Many homeowners have visions of their dream home via the renovation that they’re very willing to splurge on. But not every vision is possible as HDB has set certain limits and guidelines to the types of renovations that can and cannot be done to the units, and the specifics can get confusing for first-time homeowners. So, we have compiled a list of the most important information to simplify your experience and get you on the right track.

It is quite restrictive to do a renovation in a HDB unit since it is public housing on a 99-year lease to you, so you cannot change too much. First thing first, not all contractors are even allowed to do the job in the first place. You need to make sure that your contractor is listed on the Directory of Renovation Contractors. This is a mandatory HDB clause.

Planning your renovation alongside a knowledgeable, approved contractor will really help you ensure that you are following the guidelines put in place by the HDB. You need to request written approval from HDB ahead of time. You will need to obtain an approval for any wall-hacking, but do take note that walls with features like reinforced concrete walls, columns, beams and other load bearing criteria cannot be hacked down due to the safety of the entire building.

You also need to consider the effect the job will have on pipes and electrical installations. Changes to these inner wirings need written approvals from Power Gas Pte Ltd and SP Services.

For newly completed blocks, you have 3 months to complete the renovation from the date of the permit issuance. For older, already existing blocks, the renovations need to be completed within a month from the date of the permit. The timeline will be based on the fact that all renovation work can only be carried out in normal working hours, from 9.00am to 6.00pm from Mondays to Saturdays. No work is permitted on Sundays or public holidays.

Another perk to planning your renovation alongside experts that are familiar with administrative requirements is that you can determine the ideal timeline and ensure that there is a time cushion for any hiccups that may occur. Knowing what kind of renovation you will be doing and understanding the work required will allow you to have a realistic timeframe in consideration of getting all the permits and approvals.

This is a general list and is not meant to be an exhaustive one. There are many more restrictions that may come up according to which aspect of the unit you want to change, so do set aside a decent amount of time to account for everything, to avoid unpleasant surprises about limitations and mismatching timeline expectations that can cause chaos to your schedule.

As experts in the interior design industry, we are well-versed in the legal requirements and we do partner with some of the best contractors around. As part of any renovation service by Areana Creation is the convenience of all these required paperworks be taken care of, so you can focus on how your dream home can look like instead of getting bogged down by the details of cumbersome, legal restrictions.

Arena Creation only engages with the most trustworthy contractors that have the right credentials and the track record to back it up. We are able to take the load off of you, our client, as everything is taken care of on our side. To get started on revamping your unit, do reach out to us and start your hassle-free journey towards making your dream home a reality!