HDB regulates the types of renovation work that is carried out in HDB flats. Please take a look at our guidelines and conditions on the Do’s and Don’ts of renovation and electrical works before you commence your home renovation.
All renovation works have to be carried out by HDB Registered Renovation Contractors (RRCs).
Certain types of renovation work need a permit from HDB before such work is allowed to be carried out.
However, some renovation work is not allowed to be carried out due to the following reasons:
- Overloading the structure which may affect the structural integrity and safety of the building.
- Affecting the external facade/form of the building or public safety.
- Creating public nuisance, posing fire hazard or encroachment to public area.
- Infringing lease agreement, relevant statutory regulations or requirements, etc.
In addition, you are advised to check for any specific renovation guidelines pertaining to your flat via "
My HDBPage".
Examples of Renovation Work Not Allowed
- Hacking and removal of structural members such as reinforced concrete wall, columns, beams, slabs, staircases within maisonette flats, etc.
- Excessive overloading of the floor slab with a load greater than 150 kg for every metre square of floor area.
- Plastering of ceilings.
- Partitioning with combustible or toxic emission materials (e.g. plywood, plastics, asbestos etc.)
- Raising of floor level exceeding the allowable thickness of 50mm (inclusive of floor tiles) using concrete.
- Extending floor area by covering over void deck areas (e.g. covering over void deck areas within maisonette flats)
- Constructing water tank in bathroom except ready-made fibreglass bathtub.
- Repositioning or enlarging bin chute opening.
- Painting external part of building (e.g. common corridor walls and ceilings)
- Installing awning or other fixtures outside flat.
- Installing casement windows where flat's façade is facing common corridor.
- Laying floor finishes outside entrance door without having recess area or step.
- Replacement of full height windows or 3/4 height windows or bay windows.
- Removal or tampering of safety railings/grilles (internal & external) originally provided by HDB/Developers.
- Removal or tampering of safety railings/grilles (internal & external) installed in the flat and/or at Full Height Windows (including 3/4 height and bay windows located at Utility Room, Space Adding Item) during the Main Upgrading Programme (MUP).
- Partial or total enclosure including installation of external grilles on air-conditioner ledge.
- Partial or total enclosure including installation of external grilles at planter box. No permanent sealing of planter box.
- Installation of overhead grilles (ie. caging up) at interaction balcony.
- Change of use of planter box and air-conditioner ledge.
- Placement of reflective film (exceeding 20% reflectance) over existing window's glass panel.