1. General Terms and Conditions
2. Technical Terms and Conditions
3. 3-year restriction period on removal of toilets wall and floor tiles provided by HDB
4. Floor Finishes
5. Wall Finishes
6. Sold Recess Area
7. Walls
8. Kitchen
9. Bathroom/Toilet
10. Refuse Chute Hopper
11. Door/Gate
12. False Ceiling
13. Staircase
14. Awning
15. Clothes Drying Hanger
16. Fish Tank
17. Household Shelters (HS)
18. Approved Rented Common Area
19. Others
The general terms and conditions stated herein apply to renovation work carried out in HDB flats. These general terms and conditions are in addition to the technical conditions, which have been set out for governing building work and sanitary work.
When is a Permit Required?
| 1 | Certain types of renovation work (hereinafter referred to as the "Work" and which shall be taken to mean alteration and addition work) to the flat can only be carried out with HDB's prior written approval. Such approval is given in the form of a permit before the commencement of the Work.
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| 2 | Failure to obtain the permit will mean that the Work is unauthorized and HDB shall be entitled to require the owner to reinstate his premises to its original condition.
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| 3 | Examples of the common types of Work which require HDB's approval and a permit are set out in the guidelines prescribed by HDB governing building work and sanitary work in HDB flats.
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| 4 | For special precincts (eg. DBSS flats) with unique designs and special features, flat owners must comply with some additional specific renovation guidelines pertaining to their precincts. Flat owners can view the specific renovation guidelines on the HDB InfoWEB under "My HDBPage".
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| 5 | The flat owner is required to open a Utilities Account (ie. water and electricity) of his new flat with SP Services Ltd before a renovation permit is granted.
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| 6 | For renovation items which do not require a permit, you are required to comply with the guidelines/conditions governing the items as set out in the guidelines for building and sanitary work in HDB flats.
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| 7 | If the work does not comply with the guidelines/conditions stated, it is treated as unauthorised work and HDB has the authorty to ask you to remove and reinstate your premises to its original condition or that of the guidelines/conditions stated.
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| 8 | Where renovation items are not reflected in the renovation guide or where the measurement and technical details of the proposed work deviate from that stated in the renovation guide, flat owners are required to seek HDB prior approval before commencement of works.
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| 9 | The flat owner shall strictly observe and adhere to the terms and conditions, technical conditions and guidelines issued by HDB for such Work.
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| 10 | If the flat owner fails to do so, HDB shall be entitled to revoke the permit granted for the Work, the flat owner shall be required to reinstate his premises to its original condition.
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Time Allowed for Renovations
1. For new blocks, the approved work must be completed within 4 months from the date of the permit.
2. For existing blocks, the approved work must be completed within 1 month from the date of the permit.
3. No Work shall be carried out before 8 am or after 6 pm.
4. Noisy Work such as cutting of tiles, demolition of walls and removing floor/wall finishes are restricted from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm during the weekdays. Such work are not allowed on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays.
5. At any one time, only two of the approved hand-held power tools or their approved equivalents are allowed to be used.
6. Renovation contractors are not allowed to take more than three consecutive days to demolish walls and/or removal of wall/floor finishes.
Payments and Charges
1. The flat owner shall engage his own HDB registered renovation contractor for the approved Work and bear all charges and cost thereof. HDB is not a party to such a private agreement. He shall at all times settle his disputes with the contractor without reference to HDB.
2. The flat owner shall pay for the haulage and debris removal services provided by the Town Council, where applicable. The haulage and debris removal charges are collected by the Town Council or by HDB on behalf of the Town Council.
Supervision
Execution of Work
1. The flat owner is responsible for the renovation work in his flat. He must ensure that the Work carried out by his registered renovation contractor is according to HDB's requirements and in good workmanlike manner.
2. After getting the permit from HDB, the flat owner and his registered renovation contractor must display the Notice of Renovation Work outside the flat until all the renovation work is completed.
3. The flat owner should avoid carrying out noisy Do-It-Yourself (DIY) househould installations during early hours or late at night so as not to cause disturbance to your neighbours.
Haulage of Renovation Materials and Removal of Renovation Debris
1. Where haulage and debris removal services are provided, the renovation debris shall be placed neatly (so as to cause no obstruction) in the common area in front of the flat owner's flat or such part as Town Council shall direct for disposal by the Town Council.
2. Where only the debris removal service is provided, the renovation debris shall be packed in gunny or polythene sacks and deposited at designated sites on the ground level for disposal by the Town Council.
3. The flat owner shall ensure that his registered renovation contractor removes the debris to the dumping ground if the Town Council does not provide the debris removal service.
4. The flat owner or his registered renovation contractor shall not throw the renovation debris down the refuse chute or wash it down the w.c. squat pan or floor trap. If choke occurs, the owner or his contractor shall at his own expense clear the blockage.
5. The flat owner or his registered renovation contractor shall not discharge or allow the discharge of waste water, terrazzo slime or any building debris into the sewage system, onto the staircase and/or the passageway.
Approval and Supervision by Other Authorities
1. Prior approval must be obtained from Power Gas Pte Ltd and SP Services Ltd for any alterations or extensions of the gas service pipes and for electrical installation and alterations respectively.
2. The flat owner shall at all times comply with any law, by-law, rules and regulation governing the Work and any other related matters.
3. HDB and the Town Council reserve the right to control and give directions in the course of the Work.
Indemnity
1. The flat owner shall indemnify and keep HDB indemnified at all times against all claims and proceedings for any damage or destruction of property, injury or death of any person, costs and expenses whether or not due to any act neglect or default and howsoever arising from, in connection with or consequent to the execution of the Work.
2. The flat owner shall further indemnify and keep HDB indemnified at all times against any losses, costs, charges, expenses, and damages which may be incurred or payable by HDB whether or not due to any act neglect or default and due to, arising from or in connection with the execution of the Work.
Variation of Terms and Conditions
1. HDB reserves the right to vary the terms and conditions herein contained as and when it deems fit. Any approval granted shall be subject to the prevailing terms and conditions as varied by HDB from time to time.
2. The flat owner shall observe and comply with such other rules and regulations as HDB and the Town Council may from time to time make in relation to the execution of the Work in HDB flats.
Floor
1. Waterproofing treated pre-packed cement screed or waterproofing membrane must be used in bathroom/toilets areas before laying of new floor tiles. Membrane should be upturned (up to 150 mm) against the walls, kerbs and pipes. For kitchen, the waterproofing membrane is only required around the sanitary stacks for an area of a radius 400mm.
2. Flat owner and registered renovation contractor are advised to conduct a water test to bath/toilet upon completing the replacement of floor finishes.
Wall
Flats with Ferrolite Partition Walls
Some new flats are installed with Ferrolite Partition Wall. This is a more eco-friendly partition wall system which functions as a typical partition wall for the bedrooms. These walls comprise 2 concrete panels with a hollow core and are connected to the ceiling or beam using steel angle plates. Any renovation works that requires removal and hacking of such walls must be carried out by an HDB Registered Renovation Contractor and with HDB’s prior approval.
It is important for flat owners and their contractors to take note of the Dos and Don’ts when carrying out works such as installing shelves, wall cabinets and other fixtures on these partition walls.
When installing shelves, wall cabinets and other fixtures
The Ferrolite Partition Wall can withstand up to a maximum of 50kg per bolt depending on the type of anchor bolts used. Flat owners/Contractors must ensure that appropriate type of anchor bolt is used when installing heavy objects such as wall mounted cupboards and cabinets. The overall length for any bolts used for installation shall not exceed 50mm long. Adequate support must be provided if the loads are heavier than 50kg. Take care not to damage any concealed electrical cables.
The following are some recommended types of anchor bolt:
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| Steel Cavity Anchor | Max 20kg per bolt | |
| M10 Galvanised anchor rod with compatible Mesh sleeves and injection Mortar | Max 50kg per bolt | |
Note:
a. The minimum spacing for bolts installation shall not deviate from the manufacturer’s requirement
b. Method of installation for the fixture should be as stated and recommended in the Manufacturer’s Specifications and Guidelines
Exercise Care during Drilling
When carrying out drilling works, it is important not to drill holes within 200mm vertically below ceiling or beam (Strip A) to avoid damaging the connecting angle plates. Care should also be taken when drilling within the 200mm strip at the middle of the wall (Strip B) to prevent damaging the connecting steel plates. (Please see Figure 1 below)
Figure 1. Front view of Ferrolite Wall
As there is a hollow core in the Ferrolite Partition Wall, it is important not to use excessive force when carrying out drilling works on the partition wall. To prevent damage to the panel on the other side of the panel, the drill penetration depth must be limited to about 22mm. (Please see Figure 2 below)
Figure 2. Cross Sectional View
Without prejudice to Clause 6 of the General Terms and Conditions, the flat owner shall be fully responsible for all risks and injury to any person or damage to structural members or property and shall accept all consequences whatsoever and howsoever arising from the demolition of the wall separating the kitchen and dining/living room.
The demolition of the wall should commence from the top.
Construction of Opening at Party Wall between two Flats
In the event of a written demand by HDB or the transfer by the flat owner of his interests in the flat, the owner shall at his own costs and expense reinstate the party wall between the flats to the original position within one month from the date of the letter of demand or before the completion of the transfer of the flat, whichever is earlier.
Window
From 1 Oct 2004, only BCA approved window contractors are allowed to carry out installation/replacement of windows in HDB flats. Flat owners and the approved window contractors are to comply with the minimum safety requirements when carrying out the installation/replacement of windows in HDB flats. Please view the details of the
minimum safety requirements for installation/replacement of windows in HDB flats.
Window Grilles on Recessed Window Ledges
The flat owner is fully responsible for:
1. The cleanliness of the space between the window grilles and the sliding window.
2. Proper installation, stability and maintenance of the window grilles.
Refuse Chute
Alteration to Refuse Chute Hopper
Without prejudice to Clause 6 of the General Terms and Conditions, if leakage through walls occurs after the modification, the flat owner shall rectify the defect at his own expense.
The toilets in your flat come with wall and floor tiles. As the toilets are designed to be wet areas, a waterproofing membrane has been laid on the cement screed before laying the floor tiles. This is to prevent water from leaking through the ceiling of the flat immediately below your flat.
Hence, flat owners are not allowed to replace the toilet floor and wall tiles provided by HDB for a period of 3 years. Flat owners may however lay new toilet floor finishes over the existing floor finishes using adhesives.
The 3-year restriction period will commence from the completion date of the block to allow flat owners greater flexibility to blend in their renovation works with the interior decor of their flats.
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| Construction of cement mortar kerb not exceeding 100mm height and 100mm width in bath/toilet | No | Not applicable. |
| Enlargement of bathroom/toilets after first 3 years upon completion of block | Yes | Maximum width and area of extension
- Must not be more than 600 mm and 0.6 m2 respectively, and
- Must be used only as a "dry area"
- For example, for installation of wash basin or shelves
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| Construction of 50mm thick concrete vanity top supported by 63mm thick hollow block walls with 50mm cement mortar base with tile finishes or fibreglass vanity top | No | Thickness of vanity top and cement mortar base should not exceed 50mm thick each (inclusive of finishes)
Concrete shelf is not allowed |
| Topping up of bath/toilet floor | No | Existing floor finishes including cement screed must be removed
Waterproofing membrane must be applied to the bare concrete surface before commencing with the topping up
Extruded polystyrene foam (EPF) shall be used to top up the bath/toilet floor
- The topping up detail of bath/toilet floor is to follow the sketch Drawing 8 according to A & A guidelines
Total thickness of floor finishes and screed on top of the EPF must not exceed 50mm
The resultant floor level after topping up must not be higher than the floor level outside the bath/toilet |
| Replacement of bathroom/toilet vent | Yes | For glass louvrers:
- Minimum glass thickness not less than 6mm
- Wire-glass type
For glass louvrers’ safety device:
- Aluminium U-channel cleat at every glass louvre
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| Laying of vinyl tile/carpet/linoleum | No | Not applicable. |
| Replacement of ceramic, homogeneous, terrazzo, marble, parquet/timber flooring or other tiles | Yes | Total thickness of tiles and screed must not exceed 50 mm
To use the prepack mortar/waterproof screed and waterproofing membrane for wet areas such as bathroom/toilets before laying of new floor tiles
- Membrane should be upturned (up to 150 mm) against the walls, kerbs and pipes
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Laying of floor finishes on bare (rough) concrete surface provided by HDB.
Please note that the replacement of floor finishes still needs prior approval from HDB as such removal of tiles involving noisy hacking work. | No | Floor finishes must be laid on bare (rough) concrete surface provided by HDB
- There must not have an existing cement screed originally provided by HDB
Total thickness of floor finishes and screed must not exceed 50mm |
| Laying/replacement of parquet/timber flooring (also known as laminated or bamboo flooring) | No | For Flats with Floor Finishes
The laying of flooring over existing finishes does not involve the following:
Raising the floor as a platform
Usage of cement screed
Hacking/removal of existing floor finishes
For Flats without Floor Finishes
The maximum thickness inclusive of cement screed must not exceed 50mm. |
| Removal of existing toilet floor tiles after first three years from the date of completion of the block. | Yes | Not applicable. |
| Laying of tiles over existing floor tiles using adhesive only | No | The lessee is responsible for the stability and safety of the proposed work
The lessee is responsible to ensure that there is only 1 layer of existing floor finishes including cement screed (i.e. the existing layer of floor tiles is not the second layer) before proceeding to lay the additional layer of floor tiles
The thickness of the floor tiles inclusive of the adhesive must not exceed 13mm |
| Laying of floor tiles to risers and treads of steps at recess entrance and internal surface of parapet of the steps | No | Existing risers and tread finishes or cement screed must be removed
Total thickness of tread finishes including cement screed must not exceed 50 mm
Total thickness of riser finishes including cement screed must not exceed 25 mm
No tampering of existing structures is allowed |
| Installation of hardwood platform on floor | No | Minimum height clearance :
- 2.6 metres to the underside of upper floor slab
- 2.4 metres to the underside of false ceiling
The void between timber joists beneath platform must not be sealed with cement/other materials
No storage is allowed between the platforms
The side of the platform must be sealed
Platform is not allowed along fire escape route
Maintain a minimum parapet height of 1000mm measured from finished level |
| Topping of kitchen floor to level with living room using extruded polystyrene foam (EPF) | No | The existing floor screed and finishes are to be completely removed before commencing the proposed work
Maximum thickness of floor finish inclusive of screed and tiles must not exceed 50 mm
If the drop between the kitchen and living room floor level is more than 50 mm:
- Suitable thickness of EPF shall be used such that the floor finish of not more than 50 mm laid over the EPF is maintained (see sketch Drawing 1)
Minimum parapet height should be 1000 mm.
Minimum clearance height of 2.6 m measured from finished floor level to underside of ceiling |
| Topping up of private balcony floor to level with living room floor using extruded polystyrene foam (EPF) | No | Maintain a minimum balcony parapet height of 1000 mm measured from finished level
The existing floor screed and finishes are to be completely removed before commencing the proposed work
Maximum thickness of floor finish inclusive of screed and tiles must not exceed 50 mm
If the drop between the private balcony and living room floor level is more than 50 mm:
- Suitable thickness of EPF shall be used such that the floor finish of not more than 50 mm laid over the EPF is maintained
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| Wall/scenic paper, santex/cement and sand/gypsum plastering, Textured Paint Finishing, spray painting | No | Not applicable. |
| Solid timber/minor wall panel | No | Power-driven nails or screws used must not exceed 6 mm in diameter and 40 mm in penetration depth |
| Laying of wall tiles over existing wall tiles using tiles adhesive method | No | Lessee is responsible for the stability and safety of the work
No tampering of existing structures and wall finishes
The thickness of the wall tiles used must not exceed 13 mm
Laying of third layer tiles is not allowed |
| Replacement of internal wall tiling up to ceiling level | Yes | Not applicable. |
Laying of wall tiles on bare concrete surface provided by HDB up to ceiling height
Please note that replacement of wall tiles will still need prior approval from HDB as such removal of tiles involving noisy hacking work. | No | No tampering of existing structures is allowed
Surface of reinforced concrete wall is not allowed to be hacked to form key for tiling
- Spatterdash or other equivalent shall be used to form key for tiling
Total thickness of the wall finishes including cement screed must not exceed 25 mm |
| Replacement of existing toilet wall tiles after first three years | Yes | Removal of toilet wall tiles is not allowed during first 3 years upon completion of block |
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| Laying of floor finishes at sold recess area | No | Total thickness of floor finishes and screed must not exceed 50mm
The surface of reinforced concrete member is not allowed to be hacked to form key for tiling
- Spatterdash or other equivalent shall be used to form key for tiling
Total thickness of wall finish is not to exceed 25mm |
| Laying of wall finishes at sold recess area | No |
| All other renovation items within sold recess area (for example, installation/replacement of grille/gate/door/fixed awning/roof/aluminium windows, topping up of floor with polystyrene foam and demolition/erection of non-load bearing walls, etc.) | Yes | Not applicable. |
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| Erection of additional one layer of 63 mm thick hollow block wall behind existing parapet/railing | No | The height of the hollow block wall should not exceed the height of existing parapet
The thickness of hollow blocks used should not exceed 63mm (see sketch Drawing 2) |
| Erection of 63 mm thick hollow block wall | No | Adequate natural lighting and ventilation must be provided if there is creation of habitable room
Fire escape route should be direct (for example, from bedroom door to main exit door) and should not pass through another room
RC lintol shall be provided to support the hollow block across any opening in wall, if any (for example, window or door opening)
Only one layer of 63 mm hollow block or 80 mm thick glass block is allowed to be erected |
| Erection of 80mm thick glass block wall | No |
| Erection of gypsum partition | No | Adequate natural lighting and ventilation must be provided if there is creation of habitable room
Fire escape route should be direct (for example, from bedroom door to main exit door) and should not pass through another room
The penetration of power-driven nails or screws, if any, into existing RC structures must not exceed 40 mm |
| Construction of arches and/or rounded corners to existing opening | Yes | Not applicable. |
| Demolition of non-load bearing reinforced concrete (RC) elements such as stiffeners, lintols and hangers etc. | Yes | Flat owner needs to engage a Professional Engineer (PE) for Civil or Structural works to inspect and supervise the demolition works
- This is to ensure that none of the load bearing reinforced concrete (RC) structural elements (for example, columns, beams, slabs and walls) are tampered or damaged in the course of the demolition process
The PE is also required to ensure proper repair of the affected RC structural elements resulting from the effect of demolition
Any structural defects arising from the demolition work shall be rectified to the satisfaction of HDB |
| Demolition/alteration of internal non-structural lightweight concrete/hollow block/brick walls | Yes | Not applicable. |
| Demolition of wall separating kitchen and dining/living room | Yes |
| Demolition/relocation of storeroom with non-structural walls | Yes |
| Construction of opening in non-structural walls and/or at party wall between two flats | Yes |
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| Extension of kitchen into the service balcony areas without the removal of walls | No | Floor finishes in all extended areas must be treated with waterproofing compound
All services within extended areas should not be tampered with
Construction of cooking stove and/or cooking are not allowed in the original service balcony area
Installation of exhaust fan is not allowed at the service balcony opening
Only one layer of 63 mm hollow block or 80 mm thick glass block is allowed to be erected for the extension (see sketch Drawing 3) |
| Construction of cabinet cement mortar base or other light-weight material at kitchen/service balcony not exceeding 50 mm thick inclusive of finishes | No | Thickness of cement mortar base should not exceed 50 mm thick each (inclusive of finishes) |
| Construction of 50 mm thick concrete dapoh slab/vanity top supported by 63 mm thick hollow block walls with 50 mm cement mortar base inclusive of tile finishes | No | Thickness of dapoh slab/vanity top and cement mortar base should not exceed 50 mm thick each (inclusive of finishes)
Concrete shelf is not allowed |
| Tiling up of existing dapoh slabs | No | Not applicable. |
| Installation of built-in cupboard/cabinet | No |
| Construction of 63 mm thick hollow block walls with tile finishes as supports for sink/basin with 50 mm cement mortar base inclusive of tile finishes | No | Thickness of cement mortar base should not exceed 50 mm thick each (inclusive of finishes) |
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| Reducing/lowering of refuse chute hopper size within the existing openings | No | Work to be carried out within the original refuse chute opening
A layer of red brick/hollow block or any other lighter materials are to be used to reduce the hopper size
- The maximum thickness of the red brick/hollow block used must not exceed 100mm
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| Painting main door (external)/metal grille gate in colour of lessee's choice | No | Not applicable. |
| Replacement of main entrance metal gates | No | No change to the existing leaves, size and shape of the gate. |
| Installation/replacement of main entrance gate to two-leaf swing gate of different dimension | No | Units situated along the common corridor:
- There must be a minimum clearance of 1 metre measured from the gates to the corridor parapet wall (when the gates open perpendicularly to the corridor parapet wall)
Units situated adjacent to the staircase:
- There must be a minimum clearance equivalent to the width of the staircase measured from the edge of the gate (when it opens at all angles) to the staircase railing
Units situated at corner end:
- The gate should not hit the neighbour's louvre windows
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| Installation/replacement of main entrance gate to single-leaf swing gate | No |
| Installation of arch-shaped main entrance swing gate | No |
| Replacement of main entrance door and/or frame along fire escape route | Yes | Door openings into passageways (such as staircases, lift lobbies) that serve as a mean of escape in case of fire.
The new door/frame must be half hour fire rated solid door/frame with door closer (fire door/frame must have PSB label on the door/frame) |
| Replacement of main entrance non-fire-rated door and/or frame | No | Not applicable. |
| Replacement of existing internal doors with ornamental timber/plastic doors | No |
| Replacement of door frames at all location for prefabricated flats | No | The reinforced concrete wall is not allowed to be hacked or tampered with
Existing door frame should be removed by torch cutting or cutter
Upon removal of the door frames, a layer of waterproofing membrane must be applied to the affected area
The new door frame should be within the original door opening provided |
| Repositioning of internal door entrances | Yes | Not allowed if new entrance is through reinforced concrete walls. |
| Replacement of internal door frame | No | Not applicable. |
| Installation of sliding glass door/PVC folding doors to bath/w.c. and kitchen openings without removal of reinforced concrete lintol/hanger (if any) | No |
| Removal of sliding/swing doors without removal of reinforced concrete lintol/hanger (if any) | No |
| Replacement of study room sliding doors with swing doors | No |
| Replacement of study room sliding doors with 63mm thick hollow blocks | No |
| Replacement of study room sliding doors with 80mm thick glass blocks | No |
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| Installation of cornices and pelmet | No | Minimum clearance height of pelmet must be at least 2.1 m |
| Installation of false ceiling in conventional flat | No | Minimum height clearance of 2.4 metres measured from finished floor level to underside of ceiling
False ceiling to be of non-combustible materials. Asbestos material should not be used
Power-driven nails of 6mm diameter and not exceeding 40mm in penetration depth length are to be used for fixing of false ceiling to the underside of reinforced concrete slab
For installation at topmost floor with pitched roof only:
The proposed work should make use of original existing support
Proposed new connection, if any, is not allowed to be connected onto existing purlins which is not designed for the proposed work |
| Installation of decorative centre panel in conventional flat | No |
| Installation of false ceiling in flat at topmost floor with pitched roof | No |
| Installation of false ceiling in prefabricated flat | No |
| Installation of false ceiling in kitchen | No | Minimum height clearance of 2.4 metres measured from finished floor level to underside of ceiling
False ceiling to be of non-combustible materials. Asbestos material should not be used
Power-driven nails of 6mm diameter and not exceeding 40mm in penetration depth length are to be used for fixing of false ceiling to the underside of reinforced concrete slab |
Replacement of existing false ceiling board originally provided by HDB with/without changing the existing joists
(applicable for horizontal false ceiling only) | No | Minimum height clearance of 2.4 metres measured from finished floor level to underside of ceiling
False ceiling to be of non-combustible materials. Asbestos material should not be used
For topmost floor with pitched roof only
- The proposed work should make use of original existing structural support
- Proposed new joists, if any, is not allowed to be connected onto existing purlins which are not designed for the proposed work
The layout, size and the support system of the new joists must be the same as the existing joists
Power-driven nails of 6mm diameter and not exceeding 40mm in penetration depth length are to be used for fixing of false ceiling to the underside of reinforced concrete slab |
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| Replacement of existing staircase balustrades/handrails in maisonette flats with handrails of different design | No | Not applicable. |
| Erection of 63 mm hollow block/80 mm glass block wall on internal staircase of maisonette unit | No | The height of the wall should be same as original height of handrail
Reinforced with expanded metal brickwork reinforcement at every 600 mm horizontally for hollow block wall
Existing effective width of staircase must be maintained
The thickness of hollow/glass blocks used should not exceed 63 mm and 80 mm respectively
There should be no increase in the gross floor area of the upper storey
The clear width of the void between bedroom and internal staircase must not exceed 350 mm (see sketch Drawing 4)
The penetration of expansion bolts into existing reinforced concrete structures must not exceed 50 mm |
| Covering up of slits void to internal staircase of maisonette to be used for decorative purpose only | No |
The table below has guidelines for the installation of awnings.
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| Installation of retractable canvas awning up to single storey height within private balcony of double storey maisonette | No |
Awning is to be fixed at the upper floor beam structure (fixing onto refuse chute wall is not allowed)
The retractable awning should not protrude beyond the private balcony
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| Installation of retractable canvas awning up to single storey height within interaction balcony | No |
The retractable awning should not protrude beyond the interaction balcony
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| Installation of internal metal roller shutter/blind at window or single storey balcony opening | No |
Installation must not be fixed onto refuse chute wall
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| Installation of roller shutter at double storey balcony | No |
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| Installation of clothes drying hanger on ceiling in the kitchen | No | Power-driven nails of 6mm diameter and not exceeding 40mm in penetration depth are to be used. |
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| Normal Fish tank supported on a four-legged rack or cabinet of particular sizes | No | The maximum weight of the total number of fish tanks (inclusive of water, sand and accessories) supported on a four-legged rack or cabinet must not exceed 600 kg per room. |
Larger fish tank supported on a four legged rack or cabinet where the total weight of the fish tanks (inclusive of water, sand and accessories) exceeds 600kg
For example, a two-tier fish tank measuring 4'0" x 18" x 18" (1.2m x 0.5m x 0.5m), or larger | Yes | Flat owner must submit an application to the HDB Branch Office managing their flat, stating the size, type, weight and location of the fish tank (see sample copy)
Alternatively, flat owner can submit the application via email, to the HDB Branch Office managing their flat.
The application is subject to HDB's evaluation an approval. |
| Fish tank of normal breeding aquarium resting directly on the floor of size not bigger than 2m (6.5ft) length x 1m (3.2ft) width and the depth of water must not exceed 0.5m (1.6ft) | No | Lightweight fibreglass material should be used for the tank
The tank must be placed beside an existing wall supported on an existing beam below
- It must have an overflow system to ensure that the water depth does not exceed 0.50m (1.6ft) (see sketch drawing)
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| Fish tank of large-breeding aquarium resting directly on the floor of size exceeding 2m in length, 1m in width and 0.5m in depth | Yes | Flat owner is to submit an application to the HDB Branch Office managing their flat, stating the size, type, weight and location of the fish tank (see sample copy)
Alternatively, flat owner can submit the application, via email, to the HDB Branch Office managing their flat.
The application is subject to HDB's evaluation and approval. |
Size and Weight Specifications
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| 2'0"X12"X15" (0.6mX0.3mX0.4m) | 72 kg |
| 2'6"X18"X18" (0.8mX0.5mX0.5m) | 200 kg |
| 3'0"X18"X18" (1.0mX0.5mX0.5m) | 250 kg |
| 3'6"X18"X18" (1.1mX0.5mX0.5m) | 275 kg |
| 4'0"X18"X18" (1.2mX0.5mX0.5m) | 300 kg |
General
The store/pantry in your HDB flat is designed and constructed to serve also as a civil defence shelter in times of emergency. They are specially designed and well-prepared to protect you and your loved ones in an emergency. The store/pantry has strengthened walls, floor and ceiling and a steel door.
Like the other structural components of the flat, the following cannot be hacked or drilled during any renovation works:
- Reinforced walls
- Reinforced floor slab
- Ceiling,
- Steel door
Certain finishes and fixtures are not permitted as they are not easily removable before an emergency. These may instead become hazards when you have to occupy the shelter during an emergency. Lighting, power point, telephone point and MATV outlet are also provided within the shelter. These are provided for you to communicate with the outside world.
Guidelines for Renovation Work in HDB Household Shelters (HS) Set Out By Singapore Civil Defence Force
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| Laying of floor tiles with cement mortar in household shelter | No | Tiles shall be bonded to the floor with wet cement mortar
Total thickness of floor finishes and screed must not exceed 50 mm
Laying of tiles using adhesive is not allowed
Laying of 2nd layer of tiles is not allowed |
| Laying of vinyl or linoleum flooring | No | Not applicable. |
| Laying of maximum 100 mm floor skirting tiles with cement mortar in household shelter | No | Skirting tiles shall be bonded to concrete surface with wet cement mortar
Laying of tiles using adhesive is not allowed
Laying of 2nd layer of tiles is not allowed |
| Applying splatterdash or equivalent to the external face of HS wall only to provide rough surface for feature wall panels or wall tiles installation | No | Not applicable. |
| Painting of walls, ceiling or door | No | In the case of HS door, owners shall not cover or paint over the HS door notice, locking bolts or door seal
The old paint coat on door and door frame is to be removed prior to repainting to avoid an increase in paint thickness which will result in difficulties when closing and opening of the door
The new paint coat must dry up completely before closing the door, as wet or damp paint will cause the door/rubber gasket to stick onto the door frame resulting in difficulty in opening the door |
| Painting on only the exterior face of the 6mm fragmentation stainless steel plate of the ventilation sleeve | No | Not applicable. |
| Fixing of removable screws with non-metallic inserts not exceeding 50mm deep for fixtures and equipment (for example, pictures, posters, cabinets, shelves, wall fan, ceiling lightings etc.) | No | Such fixtures that are installed inside the HS will have to be removed by the owners within 48 hours upon notification
There is no restriction to the diameter of the non-metallic insert as long as it does not exceed 50 mm in length
It is the owner's responsibility to ensure that the strength of the insert is adequately provided for the intended purpose |
| Removal of the steel ventilation plate cover in the household shelter | No | Steel plate (after removal) must be secured inside the shelter on one of the walls using maximum 50 mm long removable screws in non-metallic inserts
After removal of the steel plate, the bolts and nuts must be installed back to the original position in its fully closed/locked positions
Up to 75% of the clear ventilation opening areas are allowed to be covered by removable aesthetics or architectural finishes or fixtures |
| Where false ceilings, which are provided on the exterior of the HS, are to be installed at a level below the ventilation sleeves, there shall be one access panel of a minimum size of 600 mm x 600 mm to be provided directly below each ventilation sleeve | No | Not applicable. |
| Power driven nails are allowed only on external face of the HS walls to facilitate flexibility in mounting of peacetime features/fixtures by owners | No |
Types of Work Not Permitted in HS
The following are not permitted in HDB flats:
- Laying of wall tiles or spray of rock tone finish, cement sand finish and gypsum plastering on the internal faces of HS walls including ceiling
- Laying of floor tiles using adhesive materials
- Laying of 2nd layer of tiles on floor or skirting tiles
- Installation of cornices within the HS
- Installation works with fixings using power driven nails into the internal HS walls
- Tampering with, removing or covering up of the HS door notice. The HS door notice provides important information to the occupants on the proper use of the HS
- Indiscriminate hacking and drilling of the HS walls, floor slabs and ceiling slabs, other than drilling into HS walls and ceiling slabs to affix removable screws on inserts, provided the depth of the insert shall not exceed 50 mm
- Hacking to both internal and external face of the household shelter walls to form key for tiling
- Hacking or indiscriminate drilling on external face of HS wall for mounting of feature wall panels or wall tiles installation
- Modifying, changing, removing or tampering of HS door
- Modifying, altering or tampering with any part of the ventilation openings, plates, and mounting devices such as bolts and nuts
- Painting to the interior face of the 6mm fragmentation stainless steel plate of the ventilation sleeve, ventilation sleeve, "O" ring rubber gasket and four or eight numbers of stainless steel bolts, which hold the steel plate to the sleeve
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| Installation of grille gate at the entrance of the common area | No | Grille gate with one-way locking device opening outward without use of a key |
| Installation of metal grille panel | No | Metal grille panel must not be more than 1 metre wide on the parapet wall adjacent to the entrance gate for security purpose |
| Construction of cement mortar kerb at threshold of entrance gate | No | Cement mortar kerb not exceeding 100mm in height and 100mm in width |
| Rescreeding of floor provided free flow of water to existing scupper drain or waste water outlet is not obstructed | No | Existing floor finishes including cement screed must be removed
Total thickness of new floor finishes (if any) and cement screed must not exceed 50 mm |
| Laying of tiles at corridor walls and floor excluding scupper drain | No | Existing floor finishes including cement screed must be removed
Total thickness of new floor finishes and cement screed must not exceed 50mm
Total thickness of wall finishes including cement screed must not exceed 25mm
Surface of reinforced concrete floor or wall is not allowed to be hacked to form key for tiling
Spatterdash or other equivalent shall be used to form key for tiling |
| Re-siting refuse chute stopcock outside the rented common area | No | Existing reinforced concrete structure is not allowed to be tampered with
The Lessee is responsible for the stability and safety of the proposed work
Prior approval must be obtained from Town Council |
| Installation of false ceilings at rented common area | No | Minimum height clearance of 2.4 metres measured from finished floor level to underside of ceiling
False ceiling to be of non-combustible materials
- Asbestos material should not be used
Use power-driven nails of 6mm diameter and not exceeding 40mm in penetration depth length for fixing false ceiling to the underside of reinforced concrete slab |
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| Conversion of storeroom to prayer room provided there is no addition and alteration work | No | Not applicable. |
| Installation of safe not exceeding 150 kg | No |