a decision.
Pack all of your clothes in a few boxes
This will make it a lot simpler and organised. It will help you keep track of where you keep each piece of clothing so that you can find them when you shift over to your new house.
If you wish to get a consolidated moving house checklist, click on the link below to download it.
Conclusion
Moving into a new home can be a daunting task. Nevertheless, you can find an interior designer to handle the renovation permit for you. If you are moving into a new home, you can also use our moving house checklist to guide you through the process. If you wish to cross reference the renovation works with your ID, you can also download the renovation checklist from us.
If you are moving into a resale HDB flat, do you know that you can recycle the USED AIR-conditioner in your new flat for a high price? Yes we can save the earth and save some money for you at the same time. Kindly WhatsApp us the model number of your Aircon units and we will give you a quote.