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How Do I Renovate My HDB Singapore? Here Are The 10 Helpful Steps

The renovation of your first home feels daunting and exciting at the same time. It’s possible that you’ve been saving money and planning for a long time to one day build your dream home. HDB renovations can cost as much as S$32,000, or double that amount. It’s important that you understand the entire process from start to finish so that you can prepare for design and estimate your costs. You need to work with the HDB timeline too. You should also consider a professional consultation at this point.

Home renovation is a major undertaking. Whether it’s just upgrading one room or completely revamping your entire HDB flat, home renovations are challenging. However, if you invest the time and money to renovate your house properly, you may actually make back your renovation investment in less time than if you just rented.

A lot of planning is required to do a home renovation the right way. We break down the typical renovation process for a resale HDB flat renovation in Singapore for you so you know what to expect.

Is your flat ready to be renovated? You should know the steps to enjoy a hassle-free process before you start. Here are the things you need to know on HDB renovation guidelines.

You can get a contractor listed in the directory of renovation contractors

Hire contractors who are listed in the Directory of renovation contractors. One who will do more damage than good is something you want to avoid. The HDB’s renovation rules and requirements are in place to protect the structural integrity of the building and are in the Directory of Renovation Contractors.

The HDB Directory of Renovation Contractors is also available on the Mobile@HDB app. HDB is not responsible for problems that occur during a renovation. Subcontractors are required to take out their own insurance in order to be covered under their contract terms and conditions.

In order to apply for an HDB renovation permit, you need to get your renovation work authorized by an HDB-registered company. There’s no need for this project to go ahead without a license from HDB. With the right permit, the developer can carry out work legally and according to the guidelines set by HDB.

What if You Like a Designer Without an HDB Permit?

Interior designers and platforms usually sub-contract the execution, so there is no reason to worry. If you want to sub-contract it to a firm or contractor with an HDB permit, you need to ensure that the interior design or platform you like is the one.

Plan a budget

The renovations take about 12 weeks to complete. Up to 98% of the HDB renovation payment will have to be paid during this period. Before you start looking for a mortgage broker, you need to decide which type of loan you want and what financing option you prefer. The calculation will give you an upper limit for your spending.

Set aside enough money for home insurance in case of a disaster or if something goes wrong with your home and it has to be repaired. Furniture and renovation may not be covered by HDB insurance. However, this is a good reason to buy furniture that is built for the house.

On average, a homeowner spends S$20,000 for a Singapore HDB renovation, but this varies based on the size of the home and the scope of work involved. Here’s another thing to keep in mind: The prices mentioned above are based on an estimate of the price changes we’ll make in 2021 renovations.

Get more details on exact quotes by consulting with our designers.

A Comparison of HDB Resale Renovation Costs

The key areas for costing include carpentry, furniture, flooring, and appliances.

Apply for renovation application

How to apply HDB renovation permit? Before demolishing your property, you must get HDB’s prior approval. There is a compulsory requirement to protect your property from unauthorized destruction. It could affect the structural integrity of your building. Your renovation contractor must submit the online renovation application to HDB together with the acknowledgement form signed by you, the flat owner, before starting work.

Upon submission of the renovation application by the contractor, you will receive a Short Message Service notification. You can view the status of your renovation permit application on My HDBPage. HDB renovation permits can be found here. Guidelines and important information for works that can be done in your flat can be read on the HDB Info WEB.

Contact other third parties for different work

During the renovation process, you may need air-conditioner installation. Air-conditioner mounting should only be done by BCA-trained air-conditioner installers. Any part of the air-conditioner that projects from your flat must be secured by BCA-trained installers. Email the HVAC Installation Report to the flat manager once the system has been installed.

Do your renovation work on the permitted schedule

There are a lot of things that will disturb the peace during a renovation. Neighbors with young children or working from home should beware of noisy work. It’s not easy to maintain harmonious relations with our neighbors, but we can do it by adhering to the following:

• Inform your neighbors of the renovations at least 3 days before they start. You should remind your contractor to put up a HDB renovation notice of the renovation outside of your flat.
  

• If you want to carry out renovation work, you have to do it between the hours.
  
• If you’re carrying out do-it-yourself works, limit it to between 7 am and 10:30 pm and keep the noise to a minimum for renovation HDB timing.
  
• If you can, close the main door of your flat while the works are going on, to help reduce noise and to inform your neighbors in advance of any works that may cause noise.
  

Deal with the payment and renovation dispute

In most countries the price of a renovation is fixed by the government in order to ensure fair pricing. The disagreements such as cost, work schedule, or type of renovations should be resolved between the two parties.

The best way to resolve a dispute is through a mutual agreement rather than going to the Consumers Association of Singapore, the Singapore Mediation Centre or the Small Claims Tribunal.

Use lifts properly

It’s always exciting to move into a new home and to renovate and update a house. As a family man with a newborn baby at home, the prospect of moving house can be stressful and overwhelming. Movers and contractors carrying bulky items will be a common sight, and lifts may take a slightly longer time to arrive. Make sure you’re clear about who’s allowed to jam the lift doors.

If you’re moving out of your current property, it’s important to make sure you leave in the same way you came in. If you’re moving out using a movers and packers service, they’ll likely take care of this for you. However, if you’re moving out yourself, you need to make sure that you’ve got your key and all your belongings together before the movers show up.

Keep it clean

Whether you’re working in an office or doing household repairs, these can create health and safety issues and damage the reputation of your property. Tell your delivery persons, movers, and contractors to make sure they dispose of renovation debris and other unwanted items by carting them to proper disposal sites.

Dispose of bulky items like old furniture, mattresses, or other large items in the garbage bins, or if you prefer, in the rubbish dumpster outside your home. Report instances of lift misuse or dumping of debris in the common areas via the OneService website or app.

Take care of your home regularly

If you’re a home renovator, carrying out regular checks on the fittings and fixtures in your house is important. If you have an old car, this will help you spot areas that need attention before they become serious.

Keep up to date with repairs Don’t forget about things like boilers, electrical appliances and carpets. These are all things that need regular check-ups. You could also do a thorough inspection before you go on holiday, which can give you a better idea of what you need to look after while you’re away. Having a good maintenance plan A is the key. It can also help you spot problems before they become serious.

Get the best out of your home renovation with Interior Times

Interior Times is the answer for you if you are looking for a luxury place to live, then the home you choose should be the best in every way. Your home should look good, but it also should feel good. It is best for the experienced and professional team from Interior Times to avoid any unwanted results and problems in the end due to inexperienced interior design firms. Here are the things that you can get with our service:

• A leader in the luxury housing sector for commercial and private use

• Different renovation packages for all our clients
• Increasing the value of your property and ensure its future-proofed for future buyers