Home Improvement Programme (HIP)
The HIP helps you resolve common maintenance problems of ageing flats such as spalling concrete. HIP works are carried out in a systematic and comprehensive way to minimise inconvenience to you.
-
What is the HIP?
Flats built up to 1986 that have not undergone the Main Upgrading Programme are eligible for the HIP. The HIP comprises 3 components – Essential, Optional and Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) Improvements. If your block votes in favour of the HIP, you will enjoy Essential Improvements that are important for public health and safety, and can also opt for Optional and EASE improvements.
Scope of works
There are 3 main components of works under the HIP: the Essential, Optional and Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) Improvements.
Essential improvements
These compulsory improvements are considered necessary for public health, safety, and for technical reasons. They include:
- Repair spalling concrete/ structural cracks
- Replace waste / soil discharge stacks*
- Replace pipe sockets with new clothes drying rack
- Upgrade electrical load
*The pipes will only be changed if they are cast iron/ mixture of cast iron and UPVC/ UPVC if there are leaks and cracks – as stated in brochures.
Optional improvements
You may choose any of the improvements below and pay for only your share of the improvement works carried out in your flat.
- Package to upgrade existing toilet(s)/ bathroom(s)
- New decorative door
- New metal grille gate
- New refuse chute hopper
If you decide to opt out of the optional toilet upgrading, your toilets must pass a water test for leaks to prevent ceiling leaks in the flat below.
Here are examples of an HDB flat before and after the HIP works:
Before
After
Take a look at this video to see how the HIP is carried out, and hear from residents who have benefitted from this programme.
Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) Improvements
To enhance the safety and comfort of seniors living in our flats, we have introduced EASE as an optional improvement. You may choose any of the following items based on your needs:
- Slip-resistant treatment to floor tiles to 2 toilets/ bathrooms
- Grab bars to 2 toilets/ bathrooms
- Ramps to navigate level differences in the flat and at the main entrance, where technically feasible [Ramp at the main entrance will be offered for entrances with single-step ramp, portable ramp or customised ramp for multi-step main entrance, and if technically feasible, e.g. no space constraints or compliance needed with relevant authorities].
You do not need to wait for the HIP to come your way before enjoying EASE. The EASE (Direct Application) is offered to HDB flats in all towns, benefitting elderly residents who wish to have the improvements before the HIP, or whose blocks do not qualify for the HIP.
Find out more about EASE (Direct Application) or view this video for more information.
Construction period
The construction period for a typical precinct comprising 8 to 10 blocks will take about 1.5 to 2 years. Works in each flat will take 10 days or less, depending on the improvements chosen.
Polling requirements
The HIP will only proceed when at least 75% of a block’s eligible Singapore Citizen households have voted in favour of the HIP. Singapore Permanent Resident households are not eligible to poll.
Here is a demo on polling for the HIP. You can also check out the demo on polling for both the HIP and Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) if your block has been selected for the latter.
Precinct working committee
In each HIP precinct, a working committee will be formed to oversee the project. The committee is chaired by the adviser to the grassroots organisation and comprises representatives from the residents, grassroots leaders, HDB officials, and Town Council officials.
Find out more details about the HIP for your precinct.
For more information, you can refer to our HIP information booklet.