HDB Renovation Permit Guide: How To Apply & Check The Status

Are you planning to do a HDB Renovation?

Before you rush into a full home makeover, please make sure that you have a HDB renovation permit for certain procedures!

HDB renovation permit is the key to starting your HDB renovations. There are guidelines that you need to follow too when doing any renovation. The permit is required for all renovations except for minor works such as installing a water heater or changing the sink.

For major works requiring structural changes, such as hacking of walls or installing false ceilings, you will need to submit structural plans for approval by HDB before applying for the renovation permit.

Maybe you just got a new resale, collected the keys for your new BTO or want to advance into a new look after five years of living in the HDB flat. You have many questions concerning the renovation permits, like” when must I apply for a renovation permit? What are the requirements? How long will it take to be fully approved? What guidelines does the permit come with? “And much more.

We have all the answers you need concerning the HDB renovation permits.

What Is A HDB Renovation Permit?

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) is a public housing authority in Singapore formed to provide affordable housing to the people of Singapore. The HDB is responsible for planning, designing, constructing, and managing public housing in Singapore. The HDB offers several services to help you renovate your flat or house.

If you live in a Housing and Development Board (HDB) flat, you must obtain a permit before carrying out any renovation or alteration works. The HDB Renovation Permit is required for all tasks related to hacking, electrical, plumbing, and gas, as well as for any structural changes to the flat.

The main objective of the HDB permit is to ensure that all works carried out to conform to HDB’s requirements will not jeopardise the structural integrity of the building.

Failure to apply for a renovation permit is considered unauthorised work on a public building, and you might experience severe penalties.

You don’t want to get a fine or brush against the law.

How To Apply For A HDB Renovation Permit?

They say home is where the heart is. Renovating your home is a great way to value and improve your quality of life.

This is likely why many couples choose to apply for a renovation loan to enhance the looks of their home.

However, you’ll need to apply for an HDB renovation permit before you start knocking down walls or adding new features. The application process is relatively straightforward, but there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind.

Submit a detailed renovation plan to HDB

First, you’ll need to submit a detailed renovation plan to HDB, including a floor plan, electrical layout, and materials list. You’ll also need to specify the scope of work and the project’s estimated cost.

Once your application is approved, you’ll be issued a permit which you must display prominently at your worksite.

Remember that you’ll need to adhere to HDB’s guidelines for renovations, which include ensuring that the work does not pose a fire hazard, cause structural damage, or disturb the peace of your neighbours.

Also, engage only HDB-approved contractors for your renovation work who will submit all the details for you. Following these simple steps, you can ensure that your home renovation project goes smoothly and is completed safely.

To apply for an HDB renovation permit, the applicant must submit a set of r drawings prepared by a registered professional. Along with the drawings, the applicant must submit 2 copies of floor plans and the flat owner’s signatures.

How Long Does It Take For HDB To Approve The Permit?

Once the application has been submitted, HDB will inspect the flat to ensure that the proposed works comply with HDB’s requirements. The permit approval generally takes HDB around 2 to 4 weeks to approve permit applications.

However, this time frame can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the project and the number of permit applications HDB is currently processing. If you’re planning a major renovation project, submitting your application as early as possible is always best to avoid any delays.

If the works are approved, HDB will issue a permit valid for 3 months.

However, the deadline depends on your needs, and if you need to resale the BTO flat, the permit will be valid for one month only. Always observe the time validity to avoid penalties.

Where To Check The Status For HDB Renovation Permit

Those who have applied for an HDB renovation permit might be wondering where you can check its status. The HDB website is the best place to check if your HDB renovation permit is approved.

Step 1: Log on to www.hdb.gov.sg and click on “My HDBPage.”

Step 2: Log in by entering your SingPass and NRIC numbers or mobile phone number and the expiry date of your SingPass.

Step 3: On the Renovations dashboard page, click on “My Flat” then “Purchased Flat.” Continue to “Renovation’’and you will find all the information concerning your renovation permit.

Step 4: Under “Renovation & Alteration,” you will see a list of your pending approval, newly submitted applications, or approved applications. There are additional details such as status, application reference number, and contact officer details.

If HDB has notified you that your application is incomplete or you have been asked to provide additional information, it is important to do so as soon as possible.

When Is A HDB Renovation Permit Required?

The HDB aims to ensure that your living environment is safe, environmentally friendly, and sustainable. To achieve this, they have set out rules and regulations that must be adhered to when renovating your home.

The renovations are done from 9am to 6pm on weekdays. During weekends you can also renovate on Saturday but not on Sunday or during a public holiday. This includes the HDB’s drilling timing and hacking timing.

“Why have they fixed the renovation hours?”

Many would ask. Some tasks like drilling are very noisy, and HDB wants to ensure the environment is conducive to stay, so they put some rules in it. Your neighbours might need their weekend rest!

The activities you aim to renovate are also regulated. HDP does not allow any renovation since some might lead to serious damages since they are risky. Always observe the guidelines on what type of Renovation to be done and avoid the following: you might be prosecuted.

Here are some prohibited activities:

– Installing extra grilles or changing the use of air-conditioner ledges.

–  Installing water tanks

– Plastering the ceiling

– Painting outside

– Removing staircases

– Extending the floor

– Removing rails

Many have raised the question,” when must I apply for a HDB renovation permit? “It’s better to be on the side of caution and apply for a permit before starting any work. For the following to be done, you will need an HDB renovation permit.

What Renovation Works Require A HDB Renovation Permit?

Hacking of Walls

If you are hacking the wall of your house, it will be considered a major renovation and therefore requires you to get a renovation permit. This is because there might be some structural changes that need to be made by an expert, which would impact your house’s safety.

For safety, HDB suggests you start demolishing the walls from the ceiling to avoid damage.

Building An Extension On Your Balcony

You can use the space on your balcony to extend your home. But if you wish to build an extension on the balcony, you will need an HDB Permit. The total floor area of the extension should not exceed 60% of the total floor area of the original unit.

Replacing Your Flooring/Tiling

If you are replacing your flooring or tiling, you must apply for any permits from the HDB. These changes affect the structure of your building. Your flat is part of the structure of the flat and must be replaced professionally.

Replacing Doors or Windows

You need to ensure that whatever you’re replacing matches the rest of the building’s design. You should also ensure that your new door or window is energy efficient to not cost you more money in electricity bills. The windows should be 50 cm by 50 or 70 by 120 and match the other BTO flat windows.

The guidelines are strict to avoid any injuries. Imagine if a window or a door breaks and ends up hurting someone.

Bathroom Works

You may want to change your bathrooms by including a toilet bowl, shower, and basin. For the first 3 years of owning your BTO flat, no replacement should be done in the bathroom to avoid water leakage since the waterproofing could be new.

If you wish to replace your old toilet with one that has different specifications from the original one, you will need an alteration permit from us before starting the project.

Plumbing Works

The most common type of Renovation undertaken by HDB owners is plumbing works. No permit is required when changing the sinks, tubs, and other fixtures, only when piping underneath the flooring.

When you have an HDB Permit, you can get certain plumbing works done yourself; however, all heavy water and sanitary tasks are done by Public Utilities Board (PUB) Licensed Plumber.

Changing Stairs

If you reside in an HDB flat, you may be able to change the staircase. The first thing you need to do is to check with the HDB if they allow such a change. It will depend on the structural stability of the staircase and whether any structural changes are required or recommended.

The design of your staircase should be drawn up by an architect or a registered building designer (RBD). You can find a list of RBDs on the Building & Construction Authority’s website.

Electrical Work

When you get an HDB permit for electrical work, you need to make sure that you know the limits of what you can do on your own and what needs to be contracted out.

Very minimal electrical activity is allowed, but we found one that is air conditioner installation, and we found only a BCA-trained installer can do the task.

FAQs

How long do the renovations take as per the permit?

> Renovations might take 3 months and below. All this depends on the type of Renovation you requested.

What happens when I do renovations without a permit?

> You will be requested to cease the renovations until you attain a renovation permit. Further charges might occur since you might be prosecuted.

Why was my HDB renovation denied?

> HDB might deny your HDB renovation permit if they affect the safety of others, pose a fire hazard, or are a nuisance to the public.

Apply For Your HDB Renovation Permit Early

It’s best to plan early with your interior designer and apply for the HDB renovation permit early.

Make sure that your plans do align with the rules and regulations set by the HDB. Applying for your HDB renovation permit can be done electronically on the HDB InfoWEB. Look for “Application for renovation permit via electronic transaction”.

For home renovation costs as well as the best home renovation loans, click here or apply below.