GuidelinesforRenovationWorks

1.0Introduction
The renovation guidelines are intended to assist house owners in their renovation by providing
thenecessaryinformationonthenatureandextentofsuchworks.

2.0
Renovation

a) House owners are required under the Housing & Development (Renovation Control) Rules to
engage an HDB Registered Renovation Contractor to carry out renovation works which shall be
taken to mean alteration and addition work (Works) to the Unit. House owners shall engage
their own HDB Registered Renovation Contractors for the approvedWorksandpayallchargesand
costs thereof. The engagement of these contractors is strictly on a private basis between the flat
owners and the contractors and HDB is not privy to the contract. If there is disagreement on the
pricing,scheduleorqualityoftherenovation,bothpartieswouldhavetoresolvethematterbetween
themselves.Ifthemattercannotbesettledamicably,theymayseekassistancethroughCASEorthe
SmallClaimsTribunals.Alternatively,theycouldseekremedythroughcourtproceedings.

b)Tocheckifthecontractor is a HDB Registered Renovation Contractor, you may visit HDBInfoWEBat

www.hdb.gov.sg underLivinginHDBflats >HomeRenovation>LookingForContractors or via
Mobile@HDB using a smartphone. Alternatively,you can call the tollfreeHDBBranchServiceLine
at18002255432.

c)Inordernottojeopardise
i)theissuanceoftheCertificateofStatutoryCompletion(CSC)forParklandResidences;
ii)thevalidityofthevariousWarranties;and
iii)performancecriteriaestablishedfortheMechanical/Electricalinstallations;
allWorkscarriedoutshouldbeinaccordancewithHDBsrenovationguidelines.(Pleasereferto
paragraph3.6(A)ofthisHandbookforalistofrenovationworksthatarenotallowed.)

d)CertaintypesofWorkstotheUnitcanonlybecarriedoutwithpriorwrittenapprovalfromHDB.
HDB will issue a permit for such Works before the HDB Registered Renovation Contractor can
commencetheWorks.

e)ItisanoffenceundertheHousing&Development(RenovationControl)Rulesifhouseownersfailto
engageanHDBRegisteredRenovationContractororobtainarenovationpermitfromHDB,(if
applicable)orcomplywithrenovationrules.Onconviction,thehouseownerscanbesubjecttoa
courtfineofupto$5,000.Inadditiontothepaymentofthecourtfine,theunauthorisedWorks
mustberemovedandreinstatedtoitsoriginalcondition.

f)Whereapermitisnotrequiredfortheproposedrenovationitem,houseownersarestillrequiredto
complywiththeguidelines/conditionsgoverningtheitemsassetoutintheguidelines.

3.0ApplicationforRenovationPermit

a) HouseownersarerequiredtoauthorisetheirHDBRegisteredRenovationContractortosubmitthe
renovationapplicationontheirbehalfforrenovationworksthatrequireHDBspriorapproval.Your
appointedHDBRenovationContractorisrequiredtoattachacopyoftheacknowledgementform
dulysignedbytheflatownersduringthesubmissionoftherenovationapplication.Acopyofthis

formisavailableviatheeserviceunderHDBdownloadableformintheHDBInfoWEB
atwww.hdb.gov.sg

b)

TheHDBRegisteredRenovationContractorisrequiredtosubmittheapplication

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1

electronicallyviatheHDBInfoWEBatwww.hdb.gov.sg.TheHDBRegisteredRenovation
ContractorneedstologintoMyHDBPageunderMyBusiness>FlatRenovation
(ForContractors)toapplyfortherenovationpermit.Intheeventthatelectronic
submissionoftheapplicationisnotavailable,theHDBRegisteredRenovationContractor
willhavetodownloadthehardcopyapplicationformandsubmittheapplicationtothe
HDBHougangBranchforprocessing.

c) Forrenovationsuchasdemolitionofwalls,theHDBRegisteredRenovationContractorisrequired
tosubmitthefloorplanoftheUnitshowingtheproposedrenovationforHDBsevaluation.This
floorplanhastobescannedtogetherwiththeapplicationforrenovationworkssubmitted
electronicallytoHDB.HouseownerscanusethefloorplanfortheirUnittypesprovidedinthe
handingoverpackagegiventoallowners.

d) HouseownersandtheirHDBRegisteredRenovationContractorsshallatalltimescomplywithany
law,bylawrulesandregulationgoverningtheworkandanyrelatedmattersmadebyother
competentauthoritiessuchasBuilding&ConstructionAuthority,MinistryofManpower,TheFire
SafetyandShelterDepartment,NationalEnvironmentAgency,UrbanRedevelopmentAuthority,
EnergyMarketAuthority,PublicUtilitiesBoardandSPServicesLtd.

e) InadditiontoconsentfromHDB,houseownersarerequiredtoseekDevelopersconsentforany
proposedrenovationwhichaffectthefacadeofthebuilding,iftheWorksaretobecarriedout
beforetheissuanceoftheCSCorLegalCompletion,whicheverisearlier.

4.0

TermsofRenovationApproval

a)Theapprovedrenovationmustbecompletedwithinthree(3)monthsfromthedateofthe
renovationpermit.

b)It is important for house owners and their appointed HDB Registered RenovationContractors
toensurethatHDBspriorapprovalisobtainedbeforecommencementofthedemolition/hacking
of walls (be it partially or fully). T h e a p p o i n t e d H D B R e g i s t e r e d R e n o v a t i o n
Contractorisrequiredtoengageonlycertifiedworkerstocarryout
demolition/hackingofwalls.
This strict compliance is necessary asanyunauthoriseddemolition/hackingmayaffectthestructural
integrityofthebuildingandcompromisethesafetyofoccupantsintheblock.

c)TheHDBRegisteredRenovationContractorsmustdisplaytheNoticeofRenovationoutsidethe
Unitfortheentiredurationoftherenovation.

d)The HDB Registered Renovation Contractor is also required to keep the immediateneighbours
informed of the renovation (including Works which do not require arenovationpermite.g.:
relaxedrenovationitems,anycarpentryworks)byservingthemawrittennotice. Such notice must
be served at least three (3) days in advance before thecommencementofanyrenovation.

e)The HDB Registered Renovation Contractor is also required to keep the immediateneighbours
informed of the renovation (including Works which do not require arenovationpermite.g.:
relaxedrenovationitems,anycarpentryworks)byservingthemawrittennotice. Such notice must
be served at least three (3) days in advance before thecommencementofanyrenovation.

f)Thehouseownersareadvisedtoexerciseduecareandcautiontoensure thatnodisturbance,
nuisanceorannoyanceiscausedtoothersinthehousingestate.

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g)ThehouseownersareadvisednottocarryoutanyDoItYourself(DIY)worksinvolvingdrilling
andhammeringfrom10.30pmto7amassuchworksgeneratesomeamountofnoisewhichmay
causedisturbancetoyourneighbours.Ifyouareunabletokeepwithintheselimits,youshould
informyourneighboursbeforehand.

h)Please note thatgeneral renovation can be carried out only between 8.00 am and6.00pmdaily.

i)Noisyrenovationsuchasdemolitionofwalls,removingwall/floorfinishes,cuttingoftilesand
drillingworks,etc.arerestrictedfrom9.00amto5.00pmdailyduringweekdays.

j)NoisyrenovationarenotallowedtobecarriedoutonSaturdays,SundaysandPublicHolidays.

k)Atanyonetime,onlytwo(2)oftheapprovedhandheldpowertoolsortheequivalentsareallowed
tobeusedforthedemolitionofwallsand/orremovalofwall/floorfinishes.SuchWorksarenot
allowedtotakemorethanthree(3)consecutivedays.

l)HouseownersareresponsiblefortherenovationintheirUnit.TheymustensurethattheWorks
carriedoutbytheHDBRegisteredRenovationContractorsareinaccordancewithHDBs
requirements.

m)TheHDBRegisteredRenovationContractorsarerequiredtoensurethatbuildingmaterials,renovation
debrisorotherdiscardedmaterialsareproperlydisposedwhencarryingoutrenovationinHDBflats.
TheHDBRegisteredRenovationContractorsarerequiredtopacktherenovationdebrisintobagsand
placethemintolorryfordisposalatapproveddumpinggroundandinaccordancewithNational
EnvironmentAgencys(NEA)guidelines.

n)Upon completion oftherenovation, houseowners are required to informHDBHougangBranch

immediately.

5.0

ApprovalandSupervisionbyOtherAuthorities

a. Prior approval must be obtained from Power Gas Pte Ltd and SP Services Ltd forany
alterationsorextensions of the gas service pipes and for electrical installation
andalterationsrespectively.

b.HouseownersandtheirHDBRegisteredRenovationContractorsaretoengage:

i. For water pipe services, a Public Utilities Board (PUB) Water Departments licensed
waterserviceplumber.
ii. For gas service works, an Energy Market Authoritys (EMA) licensed gas service
worker.
iii. Forelectricalworks,anEnergyMarketAuthoritys(EMA)licensedelectricalworker.
iv. Forsanitaryworks,aSingaporePlumbingSocietys(SPS)registeredplumber.
v. For window works, a Building & Construction Authoritys (BCA) approved window
contractorregisteredwithHDB.

c. For renovation that require the engagement of a Qualified Person (QP), house owners and
their HDB Registered Renovation Contractors can engage a QP via the Professional Engineers
(PE)Boardwebsiteatwww.peb.gov.sgundertheheadingFindingaProfessionalEngineer.

Houseownersshallatalltimescomplywithanylaw,bylaw,ruleandregulationgoverningthe
Worksandanyotherrelatedmatters

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6.0

DosandDontsforRenovation
House owners are responsible for the renovation carried out in their Units and toensure that
the Works carried out by their HDB Registered Renovation Contractors complywithHDBs
requirements.

Certain types of renovation need a permit from HDB before such Works are allowed tobecarried
out.

However, some renovation are not allowed to be carried out due to the followingreasons:

Overloading the structure which may affect the structural integrity and safety of the
building.

Affectingtheexternalfacade/formofthebuildingorpublicsafety.
Creatingpublicnuisance,posingfirehazardorencroachmenttopublicarea.
Infringingleaseagreement,relevantstatutoryregulationsorrequirements,etc.

7.03yearrestrictionperiodonremovalofwallandfloortilesprovidedatBathrooms

ThebathroomsintheUnitareprovidedwithwallandfloortiles.Astheseareasaredesignedtobe
wet areas, a waterproofing membrane has beenlaid on the cement screed before laying the floor
tiles. This is to prevent water from leaking through the flooring of the Unit and affecting the
interioroftheUnitbelow

8.0

Hence, all house owners are not allowed to replace the wall and floor tiles provided at the
bathrooms for a period of three (3) years. House owners may lay new floor finishes over the
existingfloorfinishesusingadhesivessubjecttoHDBsprevailingguidelines.

The3yearrestrictionperiodwillcommencefromtheissuanceoftheTOP.

RenovationWorksthatareNOTALLOWED

Thelistofrenovationthatarenotallowedisasfollows:

a) Hacking,alterationsorremovalofreinforcedconcretewall,columns,beams,slabs,etc.
b) Excessiveoverloadingofthefloorslabwithaloadgreaterthan150kgforeverymetresquareoffloor
area.
c) Plasteringofceilings.
d) Partitioningwithcombustibleortoxicemissionmaterials(e.g.plywood,plastics,asbestosetc.).
e) Raisingoffloorlevelexceedingtheallowablethicknessof50mm(inclusiveoffloortiles)usingconcrete.
f) Constructingwatertankinbathroomexceptreadymadefiberglassbathtub.
g) Paintingexternalpartofbuilding(e.g.commoncorridorwallsandceilings).
h) InstallingawningorotherfixturesoutsideUnit.
i) Layingfloorfinishesoutsideentrancedoorwithouthavingrecessareaorstep.
j) Replacementofexistingfullheightwindows,including3/4heightwindowsandbaywindows.
k) Removalormodificationofrailingsatthebalcony.
l) Partialortotalenclosureincludinginstallationofexternalgrillesonairconditionerledge.
m) OnlygrillesalreadyinstalledbytheDeveloperareallowed.
n) Installationofoverheadgrilles(i.e.cagingup)atthebalcony,whereapplicable
o) Changeofuseofplanterboxandairconditionerledge.
p) Placementofreflectivefilm(exceeding20%reflectance)overexistingwindow'sglasspanel.

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8.0

9.0

RenovationWorksthatareNOTALLOWED(Contd)

q) Installationofwindows,wall,fullheightslidingdoor,screenand/orstructureofanyformto
enclosethebalconyarea.Onlygrilleswithapproveddesignsareallowedtobeinstalled.
r) Erectionofadditionalonelayerofwallbehindexistingrailingofbalcony.
s) Installingofwindowunitairconditioners.
t) Replacementofglazingofwindowswithcolourthatisdifferentfromtheoriginal.
u) Sealingupexistingwindow,maindoorandHouseholdShelteropenings.
v) Drillingofholesthroughbeams,columnsandotherstructuremembers.
w) Createopeninginexistingexternalwalls.
x) Anyworksthataffectsexternalfacade
y) Relocationofslidingdooratbalcony.
z) Paintingexternalwall/railingofthebalconywithcolourthatisdifferentfromtheoriginal.
aa) Coveringupthegaslouverabovethekitchencabinet.
bb) SealinguptheaccesspaneltotheHouseholdShelterventbehindthekitchencabinet.
cc) Sealingupofallaccesspanels.

Note:Theabovelistisnotexhaustive.

Renovation Works that DO NOT REQUIRE A PERMIT but are subject to HDBs
RenovationGuidelines/Conditionsgoverningtherespectiveitems

PleaserefertotheHDBInfoWEBformoreinformationonhomerenovationinHDBflats.

a) ReplacementofmaingatetoUnit.
(Note:Thereshouldbenochangetotheexistingsizeandshapeofthegate.)
b) Installationofinternalgrillesbehindwindowsandslidingdoors.
c) Installationoffalseceilingand/orwallpaper.
d) Installationoflightfittings.
e) Laying of floor finishes to balcony and bathrooms over existing finishes using adhesive only. The
thicknessoffloortilesinclusiveofadhesivemustnotexceed13mm.

10.0RenovationWorksthatRequireHDBsPriorApproval

a) Replacementofexistingwalland/orfloorfinishes.
b) (Note:Wherewaterproofingsystemisprovided,warrantywillbevoideduponanyreplacement
oftheexistingwalland/orfloortiles.)
c) Replacementofslidingdooratbalcony.
d) Installationofgrillesofapproveddesignatbalcony.RefertoAppendix1
e) Hacking/demolition(beitpartiallyorfully)ofexistinginternalpartitionwall(s)

Whenrenovationare notreflected inthisleaflet/HDB InfoWEB or wheremeasurementsand

technicaldetailsoftheproposedWorksdeviatefromtherequirements,homeownersarerequired
toseekHDBspriorapprovalbeforecommencementofWorks.

11.0

PermittedandNotPermittedWorksforHouseholdShelters(HS)

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11.1General
There is a HouseholdShelter(HS)ineachUnit.Itisdesignedtoprotectthehouseownersduringa
war emergency. It has strengthened walls, floor, ceiling and specifically designed door. They must
not be hacked or drilled. Certain finishes and fixtures are not permitted as they are not easily
removableandmaybecomehazardstoshelteroccupantsduringawaremergency.Lighting,Power,
telephone and CATV outlets are also provided in the HS so that you can stay inside and
communicationwiththeoutside

11.2PermittedWorksinHSthatDONOTREQUIREAPERMITbutaresubjectto
Guidelines/ConditionssetoutbySingaporeCivilDefenceForce.

a) Layingofvinylorlinoleumflooring.
b) Wherefalseceiling,whichisprovidedontheexterioroftheHS,istobeinstalledatalevelbelowthe
ventilationsleeves,thereshallbeoneaccesspanelofaminimumsizeof600mmx600mmprovided
directlybeloweachventilationsleeve.
c) PowerdrivennailsareallowedonlyonexternalfaceoftheHSwallstofacilitateflexibilityinmounting
ofpeacetimefeatures/fixturesbyowners.
d) Layingoffloortileswithcementmortar.
e) Laying of floorskirtingtiles(up to a maximum of 100mmhigh)bybondingthem with wetcement
mortartoHSwalls.
f) Paintingofwalls,ceilingordoor,inthecaseofHSdoor,houseownerscannotcoveruporpaintover
theHSdoornotice,lockingboltsordoorseal.
g) Fixing of removable screws with nonmetallic inserts not exceeding 50mm depth for fixtures and
equipmente.g.pictures,posters,cabinets,shelves,wallfan,ceilinglightingetc.Suchfixturesthatare
installedinsidetheHSwillhavetoberemovedbythehouseownerswithin48hoursuponnotification.
h) Removingofthefragmentationplatescoveringtheventilationopeningsmaybecarriedoutsubjectto
thefollowingconditions:
i)Theplates(afterremoval)shallbesecurelymountedwithremovablescrewsinnonmetallic
inserts not exceeding 50mm depth on one of the internal face ofHSwalls.
ii)Aftertheremovalofplates, boltsandnutsshallbeinstalledbacktotheiroriginalpositionson
theventilationsleeves.
iii)Closing orcovering upof ventilationopenings by removableaestheticorarchitectural
finishesisallowedprovidedthatatleast25%ofthetotalarea,ofthetwo(2)openingsshallbe
leftuncoveredfortheventilationpurposesduringpeacetime.
i) ApplyingsplatterdashorequivalenttotheexternalfaceofHSwallonlytoprovideroughsurface
forfeaturewallpanelsorwalltilesinstallation.
j) Paintingononlytheexteriorfaceofthe6mmfragmentationstainlessplateoftheventilation
sleeve.

11.2NotPermittedWorksinHS

a)

Layingofwalltilesorsprayingofrockstonefinish,cementsandfinishandgypsumplasteringonthe
internalfacesofHSwallsincludingceiling.
b) Layingoffloortilesusingadhesivematerials.
c) InstallingofcorniceswithintheHS.
d) InstallingworkswithfixingsusingpowerdrivennailsintotheinternalHSwalls.
e) Tamperingwith,removingorcoveringupoftheHSdoornotice.TheHSdoornoticeprovidesimportant
informationtotheoccupantsontheproperuseoftheHS.
f) IndiscriminatehackinganddrillingoftheHSwalls,floorslabsandceilingslabs,otherthandrillinginto
HSwallsandceilingslabstoaffixremovablescrewsoninserts,providedthedepthoftheinsertsshall
notexceed50mm.
Hacking to both internal and external face of the Household Shelter walls to formkeyfor
tiling.

PublicationDate:Nov2014

 Hacking or indiscriminate drilling on external face of HS wall for mounting of feature wall
panelsorwalltilesinstallation.

Modifying,changing,removingortamperingofHSdoor.
Modifying, altering or tampering with any part of the ventilation openings, platesandthe
mountingdevicessuchasboltsandnuts.

Paintingtotheinteriorfaceofthe6mmfragmentationstainlesssteelplateofthe
ventilationsleeve,theventilationsleeveOringrubbergasketandthefour(4)oreight(8)
numbersofstainlesssteelbolts,whichholdthesteelplatetothesleeve.
Layingof2ndlayeroftilesonfloororskirtingtiles.

12.0

InjuryofPersonsandDamagetoBuildingsProperty
a)House owners and their HDB Registered Renovation Contractors shall be liable for anylosses
and/or damages arising out of or in the course of or by reason of carrying out therenovation
works.

b) Houseownersshallkeepthe Developer,theirMainContractor,HDBand AljuniedHougang

PunggolEastTownCouncilindemnifiedatalltimesagainst:

i) all claims and proceedings for any damage to or destruction of property, injury ordeath
ofanyperson,costsandexpenses;and

ii)alllosses,costs,charges,expenses anddamageswhichmaybeincurred orpayableby

GuthrieSKLandPteLtd,theirMainContractor,HDBandAljuniedHougangPunggolEast
TownCouncil,

Whether or not any of the above is due to any act of negligence or default of the houseowners
andhowsoeverarisingfrom,inconnectionwithorconsequenttotheexecutionoftherenovation
works.

13.0CommonPropertiesandEquipment

a.

The common areas and equipment are the property of HDB and provided mostly for your
convenienceandresponsibleuse.

b.

House owners must ensure that their HDB Registered Renovation Contractors take full
responsibility for the care of the common properties and equipment. The Contractors must
remove all dirt and stains such as oil drops, paint works, sealant, etc. to the satisfaction of
theAljuniedHougangPunggolEastTownCouncil.

c.

House owners must ensure that their HDB Registered Renovation Contractors provide
adequate protective coverings e.g. plywood, Perspex or canvas at all times to the common
propertiessuchasthelifts.

d.

Renovation must be carried out within the house owners Unit. Under no circumstances
will any Works be allowed to be carried out at the common areas. All equipment and
materials must be strictly stored within the house owners Unit and no storage space will
beprovidedatthecommonareas.

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14.0DisposalofDebris
a. Nodebrisisallowedtobeplacedalongthecommonareasorstaircase.

b. All debris andsurplus materials arising from the renovationworks shall be disposedoffsiteand
all surfaces must be cleaned to the satisfaction of the AljuniedHougang Punggol East Town
Council.

c. Allcommonareasaretobekeptcleanatalltimes.Alldirtandstainsatcommonareasaretobe
removedimmediatelybytheContractor.

d. Disposalofdebristhroughthewastepipeorrubbishchuteisstrictlyprohibited.

e. Nodischargeofwastewater,terrazzoslimeoranybuildingdebrisintothesewagesystem.
House owners can visit AljuniedHougangPunggol East Town Council website: www.ahpetc.sg for
otherservices.

ImportantNotes:
a) In addition to the information in this Handbook, you are advised to refer to the HDB
InfoWEBformoreinformationonhomerenovationinHDBflats.

b)HDBand the Developerreservetheirrespectiverightsto vary the termsand conditionsherein

containedasandwhentheydeemedfit.

c)Anyapprovalgrantedshallsubjecttothetermsand conditionsprevailingatthetimeof
applicationapprovalfromHDB.

d) The house owners shall observe and comply with such other rules and regulations where HDB
and the Town Council may from time to time implement in relation to the execution of the
renovationintheUnits.

PublicationDate:Nov2014

Appendix1

ApprovedGrilleDesignsforBalcony

The grilles are not fixed but retractable and the same grille design will be adopted where
necessary.

i.

Sampleofgrilledrawingsinbalconywithrailing

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Appendix2

ApprovedGrilleDesignsforKitchen
The grilles are openable and the same grille design will be adopted wherenecessary

Ii

Sampleofgrilledrawingsatthekitchen

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10

Dear Owners of Parkland Residences

RESTRICTION ON ENCLOSURE AT BALCONY

1. The balcony space in the flat is approved as an outdoor space. It has to remain naturally
ventilated at all times and cannot be enclosed. The installation of windows or full height glass
panels at the balconies is thus not allowed.

2. This restriction on the enclosure of the balcony has been clearly conveyed to all flat owners at
various stages of the flat purchase viz. during the booking of the flat, in the sales and purchase
agreement and near the collection of keys, where flat owners have acknowledged to abide by
this restriction. This restriction is also reflected in the Residents Handbook issued to flat owners
during the collection of keys.

3. In the event that flat owner is found to have installed unauthorised windows or full height
glass panels at the balcony, it would constitute a breach of the conditions in the sales and
purchase agreement and the flat owner will have to remove these installations to avoid legal
action.

4. HDB recognizes that some flat owners may wish to enclose their balcony for safety reasons.
For this purpose, flat owners may consider installing invisible grilles or the approved balcony grille
design indicated in the Residents Handbook.

HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD & URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY