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<table>
 <tbody>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Types of Building Work
 </td>
 <td>
 Permit Required?
 </td>
 <td>
 Subject to the Following Guidelines/ Conditions
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Laying of vinyl finishes/ carpet/ linoleum
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 Not applicable
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Replacement of floor finishes:
 <ul>
 <li>Ceramic</li>
 <li>Homogeneous</li>
 <li>Terrazzo</li>
 <li>Marble</li>
 <li>Parquet/ timber</li>
 <li>Other tiles</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 <td>
 Yes
 </td>
 <td>
 <ul>
 <li>Total thickness of floor finishes and screed must not exceed 50mm</li>
 <li>Use the pre-packed waterproofing screed and waterproofing membrane in bathroom/ toilets before laying new floor finishes. Membrane should be upturned (minimum 150mm) against the walls and kerbs</li>
 <li>Use pre-packed waterproofing screed for kitchen and open balcony before laying new floor finishes. The waterproofing membrane with upturn (minimum 150mm) is required only around the sanitary stacks for an area of a radius 400mm</li>
 <li>Use UPVC floor trap grating with long collar at the floor traps</li>
 <li>Pre-packed screed must be used for 'dry areas'</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Laying of floor finishes on bare (rough) concrete surface provided by HDB
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 <ul>
 <li>Floor finishes must be laid on bare (rough) concrete surface provided by HDB. The original cement screed provided must not be left bare</li>
 <li>Total thickness of floor finishes and screed must not exceed 50mm</li>
 <li>Pre-packed screed must be used for 'dry areas'</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Laying/ replacement of parquet/ timber flooring (also known as laminated or bamboo flooring)
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 For flats with existing floor finishes 
 The laying of flooring over existing finishes should not involve the following:
 <ul>
 <li>Raising the floor as a platform</li>
 <li>Usage of cement screed</li>
 <li>Hacking/ removal of existing floor finishes</li>
 </ul>
 For Flats without existing floor finishes
 <ul>
 <li>The total thickness of floor finishes and screed must not exceed 50mm</li>
 <li>Pre-packed screed must be used for 'dry areas'</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Replacement of existing bathroom/ toilet floor finishes after first 3 years from the date of completion of the block.
 </td>
 <td>
 Yes
 </td>
 <td>
 <ul>
 <li>Total thickness of finishes and screed must not exceed 50mm</li>
 <li>Use pre-packed waterproofing screed and waterproofing membrane before laying new floor finishes</li>
 <li>Membrane should be upturned (minimum 150mm) against the walls, kerbs and pipes</li>
 <li>Use UPVC floor trap grating with long collar at the floor traps</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Laying of floor finishes over existing floor finishes using adhesive only
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 <ul>
 <li>There should be only 1 layer of existing floor finishes including cement screed before proceeding to lay the additional layer of floor finishes</li>
 <li>Thickness of the floor finishes inclusive of the adhesive must not exceed 13mm</li>
 <li>No tampering of the floor trap is allowed</li>
 <li>Work should not result in backflow or lateral seepage into the bedroom</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Installation of hardwood platform on floor
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 <ul>
 <li>Recommended room height is minimally 2.4m</li>
 <li>The void between timber joists beneath platform must not be sealed with cement/ other materials</li>
 <li>No storage is allowed in the void within the platform and floor</li>
 <li>The side of the platform must be sealed</li>
 <li>To maintain a minimum 1m safety barrier height from top of platform to window sill/ parapet</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Topping up of flooring using light weight screed/ block at balcony/ kitchen/ bathroom/ toilet
 </td>
 <td>
 Yes
 </td>
 <td>
 <ul>
 <li>The material used for the in-filled must be non-combustible</li>
 <li>Existing floor finish including cement screed must be removed</li>
 <li>Overall loading onto existing floor should not exceed 120kg/m2 (i.e. proposed in-filled material and floor finishes)</li>
 <li>Maintain a minimum parapet/ window sill height of 1000mm measured from finished floor level (if applicable)</li>
 <li>Use UPVC floor trap grating with long collar at floor traps</li>
 <li>For kitchen and open balcony, pre-packed waterproofing screed must be used before laying of new floor finishes. The water proofing membrane with a minimum upturn of 150mm from finished floor level is required only around the sanitary stacks for an area of 400mm radius</li>
 <li>For bathroom/ toilet, pre-packed waterproofing screed and water proofing membrane must be used before laying of new floor finishes. Membrane should be upturned (minimum 150mm from finished floor level) against the walls, kerbs, and pipes</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>

Floor finishes

<table>
 <tbody>
 <tr>
 <td>
 <div>Types of Building Work</div>
 </td>
 <td>
 <div>Permit Required?</div>
 </td>
 <td>
 <div>Subject to the Following Guidelines/ Conditions</div>
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 <div>Erection of 63mm thick hollow block wall</div>
 </td>
 <td>
 <div>No</div>
 </td>
 <td rowspan="2">
 <ul>
 <li>Adequate natural lighting and ventilation must be provided if creating a room for habitation</li>
 <li>Fire escape route should be direct (e.g. from bedroom door to main exit door) and should not pass through another room</li>
 <li>Reinforced concrete (RC) lintol should be provided to support the hollow block across any opening in wall (e.g. window or door opening)</li>
 <li>Only one layer of 63mm hollow block or 80mm thick glass block can be erected</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 <div>Erection of 80mm thick glass block wall</div>
 </td>
 <td>
 <div>No</div>
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 <div>Erection of gypsum partition</div>
 </td>
 <td>
 <div>No</div>
 </td>
 <td>
 <ul>
 <li>Adequate natural lighting and ventilation must be provided if creating a room for habitation</li>
 <li>Fire escape route should be direct (e.g. from bedroom door to main exit door) and should not pass through another room</li>
 <li>All fasteners/ connectors (e.g. screws, nails, bolts, etc.) used must not exceed 6mm in diameter and 40mm in penetration depth</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 <div>Demolition of non-load bearing reinforced concrete (RC) elements, such as partition walls, party walls, stiffeners, lintols or hangers </div>
 </td>
 <td>
 <div>Yes</div>
 </td>
 <td>
 <ul>
 <li>All demolition or alteration of walls can only be carried out after obtaining HDB&rsquo;s approval</li>
 <li>All existing reinforced concrete (RC) structures shall not be tampered with in the course of the works</li>
 <li>A <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www1.peb.gov.sg" target="_blank">Professional Engineer (PE)</a> for Civil or Structural works is required to supervise the demolition works</li>
 <li>The PE is required to ensure proper repair of the affected RC structural elements due to the demolition works</li>
 <li>A copy of the approved plan and the conditions of approval are to be given to the engaged PE for supervision of demolition works</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Demolition (partial or complete) or alteration of internal non-structure lightweight partition walls, such as hollow block/ brick walls, Drywalls or Ferrolite walls</td>
 <td>Yes</td>
 <td>
 <ul>
 <li>All demolition or alteration of walls can only be carried out after obtaining HDB&rsquo;s approval</li>
 <li>All existing reinforced concrete (RC) structures shall not be tampered with during the course of the works</li>
 <li>Demolition of internal block/brick walls, Drywalls or Ferrolite walls is allowable up to the underside of the RC beam/ slab only</li>
 <li>Demolition of block/ brick wall should commence from top down</li>
 <li>Demolition of lightweight partition Drywalls or Ferrolite walls should in full, from joint to joint</li>
 <li>In the event that steel bars are discovered during the course of the demolition, the works has to be stopped and HDB has to be informed immediately</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 <div>Creation of opening in non-structural wall between two (2) flats</div>
 </td>
 <td>
 <div>Yes</div>
 </td>
 <td rowspan="1">
 <ul>
 <li>All demolition or alteration of walls can only be carried out after obtaining HDB&rsquo;s approval</li>
 <li>All existing reinforced concrete (RC) structures shall not be tampered with during the course of the works</li>
 <li>Demolition of wall is allowable up to the underside of the RC beam/slab only</li>
 <li>Demolition of wall should commence from top down</li>
 <li>In the event that steel bar are discovered during the course of the demolition works, the works has to be stopped and HDB has to be informed immediately</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>

Walls

<table>
 <tbody>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Types of Building Work
 </td>
 <td>
 Permit Required?
 </td>
 <td>
 Subject to the Following Guidelines/ Conditions
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Wallpaper, cement and sand plastering, gypsum plastering, rock-stone finish, spray painting
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 Pre-packed material must be used for plastering
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Solid timber/ mirror wall panel
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 All fasteners/ connectors (e.g. screws, nails, bolts, etc.) used must not exceed 6mm in diameter and 40mm in penetration depth
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Laying of wall finishes over existing wall finishes using adhesives
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 <ul>
 <li>No tampering of existing structures and wall finishes</li>
 <li>The thickness of the wall finishes used must not exceed 13mm</li>
 <li>No laying of third layer wall finishes </li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Replacement of internal wall finishes up to ceiling level
 </td>
 <td>
 Yes
 </td>
 <td>
 <ul>
 <li>No tampering of existing structures </li>
 <li>Total thickness of the wall finishes, including plaster, must not exceed 25mm</li>
 <li>Pre-packed material must be used for plastering</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Laying of wall finishes on bare concrete surface provided by HDB up to ceiling height
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 <ul>
 <li>No tampering of existing structures </li>
 <li>Surface of RC wall is not allowed to be hacked to form key for tiling</li>
 <li>Spatterdash or other equivalent shall be used to form key for tiling</li>
 <li>Total thickness of the wall finishes including plaster must not exceed 25mm</li>
 <li>Pre-packed material must be used for plastering</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Replacement of existing bathroom/ toilet wall finishes after first 3 years from the date of completion of the block
 </td>
 <td>
 Yes
 </td>
 <td>
 <ul>
 <li>No tampering of existing structures </li>
 <li>Total thickness of the wall finishes including plaster must not exceed 25mm</li>
 <li>Pre-packed material must be used for plastering</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>

Wall finishes

<table>
 <tbody>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Types of Building Work
 </td>
 <td>
 Permit Required?
 </td>
 <td>
 Subject to the Following Guidelines/ Conditions
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Installation of cornices and pelmet
 
 Installation of false ceilings in the flat
 
 Installation of decorative centre panel in non-prefabricated flat only
 
 
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 
 No
 
 No
 
 
 </td>
 <td rowspan="1">
 <ul>
 <li>For installation of cornices and pelmet, the minimum clearance height of pelmet must be at least 2.10 metres measured from finished floor level</li>
 <li>For installation of false ceilings, the minimum clearance height of 2.4 metres measured from finished floor level (not applicable for toilets and bathrooms)</li>
 <li>Non-combustible materials must be used for the false ceilings, cornices, pelmet and decorative panels</li>
 <li>No gas pipe is to be enclosed within the false ceilings</li>
 <li>All fasteners/ connectors (e.g. screws, nails, bolts, etc.) must not exceed 6mm in diameter and 40mm in penetration depth are to be used for fixing of false ceilings to the underside of RC slab</li>
 <li>Flat owners are responsible for the removal and reinstatement of the false ceilings, cornices, pelmet and decorative panels for inspection and maintenance</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Addition of false ceiling onto the existing false ceiling originally provided by HDB without changing the existing joist support system (applicable for horizontal false ceiling only)
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 <ul>
 <li>Minimum height clearance of false ceiling must be 2.4 metres measured from finished floor level</li>
 <li>Non-combustible materials must be used for the false ceilings</li>
 <li>No gas pipe is to be enclosed within the false ceiling</li>
 <li>All fasteners/ connectors (e.g. screws, nails, bolts, etc.) must not exceed 6mm in diameter and 40mm in penetration depth are to be used for fixing false ceilings to the underside of RC slab</li>
 <li>If installation is carried out at topmost floor with pitched roof:
 <ul>
 <li>The proposed work should make use of original existing structural support</li>
 <li>New joists, if any, cannot be connected to existing purlins which are not designed for the proposed work</li>
 <li>Need to provide a minimum removable access opening of 600mm x 600mm for inspection and maintenance</li>
 <li>Removal of roof ceiling originally provided by HDB (be it partially or fully) is strictly not allowed</li>
 </ul>
 </li>
 <li>The layout, size, and the support system of the new joists, if any, must be the same as the existing joists</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Installation of fixtures/ fittings (e.g. lighting, fan, etc.) onto the false ceiling originally provided by HDB
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 Buildings constructed before 1991 may have asbestos-containing materials (ACM). They are more commonly found in pitch roof buildings. Flat owners residing at the top-most floor should refer to the National Environment Agency (NEA) for more information relating to asbestos before carrying out works on the false ceiling.
 </td>
 </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>

False ceiling

<table>
 <tbody>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Types of Building Work
 </td>
 <td>
 Need Permit?
 </td>
 <td>
 Subject to the Following Guidelines/ Conditions
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Extension of kitchen into the service balcony/ yard without the removal of walls
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 <ul>
 <li>All services within extended areas should not be tampered with</li>
 <li>Installation of exhaust fan is not allowed at the service balcony/ yard</li>
 <li>Only one layer of 63mm hollow block or 80mm thick glass block can be erected for the sink support (see <a href="/-/media/managing-my-home/renovation-and-maintenance/renovation/renovation-guidelines/building-works/drawing3.pdf" target="_blank">Drawing 3</a> (PDF, 20KB))</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Construction of dapoh slab/ cabinet with cement mortar base
 
 
 </td>
 <td colspan="1" rowspan="1">
 No
 
 </td>
 <td colspan="1" rowspan="2">
 <ul>
 <li>Construction of concrete shelf is not allowed</li>
 <li>Total thickness of cement mortar base and tile finishes is not allowed to exceed 50mm</li>
 <li>Flat owners are responsible for the removal and reinstatement of the fixtures for inspection and maintenance</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Construction of cement mortar base</td>
 <td colspan="1">No</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Construction of kitchen counter top</td>
 <td>No</td>
 <td>
 <ul>
 <li>Construction of concrete shelf is not allowed</li>
 <li>Total thickness of cement mortar base and tile finishes is not allowed to exceed 50mm</li>
 <li>Only one layer of 63mm hollow block can be erected to support the vanity top</li>
 <li>Flat owners are responsible for the removal and reinstatement of the fixtures for inspection and maintenance</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Installation of clothes drying hanger on ceiling in the kitchen/ service yard
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 All fasteners/ connectors (e.g. screws, nails, bolts, etc.) used must not exceed 6mm in diameter and 40mm in penetration depth
 </td>
 </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>
 
<h2>Weepholes in kitchen</h2>
Some flat layouts contain enclosed sanitary ducts in the kitchen that service the flat, and the sanitary ducts are provided with a weephole to alert residents of leaks within the enclosed ducts so that timely rectification/repair works can be carried out. These weepholes should not be sealed or blocked with kitchen carpentry or other fixtures, so as not to cause damage to your renovations in case of leaks.

Kitchen

<table>
 <tbody>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Types of Building Work
 </td>
 <td>
 Permit Required?
 </td>
 <td>
 Subject to the Following Guidelines/ Conditions
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Reducing refuse chute hopper size within the existing opening
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 <ul>
 <li>Buildings constructed before 1991 may have asbestos-containing materials. Flat owners and their renovation contractors should refer to the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nea.gov.sg" target="_blank">National Environment Agency</a> (NEA) and <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.mom.gov.sg" target="_blank">Ministry of Manpower</a>&nbsp;(MOM) websites for more information relating to asbestos before carrying out works to the refuse chute hopper</li>
 <li>Works shall only be carried out within the original refuse chute opening</li>
 <li>A layer of brick/ hollow block or any other light material is to be used to reduce the size of the refuse chute opening</li>
 <li>The maximum thickness of the material used must not exceed 100mm</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Replacement of refuse chute hopper</td>
 <td>No</td>
 <td>
 <ul>
 <li>Buildings constructed before 1991 may have asbestos-containing materials. Flat owners and their renovation contractors should refer to the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nea.gov.sg" target="_blank">National Environment Agency</a> (NEA) and <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.mom.gov.sg" target="_blank">Ministry of Manpower</a>&nbsp;(MOM) websites for more information relating to asbestos before carrying out works to the refuse chute hopper</li>
 <li>Works shall only be carried out within the original refuse chute opening</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>

Refuse chute hopper

Like other structural components of the flat, the following features of the HS must not be tampered with during renovation:
<ul>
 <li>Reinforced walls</li>
 <li>Reinforced floor slab</li>
 <li>Ceiling</li>
 <li>Steel door</li>
</ul>
Fixtures that cannot be removed easily in an emergency should not be placed or installed in the HS as these may hamper your efforts in preparing your HS for occupation in the event of a wartime emergency.
<h3>Preparing your HS during a wartime emergency</h3>
The HS is only to be occupied during a wartime emergency. During a wartime emergency, the SCDF will inform residents to prepare their HS for occupation. To find out how to prepare your HS for occupation, please refer to SCDF Emergency Handbook (Chapter 4 on Wartime Emergencies - Shelter Protection) for more information. You can download a copy of the SCDF Emergency Handbook via <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.scdf.gov.sg/home/community-volunteers/publications" target="_blank">https://www.scdf.gov.sg/home/community-volunteers/publications</a>.
<h3>Guidelines for renovation in HDB HS set out by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)</h3>
<table>
 <tbody>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Types of Building Work
 </td>
 <td>
 Permit Required?
 </td>
 <td>
 Subject to the Following Guidelines/ Conditions
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Laying of floor finishes
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 <ul>
 <li>Floor tiles/ finishes shall be bonded to wet cement mortar</li>
 <li>Total thickness of floor finishes and screed is not to exceed 50mm</li>
 <li>Laying of floor finishes using adhesive is not allowed</li>
 <li>Laying of a second layer of floor finishes is not allowed</li>
 <li>Pre-packed material must be used</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Laying of vinyl or linoleum flooring
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 Not applicable
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Laying of floor skirting tiles (up to maximum of 100mm high)
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 <ul>
 <li>Laying of floor skirting tiles (up to maximum of 100mm high) by bonding them with wet cement mortar to HS walls</li>
 <li>Laying of finishes using adhesive is not allowed</li>
 <li>Laying of a second layer of finishes is not allowed</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Applying splatter dash or equivalent to the external face of HS walls only to provide rough surface for feature wall panels or wall tiles installation
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 Not applicable
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Painting of walls, ceiling or door
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 <ul>
 <li>Painting and covering up over the HS door notice, locking bolts or door seal are not allowed</li>
 <li>The old paint coat on door and door frame are to be removed before repainting to avoid increased paint thickness resulting in difficulty in closing and opening of the door</li>
 <li>The new paint coat must be dried up completely before closing the door as wet or damp paint will cause the door and rubber gasket to stick onto the door frame when opening the door</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Painting on only the exterior face of the 6mm fragmentation stainless steel plate of the ventilation sleeves
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 Not applicable
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Fixing of removable screws with non-metallic inserts not exceeding 50mm deep for fixtures and equipment (e.g. pictures, posters, cabinets, shelves, wall fan, ceiling lightings etc.)
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 <ul>
 <li>Drilling into internal face of the HS walls and ceiling slab to a depth of not more than 50mm to affix non-metallic inserts and removable screws is allowed</li>
 <li>Fixtures such as pictures, posters, cabinets or shelves on internal face of HS will have to be removed by flat owners within 48 hours upon notification</li>
 <li>There is no restriction to the diameter of the non-metallic insert as long as it does not exceed 50mm in length</li>
 <li>Flat owners are responsible to ensure that the strength of the insert is adequately provided for the intended purpose</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Removing fragmentation plates of the ventilation sleeves
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 <ul>
 <li>Fragmentation plates of the ventilation sleeves are allowed to be removed provided that the fragmentation plates and its bolts and nuts are mounted or kept together for use when needed</li>
 <li>Closing or covering up of ventilation openings by removable aesthetic or architectural finishes is allowed, provided that at least 25% of the total area of the two openings shall be left uncovered for ventilation purposes during peacetime</li>
 <li>The minimum clearance from the fragmentation plate to reinforced concrete (RC) beam or structure or service shall be 50mm. Where the RC beam or structure or service is fronting the fragmentation plate of ventilation sleeve, the clear distance between them shall be at least 500mm</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Installing false ceiling outside the HS and below the ventilation sleeves
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 <ul>
 <li>Where false ceilings are provided outside the HS and below the ventilation sleeves, there shall be perforated access panels of minimum size of 600mm x 600mm positioned directly below each ventilation sleeve</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Power driven nails are allowed only on external face of the HS walls to facilitate flexibility in mounting of features/ fixtures by flat owners
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 Not applicable
 </td>
 </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>
<h3>Types of work not permitted to be done to HS</h3>
<ul>
 <li>Laying of wall tiles or spray of rock stone finish, cement sand finish and gypsum plastering on the internal faces of HS walls</li>
 <li>Laying of floor tiles/ finishes using adhesive materials</li>
 <li>Laying of 2nd layer of tiles on floor or skirting tiles</li>
 <li>Installation of cornices within the HS</li>
 <li>Installation works with fixings using power driven nails into the internal HS walls</li>
 <li>Tampering with, removing or covering up of the HS door notice. The HS door notice provides important information to the occupants on the use of the HS</li>
 <li>Indiscriminate hacking and drilling of the HS walls, floor slabs and ceiling slabs other than drilling under permitted works</li>
 <li>Hacking to both internal and external face of the household shelter walls to form key for tiling</li>
 <li>Hacking on external face of HS wall for mounting of feature wall panels or wall tiles installation</li>
 <li>Modifying, changing, removing or tampering of HS door</li>
 <li>Modifying, altering or tampering with any part of the ventilation openings, plates and the mounting devices such as bolts and nuts</li>
 <li>Painting to the interior face of the 6mm fragmentation stainless steel plate of the ventilation sleeves, the ventilation sleeves, "O" ring rubber gaskets and the four(4) or eight(8) numbers of stainless steel bolts which hold the steel plate to the sleeves</li>
</ul>

Household shelters (HS)

<table>
 <tbody>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Types of Building Work
 </td>
 <td>
 Permit Required?
 </td>
 <td>
 Subject to the Following Guidelines/ Conditions
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Painting the external side of main door or metal grille gate
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 Not applicable
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Replacement of main entrance metal gates
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 
 <ul>
 <li>The gate width, number of panels and swing must be the same as those originally provided by HDB. The gate swing must not obstruct public escape</li>
 <li>Units situated along the common corridor must allow a minimum clearance of 0.6m from the gate to the corridor parapet wall (when the gates open perpendicular to the corridor parapet wall)</li>
 <li>Units situated adjacent to the staircase must allow 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</li>
 <li>Units situated at corner end should not have gates that hit the neighbouring flat&rsquo;s window</li>
 </ul>
 &nbsp;
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Replacement of main entrance door and/ or frame along fire escape route (i.e. for door opening into passageways such as staircases, lift lobbies)
 </td>
 <td>
 Yes
 </td>
 <td>
 The replacement door and/ or frame must be half hour fire-rated and the frame must have a self-closing device.
 Note :
 <ul>
 <li>The fire-rated door must also have an accreditor&rsquo;s label.
 </li>
 <li>Installation of localised home smoke/fire alarm system within the unit is required by SCDF FSSD </li>
 <li>Under the SCDF requirement, homeowners who wish to install digital locksets shall only select digital locksets certified with a Certificate of Conformity to SS 332/ EN 1634-1, which has been issued by a local Certification Body. Please refer to <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.scdf.gov.sg/home/fire-safety/digital-locksets-on-fire-rated-doors" target="_blank">SCDF website</a> for more information.</li>
 </ul>
 &nbsp;
 &nbsp;
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Replacement of main entrance non-fire-rated door and/ or frame
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td rowspan="2">
 Not applicable
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Replacement of existing internal doors with ornamental timber/ plastic doors
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Replacement of door frames at all location for prefabricated flats
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 <ul>
 <li>RC walls cannot be hacked or tampered with</li>
 <li>Existing door frame should be removed by torch cutting or cutter</li>
 <li>Upon removal of the door frames, a layer of waterproofing membrane must be applied to affected area</li>
 <li>The new door frame should be within the original door opening provided</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Repositioning of internal door entrances
 </td>
 <td>
 Yes
 </td>
 <td>
 The new entrance should not be created through RC walls
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Replacement of internal door frame (for non-prefabricated flats)
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td rowspan="4">
 Not applicable
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Installation of sliding glass door, PVC folding doors on bathroom, w.c. and/ or kitchen entrance without removal of RC lintol/ hanger (if any)
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Removal of sliding/ swing doors without removal of RC lintol/ hanger (if any) 
 
 Note: This is not applicable for sliding/ swing doors at the balcony where installation of windows is not allowed
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Replacement of study room sliding doors with swing doors
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>

Door and gate

<table>
 <tbody>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Types of Building Work
 </td>
 <td>
 Need Permit?
 </td>
 <td>
 Subject to the following Guidelines/ Conditions
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 All other renovation within sold recess area (e.g. installation/ replacement of grille/ gate/ door/ fixed awning/ roof/ windows/ floor and wall finishes, topping up of floor and demolition/ erection of non-load bearing walls, etc.)
 </td>
 <td>
 Yes
 </td>
 <td>
 Conditions/ guidelines will be given for the renovation item upon evaluation and approval
 </td>
 </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>

Sold recess area

<table>
 <tbody>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Types of Building Work
 </td>
 <td>
 Permit Required?
 </td>
 <td>
 Subject to the Following Guidelines/ Conditions
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Installation of grille gate at the entrance of the common area
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 Grille gate with one-way locking device opening outward without use of a key
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Installation of metal grille panel
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 Metal grille panel must not be more than 1m wide on the parapet wall adjacent to the entrance gate for security purpose
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Construction of cement mortar kerb at threshold of entrance gate
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 Cement mortar kerb should not exceed 100mm in height and 100mm in width
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Laying/ Replacement of finishes at corridor walls and floor excluding scupper drain
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 <ul>
 <li>Existing floor finishes including cement screed must be removed</li>
 <li>Total thickness of new floor finishes and cement screed must not exceed 50mm</li>
 <li>Total thickness of wall finishes and cement screed must not exceed 25mm</li>
 <li>Surface of RC floor or wall cannot be hacked</li>
 <li>Spatterdash or other equivalent shall be used to form key for tiling on wall</li>
 <li>There should be free flow of water to existing scupper drain, and waste water outlet must not obstructed</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Re-siting refuse chute stopcock outside the rented common area
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 <ul>
 <li>Existing RC structure cannot be tampered with</li>
 <li>Prior approval must be obtained from Town Council</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Installation of false ceiling at rented common area
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 <ul>
 <li>Minimum height clearance of false ceiling must be 2.4m measured from finished floor level</li>
 <li>False ceiling should made of non-combustible materials</li>
 <li>All fasteners/ connectors (e.g. screws, nails, bolts, etc.) must not exceed 6mm in diameter and 40mm in penetration depth can be used for fixing false ceiling to the underside of RC slab</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>

Approved rented common area

<table>
 <tbody>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Types of Building Work
 </td>
 <td>
 Permit Required?
 </td>
 <td>
 Subject to the Following Guidelines/ Conditions
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Replacement of existing staircase balustrades/ railing in executive maisonettes where there is a vertical drop in level of 1m or more
 </td>
 <td>
 Yes
 </td>
 <td>
 <ul>
 <li>Engage a Professional Engineer (PE) for Civil or Structural works to submit building and structural plans for the proposed work to BCA for approval</li>
 <li>Upon receiving BCA's approval, submit the BCA Approved Drawing and Permit to Carry Out Structural Works documents to HDB for the issuance of a renovation permit</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Erection of safety barrier on internal staircase or wall facing void of executive maisonette where there is a vertical drop in level of 1m or more
 </td>
 <td>
 Yes
 </td>
 <td>
 <ul>
 <li>Engage a PE for Civil or Structural works to submit building and structural plans for the proposed work to BCA for approval</li>
 <li>Upon receiving BCA's approval, submit the BCA Approved Drawing and Permit to Carry Out Structural Works documents to HDB for the issuance of a renovation permit</li>
 <li>Existing effective width of staircase must be maintained</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Covering up of slit void of internal staircase in executive maisonettes, must only be used for decorative purpose
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 <ul>
 <li>The thickness of hollow or glass blocks used should not exceed 63mm and 80mm respectively </li>
 <li>There should be no increase in the gross floor area of the upper storey</li>
 <li>The clear width of the void between bedroom and internal staircase must not exceed 350mm (see <a href="/-/media/managing-my-home/renovation-and-maintenance/renovation/renovation-guidelines/building-works/drawing4.pdf" target="_blank">Drawing 4</a> (DPF, 28KB))</li>
 <li>The penetration of mild steel bars into existing RC structures must not exceed 50mm</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>

Staircase

<table>
 <tbody>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Types of Building Work
 </td>
 <td>
 Permit Required?
 </td>
 <td>
 Subject to the Following Guidelines/ Conditions
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Construction of cement mortar kerb not exceeding 100mm in height and 100mm width in bathroom/ toilet
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 Not applicable
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Enlargement of bathroom/ toilet after first 3 years upon completion of block
 </td>
 <td>
 Yes
 </td>
 <td>
 Maximum width and area of extension:
 <ul>
 <li>Must not be more than 600mm and 0.6m2 respectively</li>
 <li>Can only be used as a &lsquo;dry area&rsquo;</li>
 <li>For example, to install wash basin or shelves</li>
 <li>The existing gas riser and its branch pipe must not become enclosed in the extended bathroom/ toilet</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Replacement of bathroom/ toilet vent
 </td>
 <td>
 Yes
 </td>
 <td>
 <ul>
 <li>Glass louvers must be at least 6mm thick</li>
 <li>They must be wire-glass type</li>
 <li>Aluminium U-channel cleat safety device must be on every glass louvre</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>

Bathroom and toilet

<table>
 <tbody>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Types of Building Work
 </td>
 <td>
 Permit Required?
 </td>
 <td>
 Subject to the Following Guidelines/ Conditions
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Installation of retractable canvas awning up to single storey height within balcony of double storey executive maisonette
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 <ul>
 <li>Awning is to be fixed to the upper floor beam structure</li>
 <li>Fixing onto refuse chute wall is not allowed</li>
 <li>Retractable awning should not protrude beyond the balcony</li>
 </ul>
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Installation of internal metal roller shutter at window or single storey balcony opening. This is not applicable for balconies where window installation is not allowed.
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td rowspan="2">
 Installation must not be fixed onto refuse chute wall
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Installation of roller shutter at double storey balcony. This is not applicable for loft units.
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Installation of awning at open-to-sky balconies of topmost unit</td>
 <td>Yes</td>
 <td>
 
 
 <ul>
 <li>Awning must be fixed directly above the frame of the full height sliding glass door and at a maximum height of 2.8 metres from the finished floor level</li>
 <li>Awning should remain open sided as viewed from the external fa&ccedil;ade</li>
 <li>Awning can be either a fixed awning using lightweight non-combustible material, or a retractable awning and the horizontal projection of the awning shall be kept within the footprint of the balcony</li>
 <li>Where both the awning and its supporting structure are of combustible material, the materials shall comply with the Fire Code</li>
 <li>Where there are awnings installed adjacent to each other (serving different residential units), there shall be either a separation distance of at least 3 metres between the awnings or separated by an existing fire rated wall which must be higher than the height of the awning</li>
 <li>The design of the awning must blend in with the existing fa&ccedil;ade. The colour of the awning should be neutral colours, specifically light grey, mid grey or off-white</li>
 <li>SCDF submission is not required for awning with horizontal projection not exceeding 1.4m and no enclosure at any of the sides. Only need Qualified Person (QP) endorsed plans complying with the Fire Code</li>
 <li>For awnings with more than 1.4m horizontal projection and within the footprint of the balcony, flat owners are to engage a Qualified Person (QP) and/or Professional Engineer [PE(Civil)] to design the awning such that it complies with the requirements from relevant authorities (e.g. BCA, URA, SCDF). SCDF&rsquo;s Plan Approval and Fire Safety Certificate will have to be obtained before submission to HDB for final approval</li>
 <li>As the awnings are installed at the exterior of the flat, flat owners and the subsequent buyers have to undertake to maintain the awning and engage a Professional Engineer [PE(Civil)] to carry out a 5-yearly inspection to certify that the awnings remain safe</li>
 <li>Flat owners are responsible for the maintenance and cleaning of the awning to prevent stagnant water and litter from collecting on top, in case of mosquito breeding</li>
 <li>Flat owner is required to seek Town Council&rsquo;s clearance for such installation</li>
 </ul>
 &nbsp;
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Installation of awning at open-to-sky balconies at intermediate floor units
 </td>
 <td>Yes</td>
 <td>
 
 
 <ul>
 <li>Awning must be fixed directly above the frame of the full height sliding glass door and at a maximum height of 2.8 metres from the finished floor level</li>
 <li>Awning should remain open sided as viewed from the external fa&ccedil;ade</li>
 <li>SCDF submission is not required for awning with horizontal projection not exceeding 1.4m and no enclosure at any of the sides. Only need Qualified Person (QP) endorsed plans complying with the Fire Code</li>
 <li>Where both the awning and its supporting structure are of light weight non-combustible material, the horizontal projection of the awning shall not exceed 2m and shall be kept within the footprint of the balcony</li>
 <li>The awning and its supporting structure must be made of lightweight material having at least 1 hour fire rating when the horizontal projection of the awning exceeds 2 metres and still be kept within the footprint of the balcony</li>
 <li>Where there are awnings installed adjacent to each other (serving different residential units), there shall be either a separation distance of at least 3 metres between the awnings or separated by an existing fire rated wall which must be higher than the height of the awning</li>
 <li>The design of the awning must blend in with the existing fa&ccedil;ade. The colour of the awning should be neutral colours, specifically light grey, mid grey or off-white</li>
 <li>For awnings with more than 1.4 metres horizontal projection and within the footprint of the balcony, flat owners are to engage a Qualified Person (QP) and/or Professional Engineer [PE(Civil)] to design the awning such that it complies with the requirements from relevant authorities (e.g. BCA, URA, SCDF). SCDF&rsquo;s Plan Approval and Fire Safety Certificate will have to be obtained before submission to HDB for final approval</li>
 <li>As the awnings are installed at the exterior of the flat, flat owners and the subsequent buyers must undertake to maintain the awning and engage a Professional Engineer [PE(Civil)] to carry out a 5-yearly inspection to certify that the awnings remain safe</li>
 <li>Flat owners are responsible for the maintenance and cleaning of the awning to prevent stagnant water and litter from collecting on top, in case of mosquito breeding</li>
 <li>Flat owner is required to seek Town Council&rsquo;s clearance for such installation</li>
 </ul>
 &nbsp;
 </td>
 </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>

Awning

<table>
 <tbody>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Types of Building Work
 </td>
 <td>
 Permit Required?
 </td>
 <td>
 Subject to the Following Guidelines/ Conditions
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>
 Installation of equipment not exceeding 150kg
 </td>
 <td>
 No
 </td>
 <td>
 Not applicable
 </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Normal fish tank supported on a 4-legged rack or cabinet</td>
 <td>No</td>
 <td>The maximum weight of the total number of fish tanks (inclusive of water, sand, and accessories) must not exceed 600kg per room</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Fish pond resting directly on the floor of size no bigger than 2m (6.5ft) length x 1m (3.2ft) width with water depth not exceeding 0.5m (1.6ft)</td>
 <td>No</td>
 <td>
 <ul>
 <li>Lightweight fibreglass material should be used for the tank</li>
 <li>The tank must be placed beside an existing wall supported on an existing beam below</li>
 </ul>
 It must have an overflow system to ensure that the water depth does not exceed 0.5m (1.6ft) (see <a href="/-/media/managing-my-home/renovation-and-maintenance/renovation/renovation-guidelines/building-works/fishtank.pdf" target="_blank">drawing</a> (PDF, 212KB))</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>All other types of fish tank or pond</td>
 <td>Yes</td>
 <td>Email the <a href="/-/media/managing-my-home/renovation-and-maintenance/renovation/renovation-guidelines/building-works/others-application.pdf" target="_blank">application</a> (PDF, 24KB) to the<a href="/about-us/contact-us"> HDB Branch</a> managing your flat stating the size, type, weight and location of the fish tank for approval to install it</td>
 </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>

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