Applying for Approval

Some types of renovation, such as those outlined in the guidelines for building and sanitary work, require a permit from HDB. You should only commence your renovation after obtaining the permit for these works. If the renovations do not require a permit, you would still need to comply with the set guidelines for the work otherwise they will be considered as unauthorised work.

HDB will require you to discontinue, correct, or remove such unauthorised work and reinstate your flat to its original condition. If the work is allowed to be retained, you will have to pay an administrative fee.

You need to authorise your renovation contractor to submit an electronic renovation application on your behalf. Your contractor is required to attach a copy of the acknowledgement form duly signed by you during the submission of the renovation application. An SMS notification will be sent to you once we receive the submission.

Login to My HDBPage under ‘My Flat > Purchased Flat > Renovation', to view your renovation permit once it has been granted.

Scanning of layout plans, elevations, sections or details of the proposed work may need to be submitted, if your renovations involve the removal or repositioning of fittings, demolition or construction of walls. Use the Purchase of Residential Floor Plan e-Service to purchase floor plans for your flat. Alternatively, you can approach the ‘Sale of Architectural Plan’ counter, at the 3^rd storey atrium of HDB Hub (next to Payment Counter).

Some types of electrical work require a permit from us, such as those outlined in the guidelines for electrical work. 

Your licenced electrical contractor can apply for the permit using the Electrical Loading of Your HDB Block e-Service. You can only start on your electrical work after obtaining the permit. 

Replacement of safety barrier

Some HDB flats have safety barriers (such as railings, lower panel of full or 3/4 height windows, wall facing void). These barriers are installed for the safety of residents and are designed to withstand horizontal loading as prescribed in British Standard (BS) 6399: Part 1 - Loading for buildings.

You are strictly not allowed to remove these barriers unless they are damaged. These are the steps you need to take:

• Before any barrier replacement is carried out, engage a QP* to submit an application to BCA for approval using CORENET. This is a requirement under the Building Control Regulations 
• You must also seek your Town Council's permission to replace external safety railings/ lower fixed panel of full or 3/4 height windows
• HDB will only grant the renovation permit after you have obtained approval from BCA and the Town Council where applicable
• The replacement works can only be carried out by a renovation contractor or BCA Approved window contractor listed in DRC (with at least a Class 2 General Builder's Licence).

For more information on Builder's Licensing, you can call BCA's Contractor Registration at: 1800-342-5222.

*The fees to engage a QP for BCA’s approval using CORENET is about $2,000. You will have to negotiate the fees with the QPs on a private basis. HDB is not privy to this engagement.

Demolition of non-load bearing reinforced concrete (RC) elements (E.g. stiffeners, lintols and hangers etc.)

Engaging a QP to inspect and supervise the demolition works will help to ensure that no load bearing RC structural elements (e.g. columns, beams, slabs and walls) are damaged in demolition process. We will let you and your renovation contractor know about the need to engage a QP for demolition works once we receive your renovation application.

Note:

• The list here of works requiring the engagement of a QP is not exhaustive
• You and your renovation contractor will be informed if your proposed renovation requires the engagement of a QP

You can use the floor plan of your flat given to you in the Sales Brochure during the flat selection.

Otherwise, you will have to buy a copy of the floor plan at $5 through:

• Purchase of Residential Floor Plan e-Service
• HDB Hub, Sale of Architectural Plan Counter (3rd storey atrium, next to the payment counter)
• A self-service kiosk at any HDB Branch

You or your appointed contractor from the Directory of Renovation Contractors (DRC) can check with your Town Council if they provide haulage and debris removal services for renovation of newly completed HDB flats. Do also enquire about the charges imposed for these services.