Forum: Renovation guidelines intended to balance needs of new home owners and neighbours

We thank Mr Michael Kwang for his feedback (Review needed for HDB renovation rules beyond permit stage, March 27).

Flat owners are required to obtain a renovation permit for renovation works that may affect the building’s structural integrity or pose public safety concerns, such as the demolition of walls and replacement of windows. Such works must be completed within the period stipulated in the renovation permit. 

They must also inform neighbouring households, including upper and lower floors, within a radius of two units at least five days in advance before renovations begin with a written notice. 

To minimise disturbance to neighbours, noisy renovation works, such as demolition of walls and hacking of flooring, are limited to between 9am and 5pm on weekdays, while less noisy works such as replacement of windows can be carried out between 9am and 6pm on weekdays and Saturdays. 

Light renovations or do-it-yourself works that pose no risk to the structural integrity of the building do not require a permit from HDB. Examples include drilling to install fixtures such as lights and shelves, carpentry works and minor electrical works (such as replacing switches). Guidelines of renovation works that require a permit can be found on HDB InfoWEB.

HDB’s renovation guidelines are intended to balance the needs of various stakeholders. While we recognise that noise from works can be disruptive to residents, we also have to consider new home owners who need to renovate their flat, including those who may require more time for extensive works.

In the case of Mr Kwang’s neighbour, the delay in the renovation timeline was due to multiple changes in the design and scope of works, which required additional renovation permits. HDB’s investigations also found that the contractors involved had infringed HDB’s renovation guidelines on two occasions, including carrying out work outside permissible hours, and failing to serve the required notice to neighbouring units.

HDB will take the necessary enforcement action, including imposing a financial penalty on the contractors.

Ng Peck Nah
Director (Housing Maintenance)
Housing and Development Board