Re No Guidebook Jun 09

R e
Guide
novation
Fo r Yo ur H DB F la t
H OU S I N G &
DE V E L OP M E N T
B O AR D
October 2008
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C M Y CM MY CY CMY K
General Information
Foreword Greetings. You are the proud owner of an HDB
home. You probably feel excited about doing up your
home and coming up with plans to go about it.
You want to make your home comfortable for your

loved one and, at the same time, add that distinctive
touch to impress your friends. But you may be
wondering how to renovate it. To help you do just
this, HDB has come up with two booklets on
“Renovation Guide For Your HDB Flat” and “Electrical
Guide For Your HDB Flat”.
These booklets contain all the conditions and guidelines

for doing building/sanitary work and electrical
work/installation of air-conditioners in your HDB home.
Do take the time to read through these booklets before
deciding on your renovation plans.
We wish you and your family a happy stay in your

HDB home.
1
What You Need To Do

Engaging a Registered Renovation Contractor
You are required to engage an HDB registered renovation contractor to
renovate your flat for works including those that do not require a
renovation permit.
For window works, you would need to engage a BCA approved

window contractor listed with HDB to carry out the works.
To check if your contractor has registered with HDB, or if he is a
BCA approved window contractor listed with HDB, you can refer to
the List of Registered Renovation Contractors and List of BCA
Approved Window Contractor listed with HDB in HDB InfoWEB.
Alternatively, you can call our toll-free Branch Office Service Line at
1800-2255432 or via Short Message Service ( SMS ) to 90112222 as
shown below:
Enquiry by contractor’s Enquiry by contractor’s

company registration number company name
Step 1 Step 1
RRC_<HB-xx-xxxxx> RRC_<company name>
Enter keyword <RRC> Enter keyword <RRC>
with a space after that Eg. RRC HB-08-9999B with a space after that Eg. RRC ABC
and enter the and enter the company Renovation Contractor
registration number. name
Step 2 Step 2
Send SMS message to RRC HB-08-9999B Send SMS message to RRC ABC Renovation
Tel No. 90112222 Tel No. 90112222 Contractor
Step 3 Step 3
If detail is found, you <registration number> + If detail is found, you <company name> is a
will receive the <company name> is a will receive the HDB Registered
following message HDB Registered following message Renovation Contractor.
Renovation Contractor. Eg. ABC Renovation
Eg. HB-08-9999B ABC Contractor is a HDB
Renovation Contractor Registered Renovation
is a HDB Registered Contractor.
Renovation Contractor.
*For water pipe services, you will need to engage a Public Utilities Board
(PUB) Water Department’s licensed water service plumber. For gas
service works, you will need to engage an Energy Market Authority’s
(EMA) licensed gas service worker. As for sanitary works, you are
encouraged to engage a Singapore Plumbing Society’s (SPS) registered
plumber.
2
Obtaining Approval from HDB

Applying for a Renovation Permit
Certain types of renovation work require a permit from HDB (please
refer to the guidelines for building and sanitary work for examples on
the common renovation works which require a permit). If so, you can
commence your renovation work only after obtaining the permit.
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 works in HDB flats.
If the works do not comply with the guidelines/conditions stated, such
works shall be treated as unauthorised works. You will be required to
remove the unauthorised works and reinstate your premises to its original
condition or in accordance with the guidelines/conditions stated.
If renovation works are allowed to be retained, you would need to pay
an adminstrative fee to retain such works. Depending on the nature of
the works and whether the contractors are registered with HDB, the
adminstrative fee ranges from $100 to $600.
You have to authorise your registered renovation contractors to submit
your renovation application on your behalf. Your registered renovation
contractor will need to submit the application electronically.
If the renovation works involves the removal or repositioning of fittings,
demolition or construction of walls, the scanning of layout plans, elevation,
sections or details of the proposed work may be required. The floor plan
can be purchased via HDB InfoWEB using the “Purchase of Residential
Floor Plan” e-Service or from the “Sale of Architectural Plan” counter at
3rd Storey Atrium (next to payment counter), HDB Hub 480 Lorong 6
Toa Payoh Singapore 310480, or using the self service kiosk at any HDB
Branch Office.
Engagement of Qualified Person (QP)
For some renovation works that require the engagement of a QP, you
can engage one via the Professional Engineers (PE) Board Web site at
www.peb.gov.sg under the heading "Directory of Professional
Engineer".
Note:
(a) In the event that electronic submission of the application is not available, your
registered renovation contractor will have to download the application form and
submit the application to the HDB Branch Office managing your flat.
(b) HDB does not charge any fee for the processing of the permit. The renovation
permit will be issued free to the flat owner, for your own record.
Charges for Haulage and Removal Services

Some Town Councils provide haulage and debris removal services for
renovation work. You need to pay for these services before you commence
your renovation works. You can arrange with your registered renovation
contractor to make payment to the Town Council. The charges imposed
by different Town Councils vary. You are advised to check with your
Town Council or HDB Branch Office on the charges imposed by your
Town Council.
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5
3 - Years Restriction Period on Removal of Toilet Floor

and Wall Tiles Provided by HDB
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.
Previously, this 3-year restriction period commenced from the date

of key collection. From 1 April 2005, the 3-year restriction period will
commence from the completion date of the block. This relaxation will
allow flat owners greater flexibility to blend in their renovation works
with the interior decor of their flats.
6
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Building Work
Guidelines for common building work
7
Guidelines for Common Building Work
Types of Common Building Work Need Subject to the following

Permit? Guidelines/Conditions
1 Floor Finishes
• Laying of vinyl tile/carpet/linoleum No
• Replacement of ceramic, Yes • Total thickness of tiles and screed
homogeneous, terrazzo, marble, must not exceed 50 mm.
parquet/timber flooring or other tiles • 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.
• Laying of floor finishes on bare No • Floor finishes must be laid on bare
(rough) concrete surface provided by (rough) concrete surface provided by
HDB. HDB. There must not have an existing
cement screed originally provided by
Please note that replacement of HDB.
floor finishes will still need prior • Total thickness of floor finishes and
approval from HDB as such screed must not exceed 50mm.
removal of tiles involve hacking
works and generate noise.
• Laying/replacement of parquet/timber No (a) For Flats with Floor Finishes
flooring (also known as laminated or The laying of flooring over existing
bamboo flooring) finishes does not involve the following:
• Raising the floor as a platform.
• Usage of cement screed.
• Hacking/removal of existing floor
finishes.
(b) For Flats without Floor Finishes
The maximum thickness inclusive of
cement screed must not exceed 50mm.
• Removal of existing toilet floor tiles Yes Removal of toilet floor tiles is not
after first three years allowed during first three years upon
completion of block.
• Laying of tiles over existing floor No • The lessee is responsible for the
tiles using adhesive only 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 (ie. 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 No • Existing risers and treads finishes or
treads of steps at recess entrance and cement screed must be removed.
internal surface of parapet of the steps. • Total thickness of treads finishes
including cement screed must not
exceed 50mm.
8

• Total thickness of risers finishes
exceed 25mm.
• No tampering of existing structures is
allowed.
• Installation of hardwood platform on No • Minimum height clearance to:
floor underside of upper floor slab
– 2.6 metres;
underside of false ceiling
– 2.4 metres.
• The void between timber joists
beneath platform must not be sealed
up with cement/other materials.
• No storage is allowed between the
platform.
• 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,
otherwise, upturned railing must be
provided internally to achieve this
required height.
• Topping of kitchen floor to level with No • The existing floor screed and finishes
living room using extruded polystyrene are to be completely removed before
foam (EPF) commencing the proposed work.
• Maximum thickness of floor finish
inclusive of screed and tiles must not
exceed 50mm. Should the drop
between the kitchen and living room
floor level is more than 50mm,
suitable thickness of EPF shall be
used such that the floor finish of not
more than 50mm laid over the EPF is
maintained. (see sketch drawing 1)
• Minimum parapet height should be
1000mm, otherwise upturned railing
must be provided to achieve this
required height.
• Minimum clearance height of 2.6m
measured from finished platform to
underside of ceiling.
• Topping of private balcony floor to No • Maintain a minimum balcony parapet
level with living room floor using height of 1000mm measured from
extruded polystyrene foam (EPF). 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 50mm. Should the drop
between the private balcony and
living room floor level is more than
50mm, suitable thickness of EPF shall
be used such that the floor finish of
not more than 50mm laid over the
EPF is maintained.
2 Wall Finishes
• Wall/scenic paper, santex/cement and No
sand/gypsum plastering, rocktone
finish, spray painting
9

• 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 No The lessee is responsible for the
wall tiles using tiles adhesive method stability and safety of the proposed
work.
No tampering of existing structures and
wall finishes.
The thickness of the wall tiles inclusive
of the adhesive must not exceed 13mm.
Laying of third layer tiles is not allowed.
• Replacement of internal wall tiling Yes
up to ceiling level
• Laying of wall tiles on bare concrete No • No tampering of existing structures is
surface provided by HDB up to allowed.
ceiling height Surface of reinforced concrete wall is
Please note that replacement of not allowed to be hacked to form key
wall tiles will still need prior for tiling. Spatterdash or other equivalent
approval from HDB as such shall be used to form key for tiling.
removal of tiles involve hacking • Total thickness of the wall finishes
works and generate noise. including cement screed must not
exceed 25 mm.
• Replacement of existing toilet wall Yes • Removal of toilet wall tiles is not
tiles after first three years allowed during first three years upon
completion of block.
3 Sold Recess Area
• Laying of floor finishes at sold recess • Total thickness of floor finishes and
area screed must not exceed 50 mm.
No
• The surface of reinforced concrete
• Laying of wall finishes at sold recess member is not allowed to be hacked
area 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 25 mm.
• All other renovation items within Yes

sold recess area (e.g. 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.)
4 Walls
• Erection of additional one layer of No • The height of the hollow block wall
63 mm thick hollow block wall should not exceed the height of
behind existing parapet/railing existing parapet. (see sketch drawing 2)
• The thickness of hollow blocks

used should not exceed 63 mm.
10

• Erection of 63 mm thick hollow block • Adequate natural lighting and

wall ventilation must be provided if
No there is creation of habitable room.
• Erection of 80 mm thick glass block • Fire escape route should be direct
wall (e.g. 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
(e.g. 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 gypsum partition No • Adequate natural lighting and

ventilation must be provided if
there is creation of habitable room.
• Fire escape route should be direct
(e.g. from bedroom door to main
• 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 Yes
corners to existing opening
• Demolition of non-load bearing Yes • Flat owner needs to engage a
reinforced concrete (RC) elements such Professional Engineer (PE) for Civil
as stiffeners, lintols and hangers etc. or Structural works to inspect and
supervise the demolition works so as
to ensure that none of the load
bearing reinforced concrete (RC)
structural elements (eg 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.
11

• Demolition/alteration of internal
non-structural lightweight concrete/
hollow block/brick walls
• Demolition of wall separating kitchen
and dining/living room
Yes
• Demolition/relocation of storeroom
with non-structural walls
• Construction of opening in
non-structural walls and/or at party
wall between two flats
5 Kitchen
• Extension of kitchen into the service No • Floor finishes in all extended areas
balcony areas without the removal of must be treated with waterproofing
walls compound.
• All services within extended areas

should not be tampered with.
• Construction of cooking stove and/
or cooking are not alllowed in the
original service balcony area.
• Installation of exhaust fan is not
allowed at the service balcony
opening.
• Fire escape route should be direct
(e.g. from bedroom door to main
• 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 No • Thickness of cement mortar base

base or other light-weight material at should not exceed 50 mm thick
kitchen/service balcony not exceeding each (inclusive of finishes).
50 mm thick, inclusive of finishes
• Construction of 50 mm thick concrete No • Thickness of dapoh slab/vanity top
dapoh slab/vanity top supported by and cement mortar base should
63 mm thick hollow block walls with not exceed 50 mm thick each
50 mm cement mortar base inclusive (inclusive of finishes).
of tile finishes • Concrete shelf is not allowed.
• Tiling up of existing dapoh slabs No
• Installation of built-in cupboard/cabinet No
• Construction of 63 mm thick hollow No Thickness of cement mortar base
block walls with tile finishes as support should not exceed 50 mm thick each
for sink/basin with 50 mm cement (inclusive of finishes).
mortar base inclusive of tile finishes
12

6 Bathroom/Toilet
• Construction of cement mortar kerb No
not exceeding 100 mm in height and
100 mm width in bath/toilet
• Enlargement of bathroom/toilet after Yes Maximum width and area of extension
first three years upon completion of must not be more than 600 mm and
block 0.6 m 2 respectively, and must be used
only as a ‘dry area’, eg. for installation
of wash basin or shelves.
• Construction of 50 mm thick concrete No • Thickness of vanity top and

vanity top supported by 63 mm thick cement mortar base should not
hollow block walls with 50 mm exceed 50 mm thick each
cement mortar base with tile finishes (inclusive of finishes).
or fibreglass vanity top • 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 louvres

• Minimum glass thickness not less than
6mm.
• Wire-glass type.
For glass louvres safety device

• Aluminium U-channel cleat at every
glass louvres.
7 Refuse Chute Hopper
• Reducing/lowering of refuse chute No • Work to be carried out within the
hopper size within existing opening 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.
13

8 Window/Grilles
• Replacement of existing window’s clear No
sheet glass with tinted/obscured glass
Placement of Sun ‘X’ non-reflective No
film over the clear sheet glass of
existing windows/balcony doors.
• Installation of bamboo chicks/venetian No
blinds/curtain rail internally
• Replacement/installation of window Yes • Width of window panel:
on parapet at window opening Casement window:
500 mm to 700 mm
Sliding window:
500 mm to 1200 mm.
• Installation of windows on parapet Yes • Safety stoppers must be installed
at open balcony building facade for sliding windows.
#For some precincts where the design of • All screws used must be of stainless
the balcony space adopted the URA’s steel type.
balcony Gross Floor Area (GFA)
• Minimum Safety Requirements
incentive scheme in the residential
development, windows are not allowed for Installation/Replacement Of
to be installed at the balcony. Windows
Examples of such precincts include the Please refer to page 21 for details.
Design, Build and Sell Scheme (DBSS)
flats and The Pinnacle@Duxton. *For new developments [new flats
[You can view the GFA incentive handed over from 1 Jul 2007
scheme at URA’s website at onwards], windows installed/replaced
www.ura.gov.sg under “Developers & must be of similar colour scheme,
Building Professionals > View proportion and type (ie sliding to
Handbooks > Handbook on Gross Floor
sliding, casement to casement) with
Area > Balconies”]
that of the original windows provided
by HDB.
• Installation of grilles at service Yes *For new developments [new flats
yard / private balcony (if any) handed over from 1 Jul 2007
onwards], window grilles installed
must be of HDB approved designs.
Flat owners can view the specific
renovation guidelines including
approved grille’s design via the HDB
InfoWEB under “My HDBPage”.
• Installation/replacement of internal *Applicable to existing

developments only [ie Prior to 1
metal grilles of any design at window July 07]
and balcony openings
• Installation of internal metal grilles No Metal grilles must be fixed
of any design at double-storey internally and cannot protrude
private balcony of maisonette from the building facade.
• Installation of metal grilles at
double storey corridor end balcony
of maisonette
• Caging of interaction balcony Yes Metal grilles must be fixed internally
‘OVERHEAD’ grilles of any design at and cannot protrude from the
single-storey height building facade.
14

• Installation of metal grilles of any No Height of metal grilles must not
design at interaction balcony exceed height of unit.
• Replacement/removal of mild steel/ No • This is applicable only to mild steel
stainless steel railing on top of railing on top of reinforced concrete
balcony parapet wall parapet.
• The height of the balcony parapet wall
from finished floor level must be at
least 1000mm.
• Otherwise, upturn mild steel/stainless
steel railing must be provided internally.
• To apply two coats of the rust inhibitor
to the surface of exposed steel bars
(where the steel bars were anchored
into) before any finishing work is done
to prevent rusting.
9 Door/Gate
• Painting main door (external)/metal No
grille gate in colour of lessee’s choice
• Replacement of main entrance No No change to the existing leaves,
metal gates size and shape of the gate.
• Installation/replacement of main Units situated along the common
entrance gate to two-leaf swing gate corridor
of different dimensions There must be a minimum
clearance of 1 metre measured
No
• Installation/replacement of main from the gates to the corridor
entrance gate to single-leaf swing gate parapet wall (when the gates open
perpendicularly to the corridor
• Installation of arch shape main parapet wall).
entrance swing gate
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.
• Replacement of main entrance door Yes Door openings into passageways
and/or frame along fire escape route (such as staircases, lift lobbies) that
serve as a mean of escape in case of
fire, the new door/frame must be a
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 No
non fire-rated door and/or frame
• Replacement of existing internal doors No
with ornamental timber/plastic doors
15

• Replacement of door frames at all No • The reinforced concrete wall is not
location for prefabricated flats 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
• Installation of sliding glass door/PVC
folding doors to bath/w.c. and kitchen
openings without removal of reinforced
concrete lintol/hanger (if any)
• Removal of sliding/swing doors without
removal of reinforced concrete lintol/
hanger (if any) No
• Replacement of study room sliding
doors with swing doors
doors with 63 mm thick hollow blocks
doors with 80 mm thick glass blocks
10 False Ceiling
• Installation of cornices and pelmet No Minimum clearance height of
pelmet must be at least 2.1 m.
• Installation of false ceiling in • Minimum height clearance
conventional flat from finished floor to underside
of false ceiling is 2.4 metres.
• Installation of decorative centre panel • To use non-combustible
in conventional flat material (asbestos is not allowed).
• Installation of false ceiling in flat • Power-driven nails of 6 mm diameter
No and not exeeding 40 mm in penetra
at topmost floor with pitched roof
tion depth are to be used for fixing
of false ceiling to the underside of
reinforced concrete slab.
• Installation of false ceiling in • For installation at topmost
prefabricated flat floor with pitched roof only:
a. The proposed work should
make use of original existing
support.
b. Proposed new connection,
if any, is not allowed to be
connected onto existing
purlins which is not designed
for the proposed work.
16

• 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 penetra-
tion depth length are to be used for
fixing of false ceiling to the under-
side of reinforced concrete slab.
• Replacement of existing false ceiling No Minimum height clearance of 2.4
board originally provided by HDB without metres measured from finished floor
changing the existing joists level to underside of ceiling.
(applicable for horizontal false ceiling only) • False ceiling to be of non-
• For topmost floor with pitched roof
only.
(i) The proposed work should make
use of original existing structural
support.
(ii) 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
11 Staircase
• Replacement of existing staircase No
balustrades/handrails in maisonette
flats with handrails of different design
• Erection of 63 mm hollow block/ No • The height of the wall should be
80 mm glass block wall on internal same as original height of handrail.
staircase of maisonette unit • Reinforced with expanded metal
brickwork reinforcement at every
600 mm horizontally for hollow
block wall.
• Existing effective width of staircase
must be maintained.
17

• Covering up of slit void to internal No • The thickness of hollow/glass blocks

staircase of maisonette to be used for used should not exceed 63 mm and
decorative purpose only 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 mild steel bars
into existing reinforced concrete
12 Awning structures must not exceed 50 mm.
• Installation of retractable canvas No • Awning is to be fixed at the upper

awning up to single-storey height at floor beam structure (fixing onto
private balcony of double storey refuse chute wall is not allowed).
maisonette
• The retractable awning should not
protrude beyond the private balcony.
• Installation of retractable canvas No The retractable awning should not
awning up to single storey-height at protrude beyond the interaction
interaction balcony balcony.
• Installation of internal metal roller
shutter/blind at window or single
Installation must not be fixed onto
storey balcony opening No refuse chute wall.
• Installation of roller shutter at double
storey balcony
13 Clothes Drying Hanger
• Installation of clothes drying hanger No Power-driven nails of 6 mm diameter
on ceiling in kitchen and not exceeding 40mm in penetration
14 Fish Tank depth are to be used.
• Normal fish tank supported on a No The maximum weight of the total

four-legged rack or cabinet of the number of fish tanks (inclusive of
following sizes : water, sand and accessories) supported
Common Size Approx. Weight on a four-legged rack or cabinet must
of Fish Tank of Water only not exceed 600 kg per room.
a) 2'0" x 12" x 15" 72 kg
(0.6m x 0.3m x 0.4m)
b) 2'6" x 18" x 18" 200 kg
(0.8m x 0.5m x 0.5m)
c) 3'0" x 18" x 18" 250 kg
(1.0m x 0.5m x 0.5m)
d) 3'6" x 18" x 18" 275 kg
(1.1m x 0.5m x 0.5m)
e) 4'0" x 18" x 18" 300 kg
(1.2m x 0.5m x 0.5m)
18

• Larger fish tank supported on a four Yes Flat owner is to submit an application
legged rack or cabinet where the total to the HDB Branch Office managing
weight of the fish tanks (inclusive of their flat, stating the size, type, weight
water, sand and accessories) exceeds and location of the fish tank [refer to
600kg [for example, a two-tier fish tank page 41 for sample copy]. Alterna-
measuring 4'0" x 18" x 18" (1.2m x tively, flat owner can also submit an
0.5m x 0.5m), or larger] application using the Email facility.
• Fish tank of normal breeding aquarium No • Lightweight fibre glass material
resting directly on the floor of size not should be used for the tank.
bigger than 2m(6.5ft) length x 1m(3.2ft) • The tank must be placed beside
width and the depth of water must not an existing wall supported on an
exceed 0.5m(1.6ft) 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 6)
• Fish tank of large-breeding aquarium Yes Flat owner is to submit an application

resting directly on the floor of size to the HDB Branch Office managing
exceeding 2m in length, 1m in width their flat, stating the size, type, weight
and 0.5m in depth. and location of the fish tank [refer to
page 41 for sample copy]. Alterna-
tively, flat owner can also submit an
application using the Email facility.
15 Approved Rented Common Area
• Installation of grille gate at the No Grille gate with one-way locking
entrance of the common area device opening outward without use of
a key.
• Installation of metal grille panel No Metal grille panel must not more than
1 metre wide on the parapet wall
adjacent to the entrance gate for
security purpose.
• Construction of cement mortar kerb at No Cement mortar kerb not exceeding
threshold of entrance gate. 100mm in height and 100mm in width.
• Rescreeding of floor provided free No • Existing floor finishes including
flow of water to existing scupper drain cement screed must be removed.
or waste water outlet is not obstructed. • Total thickness of new floor
finishes (if any) and cement screed
must not exceed 50mm.
• Laying of tiles at corridor walls and No • Existing floor finishes including
floor excluding scupper drain. cement screed must be removed.
• Total thickness of new floor
finishes and cement screed must not
exceed 50mm.
• Total thickness of wall finishes
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.
19
T Types of Common Building Work Need Subject to the following

• Resiting refuse chute stopcock outside No • Existing reinforced concrete

the rented common area. 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 No • Minimum height clearance of 2.4
common area. metres measured from finished
floor level to underside of ceiling.
• False ceiling to be of non-
• Power-driven nails of 6mm
diameter and not exceeding 40mm
in penetration depth length are to be
16 Others used for fixing of false ceiling to the
• Conversion of storeroom to prayer underside of reinforced concrete slab
room provided there is no addition and No
alteration work
• Installation of safe not exceed 150kg No
20
Minimum Safety Requirements for Installation/Replacement of New Windows
As part of HDB’s efforts to enhance the safety of windows installed in HDB flats, HDB has
introduced the minimum safety requirements for window installation/replacement of new
aluminium windows since 22 August 2003.
From 1 Oct 2004, flat owners must engage only BCA approved window contractors listed with
HDB to carry out installation/replacement of new aluminium windows in HDB flats. Flat owners
need to reflect the BCA approved window contractors and the name of their trained installer in the
application for window permit when they submit the application electronically to HDB.
Minimum Safety Requirements for Installation/Replacement of New Aluminium Windows
Aluminium Casement Window (refer to page 42 for detail drawings)

Parts Requirements
1) Friction stay. a) Stainless steel grade 304 or equivalent.
b) Minimum thickness not less than 2.5mm.
c) Length not less than 1/2 width of window
leaf.
2) Window leaf. a) Maximum width not exceeding 700mm.
3) Aluminium section for screw connection. a) Minimum thickness 2.75 mm.
4) Connection of friction stay to window a) Stainless steel grade 304 or equivalent

frame. self-tapping screw of minimum size no. 8
(4mm). If aluminium section is not less
than 3mm thick, epoxy coated screw can
be used.
b) Minimum 4 screws on each side of

friction stay.
5) Corner brackets (if used) for corners of a) Zinc casting corner brackets.
window leaf.
Aluminium Sliding Window (refer to page 43 for detail drawings)

Parts Requirements
1) Safety devices. To install the following:
(i) Polyethylene sliding window self-locking
safety device (2 nos. per panel).
(ii) Synthetic resin stoppers at top of
window outer frame [minimum 2 nos. per
panel width and repeat the same along the
track. The stopper shall be fastened with
stainless steel grade 304 or equivalent
rivet/screw of minimum 4mm dia. [Refer to
drawing for spacing of stoppers].
(iii) Aluminium bottom outer frame with
fixed angle facing outside.
b) Dimension “b” shall be minimum 1.5
times dimension “a” [refer to page 43].
2) Sliding panel a) Maximum width not exceeding 1.2m.
Aluminium Ajustable Lourve Vent (refer to page 44 for detail drawings)

Parts Requirements
1) Glass louvres. a) Minimum glass thickness not less than 6mm.
b) Wire-glass type.
2) Glass louvres safety device. a) Aluminium U-channel cleat at every
glass louvre.
21
Renovation_p7-22_165x297.f11 8/5/09 3:27 PM Page 16
Technical Conditions Governing Building Work

1 Floor
1.1 Waterproofing treated prepacked cement screed or waterproofing membrance 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.
1.2 Flat owner and registered renovation contractor are advised to conduct water test to the
bath/toilet upon completion of the replacing the floor finishes.
2 Wall
2.1 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.
Flat owners and contractors are to take note of the Do’s and Don’ts when installing shelves, wall
cabinets and other fixtures on these partition walls. This information is available in the HDB
InfoWEB at www.hdb.gov.sg under Home Owners>Renovating Your Home>HDB Renovation
Guidelines>Renovation Guidelines For Flats With Ferrolite Partition Walls.
2.2 Demolition of Wall Separating Kitchen and Dining/Living Room

Without prejudice to Clause 6 of the General Terms and Conditions on page 31, 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.
2.3 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.
3 Window
3.1 From 1 Oct 2004, only BCA approved window contractors listed with HDB 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 refer to page 21 for detail on the
minimum safety requirements for installation/replacement of windows in HDB flats.
3.2 Window Grilles on Recessed Window Ledges

The flat owner is fully responsible for:
3.2.1 The cleanliness of the space between the window grilles and the sliding window.
3.2.2 Proper installation, stability and maintenance of the window grilles.
4 Refuse Chute
4.1 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.
22
Guidelines Sanitar y / Water Pipe / Gas Pipe Work
for common sanitary /
water pipe / gas pipe work
23
Guidelines for Common Sanita ry /
ary
Types of Common Sanitary/ Need Subject to the Following

Water Pipe / Gas Pipe Permit? Guidelines/Conditions
• Replacement of existing sink with stainless No

steel/enameled type and wash basin with
coloured type
• Reposition of kitchen sink supported by No Thickness of dapoh slab inclusive of

63mm thick hollow walls with tiles finishes finishes is not to exceed 50mm
• Repositioning of sink/wash basin Floor slab must not be tampered

No
with.
• Installation of shower screen
• Replacement of existing PVC pipe with No

copper/stainless steel pipe
• Re-diversion of sink waste pipes No Pipe must not be embedded in floor

slab. It shall be embedded within floor
finishes
• Enclosure/encasement of service No Need to provide access opening for
ducts/pipings using lightweight non- maintenance.
combustible materials
• Concealed waste/water pipes in floor No Floor slab and wall must not be
finishes/wall tampered with.
• Concealing air-con discharge pipe in floor No • Reinforced concrete floor slab must
finishes not be tampered with.
• The concealment must be within the

floor finishes only.
• Installation of long bath No • Void area beneath long bath is not

allowed to be filled with cement
mortar or anything. There must be
void beneath.
• Extension of toilet to accommodate the

long bath is not allowed.
• Installation of shower tray No Void area beneath shower tray is not

allowed to be filled with cement
mortar or anything. There must be
void beneath.
• Replacement of squat pan to new squat pan

No
• Replacement of pedestal pan to new pedestal
pan
24
W
/ Water Pipe / Gas Pipe Work

• Installation of pedestal/squat pan at wash area No • Hacking of holes on the existing

on lower floor of executive maisonette floor slab is prohibited.
• The installation (details for pedestal
pan) shall be in accordance with the
sketch drawing 9 in the A & A
guidelines.
• The installation (details for squat

pan) shall be in accordance with the
sketch drawing 7 in the A & A
guidelines.
• Installation of pedestal pan at wash area of No • Discharge pipes to be connected to

(3rd storey and above) executive apartment the existing pipes or above floor
slab connection.
• No hacking of reinforced concrete
• Replacement of squat pan to pedestal pan No • Hacking of holes on the existing

floor slab is prohibited.
• The installation is to follow
the sketch according to
A & A guidelines (see sketch
drawing 5).
• Replacement of pedestal pan to squat pan No • Hacking of holes on the existing

floor slab is prohibited.
• If the floor slab is raised, the

minimum ceiling height from
this finished raised floor slab
should not be less than
2.2 metres.
• The installation is to follow

the sketch according to
A & A guidelines (see sketch
drawing 7).
• Removal of surfaced-run water pipes No • Compliance with PUB’s

requirements.
• Engage a Licensed Water Service
Plumber for the works.
• The pipes are to be terminated with

compression fitting capping with at
least 50mm length protruding from
the wall.
25
• Installation of SPA pool No • SPA pool must be purchased ready-

made from the market.
• Construction of SPA pool using
bricks/hollow blocks is not allowed.
• SPA pool is to be installed only within
bath/toilet originally provided by HDB.
• Total weight inclusive of SPA pool,
water, motor and other accessories
must not exceed 400kg.
• Existing reinforced concrete floor slab
is not allowed to be tampered with.
• Provide proper water drainage for
SPA pool.
• Removal of gas pipe (within kitchen only) No • Compliance with City Gas Pte Ltd’s
requirements.
• Engage a Licensed Gas Service Worker
for the works.
• Only the gas pipe within the kitchen
is allowed to be removed. A 100 mm
length of gas pipe protruding from
the wall into the kitchen must be
maintained and capped.
• Installation of gas water heater No • Compliance with City Gas Pte Ltd’s
requirements.
• Engage a Licensed Gas Service Worker
(LGSW) for the works. The LGSW
should check if the water & gas
supplies for the unit are suitable for
the installation.
• Outdoor installation is subject to
HDB’s approval.
Technical Conditions Governing Sanitary / Water

Pipe / Gas Pipe Work
1 Installation and Alteration Work
1.1 An inspection opening for future maintenance must be provided for installation of
bathtubs. Weep holes must also be provided in the installation of bathtubs and
shower trays.
1.2 For water pipe services, you will need to engage a Public Utilities Board (PUB)
Water Department’s licensed water service plumber. For gas service works, you will
need to engage an Energy Market Authority’s (EMA) licensed gas service worker. As
for sanitary works, you are encouraged to engage a Singapore Plumbing Society’s
(SPS) registered plumber.
1.3 For all types of flats, ramsets/nails.screws used must not exceed 6mm in diameter
and 40 mm in penetration depth.
1.4 For flats provided with concealed water pipes (original provided by HDB), precau-
tionary measures should be taken prior to any drilling to the wall. The concealed
water pipe layout plans for kitchen (refer to sketch drawing 10) and toilet (refer to
sketch drawing 11) should be used only as a guide. The plumber is advised to use
metal detector to confirm the exact location of the concealed water pipes before
carrying out the work. The plumber should also ensure ramsets/nails/screws are
located away from the concealed water pipes.
26
Renovation_P27-28_195x297.fh11 8/3/09 10:35 AM Page 1
SCDF Guidelines On Household Shelters

SCDF
Guidelines on Household Shelters
General
The store/pantry in your HDB flat is designed and constructed to also serve
as a civil defence shelter in times of emergency. 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 which
looks like a normal household door.
Like the other structural components of the flat, the reinforced walls, floor
tiles, ceiling and steel door of the store/pantry cannot be hacked or drilled
during any renovation works.
Certain finishes and fixtures are not permitted as they are not easily
removable before an emergency and may instead become hazards to
occupants sheltering inside during the emergency. Lighting, power point,
telephone point and MATV outlet are also provided within the shelter so that
you can stay inside and yet be able to communicate with the outside.
27
Renovation_P27-28_195x297.fh11 8/3/09 10:35 AM Page 2
SCDF Guidelines for Renovation Work In HDB Household Shelters (HS)
Types of Permitted Works In HS Need Subject to the following

• Laying of floor tiles with cement mortar in No • Tiles shall be bonded to the floor with wet
household shelter. cement mortar.
• Total thickness of floor finishes and screed must
not exceed 50mm.
• Laying of tiles using adhesive is not allowed.
• Laying of 2nd layer of tiles is not allowed
• Laying of vinyl or linoleum flooring. No
• Laying of maximum 100mm floor skirting No • Skirting tiles shall be bonded to concrete surface
tiles with cement mortar in household shelter. 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 No
external face of HS wall only to provide rough
surface for feature wall panels or wall tiles
installation
• 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 be dried 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 No
fragmentation stainless steel plate of the
ventilation sleeve
• Fixing of removable screws with non-metallic No • Such fixtures that are installed inside the HS will
inserts not exceeding 50mm deep for fixtures have to be removed by the owners within 48
and equipment [Eg. pictures, posters, hours upon notification.
cabinets, shelves, wall fan, ceiling lightings etc] • There is no restriction to the diameter of the
non-metallic insert as long as it does not exceed
50mm 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 No • Steel plate (after removal) must be secured inside
the household shelter the shelter on one of the walls by using maximum
50mm 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
600mm x 600mm to be provided directly
No
below each ventilation sleeve
• Power driven nails are allowed only on
external face of the HS walls to facilitate
flexibility in mounting of peacetime features/
fixtures by owners
28
Renivation_p29-48.f11 8/3/09 9:40 AM Page 1
• General Terms and Conditions • Drawings • Frequently Asked Questions

Type of Works Not Permitted in HS
a) 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
b) Laying of floor tiles using adhesive materials
c) Laying of 2nd layer of tiles on floor or skirting tiles
d) Installation of cornices within the HS
e) Installation works with fixings using power driven nails into the internal HS walls
f) 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
g) 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 50mm
h) Hacking to both internal and external face of the household shelter walls to form key for tiling
i) Hacking or indiscriminate drilling on external face of HS wall for mounting of feature wall panels or
wall tiles installation
j) Modifying, changing, removing or tampering of HS door
k) Modifying, altering or tampering with any part of the ventilation openings, plates and the mounting
devices such as bolts and nuts
l) Painting to the interior face of the 6mm fragmentation stainless steel plate of the ventilation sleeve, the
ventilation sleeve, "O" ring rubber gasket and the four or eight numbers of stainless steel bolts, which
hold the steel plate to the sleeve
General Terms and Conditions

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.
1 When a Permit is Required
1.1 Certain types of renovation work (hereinafter called 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.
1.2 Failure to obtain the permit will mean that the Work is unauthorised and HDB shall be entitled to
require the owner to reinstate his premises to its original condition.
1.3 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.
1.4 For special precincts (eg. DBSS flats) with unique designs and special features, flat owners need
to comply with some additional specific renovation guidelines pertaining to their precincts. Flat
owners can view the specific renovation guidelines via the HDB InfoWEB under “My HDBPage”.
1.5 The flat owner is required to open an Utilities Account (ie water and electricity) of his new flat
with SP Services Ltd before a renovation permit is granted.
1.6 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
works in HDB flats.
1.7 If the works do not comply with the guidelines/conditions stated, these works are treated as
unauthorised works and HDB shall be entitled to require you to remove and reinstate your
premises to its original condition or that of the guidelines/conditions stated.
1.8 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.
1.9 The flat owner shall strictly observe and perform the terms and conditions, technical conditions
and guidelines issued by HDB for such Work.
1.10 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.
29
General Terms
2 Time Allowed for Renovations
2.1 For new blocks, the approved work must be completed within four months from the date
of the permit.
2.2 For existing blocks, the approved work must be completed within one month from the
date of the permit.
2.3 No Work shall be carried out before 8 am or after 6 pm.
2.4 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 works are not allowed
on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays.
2.5 At any one time, only two of the approved hand-held power tools are allowed to be used.
2.6 Renovation contractors are not allowed to take more than three consecutive days to
demolish walls and/or removal of wall/floor finishes.
3 Payments and Charges
3.1 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.
3.2 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.
4 Supervision
4.1 Execution of Work
4.1.1 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 require-
ments and in good workmanlike manner.
4.1.2 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.
4.1.3 The flat owner should avoid carrying out noisy Do-It-Yourself (DIY) household
installations during early hours or late at night so as not to cause disturbance to your
neighbours.
4.2 Haulage of Renovation Materials and Removal of Renovation Debris
4.2.1 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.
4.2.2 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.
4.2.3 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.
4.2.4 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 chokage
occurs, the owner or his contractor shall at his own expense clear the chokage.
30
and Conditions
4.2.5 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.
5 Approval and Supervision by Other Authorities
5.1 Prior approval must be obtained from Energy Market Authority, Power Gas Pte Ltd and
SP Services Ltd for any alterations or extensions of the water or gas service pipes and
for electrical installation and sanitary alterations.
5.2 The flat owner shall at all times comply with any law, by-law, rule and regulation
governing the Work and any other related matters.
5.3 HDB and the Town Council reserve the right to control and give directions in the course
of the Work.
6 Indemnity
6.1 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.
6.2 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.
7 Variation of Terms and Conditions

7.1 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.
7.2 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.
31
Drawings
32
SECTION A-A
PART FLOOR PLAN
ISOMETRIC VIEW
SECTION A-A PART FLOOR PLAN
33
Drawings
34
SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM ON FISH POND/TANK INSTALLATION
SKETCH DRAWING 6
35
Drawings
SKETCH DRAWING 7
36
SKETCH DRAWING 8
37
Drawings
INSTALLATION OF PEDESTAL PAN AT WASH AREA
SKETCH DRAWING 9
38
10
39
Drawings
11
40
SAMPLE COPY OF APPLICATION TO INSTALL HEAVY ITEM/S IN HDB FLAT
Name : ______________________
Address: ______________________
_________________________
_________________________
Date : ______________________
Pasir Ris
Branch Office: ____________
Address : ____________
Blk 443 Pasir Ris Drive
Singapore 51443
____________
___________________
Fax 6581-0708
: ___________________
Dear Sir
APPLICATION TO INSTALL HEAVY ITEM/S AT

APT BLK ______ _________________________________ # __________
I wish to seek your approval to install a (eg. two-tier large aquarium

size fish tank) in my flat. The location and details are as follows:
a) Location of item : (eg. living room, kitchen) Please

see plan attached
b) Size : (eg. 4'0" x 18" x 18")
c) Type : (eg. two tier glass fish tank supported

on a mild steel four legged rack)
d) Weight : (eg. 610 kg inclusive of water, sand

and accessories)
2 If you need any clarification, please contact me at Tel: ______________.
Yours sincerely
---------------------------
Flat Owner’s Name
And Signature
41
Drawings
MINIMUM SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR INSTALLATION

OF NEWALUMINIUM CASEMENTWINDOWS
42

OF NEWALUMINIUM CASEMENTWINDOWS
43
Drawings

OF NEW ALUMINIUM LOUVRE VENTS
44
Frequently Asked Questions on Renovation work
Q 1 What should I do if I want to renovate my flat?

You should check whether the renovation item requires a renovation permit and if so, apply
for it before you commence on the renovation works. You can refer to the information
guidebook on "Renovation Guide For Your HDB Flat" or renovation guides at the HDB
InfoWEB at www.hdb.gov.sg.
If the works require a renovation permit, you have to authorise your registered renovation
contractors to submit your renovation application on your behalf. Your registered renovation
contractor will need to submit the application for renovation permit electronically.
If the renovation work involves the removal or repositioning of fittings, demolition or

construction of walls, the scanning of layout plans, elevations, sections or details of the
proposed work may be required.The layout plan can be purchased via HDB InfoWEB
using the “Purchase of Residential Floor Plan” e-Service or from the “Sale of Architectural
Plan” counter at 3rd Storey Atrium (next to payment counter), HDB Hub 480 Lorong 6 Toa
Payoh Singapore 310480, or using the self service kiosk at any HDB Branch Office.
Q 2 What kind of renovation work am I permitted to carry out?

You can carry out renovation work which does not affect the structural stability of your flat.
Examples of permitted renovation work are:
• Laying of ceramic/homogeneous/terrazzo/marble/parquet or other tiles as floor
finishes.
• Laying of additional wall tiles up to ceiling height.
• Construction of kitchen cabinet base with cement mortar.
• Installation of grilles in windows or at balcony openings.
• Installation of cornices.
For more details, as well as for works requiring renovation permit, please refer to the
information guidebook on ‘Renovation Guide For Your HDB Flat'. Alternatively, you can
also visit the HDB InfoWEB at www.hdb.gov.sg.
Q 3 Can I sign the renovation contracts with a contractor not registered

with HDB?
Contractors not registered with HDB are not allowed to carry out any renovation works in
HDB flats. Therefore, you must not sign any contract with any contractor not registered
with HDB to renovate your flat.
Q 4 Since flat owners need not apply renovation permit for certain
renovation items, why can't flat owners engage contractors who are
not registered with HDB to carry out these works?
Although a renovation permit is no longer required, flat owners are still required to engage
HDB registered renovation contractors to carry out the renovation works and comply with the
guidelines and conditions governing the respective renovation items. There is a need for
HDB to regulate the activities of the renovation contractors within HDB estates to ensure the
structural integrity of HDB buildings, a safe living environment and minimal unsightly
alteration to the form of HDB buildings when carrying out renovation works in HDB flats.
45
Frequently Asked Questions on Renovation Work
Q 5 How do I check whether my renovation contractor has registered

with HDB?
Flat owners can also check the particulars of a HDB registered renovation
contractor by referring to the 'List of Registered Renovation Contractors' in HDB InfoWEB
at www.hdb.gov.sg. Alternatively, flat owners can contact any HDB Branch Office Service
Line at TelNo.1800-2255432or via Short Message Services (SMS) to telephone number
90112222 (see Page 2 for details).
Q 6 How much time am I given to complete my renovation work? How

soon would I need to commence the renovation works in my new flat
and the frequency of the renovations allowed in a flat?
For new blocks, you must complete the approved renovation works within four months from
the date of the renovation permit. For established blocks, the approved work must be
completed within one month from the date of the renovation permit. This is to minimise any
inconvenience and noise nuisance to the existing residents.
There is no restriction on when the renovation works should be carried out by the flat owners
and/or the frequency of the renovation. This is to facilitate flat owners in the planning of the
renovation in their flats, in terms of their financial resources and time schedule.
Q 7 Who will be held responsible if the renovation work in my flat does

not comply with HDB's requirements or are unauthorised?
As the flat owner, you are responsible for the renovation work carried out in your flat.
Therefore you are to ensure that the works carried out by your renovation contractor is
according to HDB's requirement.
If you need any clarification, please contact the HDB Branch Office Service Line at Tel No.
1800-2255432.
Q 8 I had engaged an HDB registered renovation contractors to renovate

my flats. Can HDB help me to resolve my dispute with the contractor
on pricing, delay in work or poor workmanship, etc.?
HDB Registered Renovation Contractors' Scheme (RRCS) was introduced to regulate the
activities of the renovation contractors to ensure the structural integrity of HDB buildings, a
safe living environment and minimal unsightly alteration to the form of HDB buildings
when carrying out renovation works in HDB flats.
Where there is a dispute between the flat owner and his renovation contractor on the pricing,
work schedule, type and quality of the renovation works, both parties will have to resolve
the matter between themselves as such matters relate to the contract signed between the flat
owner and the renovation contractor. If the flat owner and the renovation contractor cannot
settle the dispute amicably, both parties could seek assistance through the Small Claims
Tribunal or seek legal redress through court proceedings.
46
Frequently Asked Questions on Renovation Work
Q 9 Can I install any household item heavier than 150 kg/m2 [such as
a safe exceeding 150 kg] in my flat?
HDB flats are designed with an imposed load of 150 kg/m2. This is a requirement under
the Building Control Act and Regulations for residential occupancy class.
It is safe for residents to place most general household items, such as furniture,
appliances, television, washing machine, refrigerator, piano, fitness equipment, etc,
including common standard-sized fish tank/s in their flat as these items are not concentrated
in one location and their weight will not affect the uniformly maximum distributed load
of 150 kg/m2.
However, if you intend to place unusually heavy items [such as safe exceeding 150 kg
or a large-breeding aquarium-size fish tank] that exceed the allowable weight or size
limit, you must get approval from HDB before installing these items. You will need to
submit your application to the HDB Branch Office managing your flat, stating the size,
type, weight and location of the fish tank (see Page41 for sample copy). Alternatively,
you can submit your application using the Email facility.
Q 10 Am I allow to remove the bathroom/toilets' floor and wall tiles

provided by HDB in the new flat?
New flat owners are not allowed to remove their bathroom/toilets' floor and wall tiles
provided by HDB to their new flat within three years from the date of completion of
block. This is to prevent ceiling leaks due to the tampering of the waterproofing membrane
and to avoid wastage of the building materials. However, flat owners may wish to
overlay the existing floor tiles in the their bathroom/toilet with their choice of tiles using
adhesive method.
Q 11 I can't complete the renovation works within the time allowed?

What should I do?
Your registered renovation contractor can submit the request for extension of the
renovation period electronically. HDB Branch Office will accede to the request if the
reasons given are justifiable.
47
Renivation_p29-48.f11 8/5/09 3:31 PM Page 20
Frequently Asked Questions on Renovation work
Q 12 Can I engage an interior design company who is not an HDB

registered renovation contractor to renovate my flat?
For the interior design works, you can engage any interior design company to provide if you
wish. Such interior design works are not regulated under the HDB registered renovation
contractors' scheme. However, you need to engage an HDB registered renovation contractor
to renovate your flat (including works which do not require a renovation permit). The registered
renovation contractor is required to apply for a renovation permit for certain items and carry
out the renovation items in accordance with the guidelines/conditions governing the items as set
out in the guidelines for building and sanitary works in HDB flats.
Q 13 How much do I need to pay for applying for a renovation permit?

HDB does not charge any fee on the flat owners for the processing of the renovation permit.
However, some town councils provide haulage and debris removal services for renovation
works. You need to pay these services before commencement of the renovation works.
Q 14 What should I do if I want install/replace a window?

From 1 Dec 2003, flat owners are required to engage a BCA approved window contractor to
carry out the window installation/replacement works. The works are to comply with the
minimum safety requirements for window installation. Flat owners may search for such
listing of trained window contractors in the HDB InfoWEB at www.hdb.gov.sg or contact the
HDB Branch Office Service Line Tel No. at 1800-2255432.
Q 15 Who is liable if a window falls and injures someone? Who is responsible

for maintaining windows?
Under the Lease, HDB flat owners are responsible for maintaining the fixtures and fittings,
including windows, in their flats in good condition. Flat owners may be held liable if a
window in their flat falls.
Q 16 Is this renovation guide applicable for rental flats?

This renovation guide is only applicable for sold flats. For rental flats, the registered tenants
are required to seek HDB’s prior approval for all renovation works in their flat.
48

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Re No Guidebook Jun 09

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R e

You want to make your home comfortable for your

These booklets contain all the conditions and guidelines

We wish you and your family a happy stay in your

What You Need To Do

For window works, you would need to engage a BCA approved

Enquiry by contractor’s Enquiry by contractor’s

Obtaining Approval from HDB

Charges for Haulage and Removal Services

3 - Years Restriction Period on Removal of Toilet Floor

Previously, this 3-year restriction period commenced from the date

Guidelines for common building work

Guidelines for Common Building Work

Types of Common Building Work Need Subject to the following

Guidelines for Common Building Work

Types of Common Building Work Need Subject to the following

Guidelines for Common Building Work

Types of Common Building Work Need Subject to the following

• Solid timber/minor wall panel No Power-driven nails or screws used must

• All other renovation items within Yes

• The thickness of hollow blocks

Guidelines for Common Building Work

Types of Common Building Work Need Subject to the following

• Erection of 63 mm thick hollow block • Adequate natural lighting and

• RC lintol shall be provided to

• Erection of gypsum partition No • Adequate natural lighting and

• The PE is also required to ensure

• Any structural defects arising from

Guidelines for Common Building Work

Types of Common Building Work Need Subject to the following

• All services within extended areas

• Construction of cabinet cement mortar No • Thickness of cement mortar base

Guidelines for Common Building Work

Types of Common Building Work Need Subject to the following

• Construction of 50 mm thick concrete No • Thickness of vanity top and

• Topping up of bath/toilet floor. No • Existing floor finishes including cement

• Replacement of bathroom/toilet vent Yes For glass louvres

For glass louvres safety device

Guidelines for Common Building Work

Types of Common Building Work Need Subject to the following

• Installation/replacement of internal *Applicable to existing

Guidelines for Common Building Work

Types of Common Building Work Need Subject to the following

Guidelines for Common Building Work

Types of Common Building Work Need Subject to the following

Guidelines for Common Building Work

Types of Common Building Work Need Subject to the following

• Installation of false ceiling in kitchen No • Minimum height clearance of 2.4

(ii) Proposed new joists, if any, is not

• The layout, size and the support

Guidelines for Common Building Work

Types of Common Building Work Need Subject to the following

• Covering up of slit void to internal No • The thickness of hollow/glass blocks

• Installation of retractable canvas No • Awning is to be fixed at the upper

• Normal fish tank supported on a No The maximum weight of the total

Guidelines for Common Building Work

Types of Common Building Work Need Subject to the following

• Fish tank of large-breeding aquarium Yes Flat owner is to submit an application

Guidelines for Common Building Work

T Types of Common Building Work Need Subject to the following

• Resiting refuse chute stopcock outside No • Existing reinforced concrete

Minimum Safety Requirements for Installation/Replacement of New Windows

Minimum Safety Requirements for Installation/Replacement of New Aluminium Windows