Your Updated Guide to HDB Renovation Timelines and Process

A well-renovated home brings optimal comfort to the family and can be a good return on investment if you decide to sell it in the future. It is then logical to have a good understanding of the whole renovation process so you can carefully plan for your moving in and know the right questions to ask upon engaging an interior designer.

You can seek their advice on what items from your previous residence to keep and where to ideally place them. They can also help you decide what new things to fill the space that suits your preference.

Pre-Renovation (4-5 weeks)

Home renovations are a fulfilling experience for homeowners, especially when done right. So before you begin the project, there are things that you need to consider and prepare if you want it done correctly the first time.

Assess the Scope of the Renovation

This is an essential part of the renovation project. Without a detailed and realistic plan, you could end up with many problems and even lose sight of your initial objective.

You must be clear about your goals and jot them down. It’s best that you have a thorough design direction and action. Narrow down what you want in your renovation project.

For example,

1. Do you only need a bathtub, countertop, or a big mirror?
2. Does it entail changes to the structure like knocking down walls and reconfiguring the space?

It is important that you discern your needs from wants and prioritise the former.

Budgeting

Setting the budget comes after you have a clear idea of what you want. Try to do the maths before you become overly attached to that Pinterest image of a contemporary kitchen. You may get a fair idea of how much your project would cost by checking the prices online, such as the websites of hardware fixture stores and furniture stores, as well as forums and Facebook groups.

Compare the costs of all the materials you need by window shopping as much as possible. If that seems too much work, you can request quotations from suppliers, contractors, and interior designers. Talk to at least three, then start comparing bids to get a good sense of what your budget can attain for your interior design and renovation needs.

While sticking to a strict budget is essential, you should also allow for unexpected costs. Put aside extra money so you won’t have to panic when things don’t go as planned, like when prices fluctuate or when some necessary items exceed your initial budget. A contingency fund (10 to 20 per cent of your whole budget) must be set aside to cover unexpected expenses to avoid derailing your project in terms of finances.

Deciding on a Theme

A new year has begun, and it’s high time to achieve a newly looking home with the following interior design trends that might continue this year.

After mapping out your plan and setting a budget, you should decide on a design theme.

Here are trendy ideas you can apply to your home’s design.

• Textured surfaces such as microcement and limewash are popular because homeowners these days prefer textured, imperfect surfaces over clean, glossy surfaces.
• Warm, muted tones are still popular this year onwards because homeowners love how they soften a space and make it cosier. The warm colours are comforting after a tiring day at work. 
• Rounded features such as curves and arches will remain popular because homeowners prefer more toned-down features. Hence, this trend is back again, but in a more subtle way.
• Experts speculate that this year, sintered stone may dominate over quartz. The former was quite expensive and had finite designs, but now that it has been around for quite some time, the number of designs available in the market has increased.
• Tracing a few years back, lighting choices were pretty straightforward. Just one overhead light per room. But over the years, this aspect has slowly changed. LED lights are becoming the go-to lighting option. So play around more with indirect lighting (backlights and cove lights), like many homeowners do.
• Homeowners are now more wary of formaldehyde emissions. So do the same. One of the first things you should ask is whether the type of wood to be used emits formaldehyde. So you can save some money by not engaging a professional cleaning form to eliminate formaldehyde before moving in.
• Homeowners are becoming more involved in even the most minute aspects of their renovations. Experts think this is partly due to the pandemic. Interior designers are encountering clients with clear ideas of their preferences (design, height of the countertops, colour schemes). Homeowners are more willing to spend more on tiles, especially large-format tiles. Nowadays, they are willing to buy tiles that exceeds SGD 8, even SGD 14/square feet.
• Trends are largely determined by social media algorithms, whatever people keep talking about on various platforms. Take extra time to figure out whether these trends match your preferences or lifestyle so you don’t regret getting it.

Shortlisting and Choosing an Interior Designer

In order for you to choose the best interior designer for your renovation project, keep in mind the following factors:

1. Recommendations by other people and business directories online
2. Accreditations and licensing
3. Experience
4. Style
5. Warranty and insurance
6. Payment terms
7. Compliance with the set timeline and schedules
8. Work within your set budget

On-site Visits to Engage the Senses

An interior designer’s site visit engages all their senses, so they can fully understand their client’s space. Discuss with them every aspect you want to tackle. For example, the layouts of your furniture, some renovation ideas you might have, paint palettes, and more.

By doing this, your ID will get to know your preferences as well as your lifestyle.

Conceptualising the Design Through 3D Sketching

After getting to know about your space, preferences and lifestyle, your interior designer will proceed to concept development or the process of coming up with a central them on which all the design elements are focused.

Discuss with your ID well so you can make informed decisions moving forward. If you are in doubt, be honest with the designer so they can help you choose the best option.

Securing Renovation Approvals and Permits

Planning your renovations thoroughly will help avoid oversight and carrying out unauthorised work. For the following renovation tasks, you will need an HDB renovation permit to be granted by the Housing & Development Board.

• Replacing existing wall and/or floor finishes
• Replacing sliding door at balcony
• Installing grilles of approved design at balcony
• Hacking or demolition, be it partially or fully, of existing internal partition wall(s)

If your renovation works are not present in this list or if the measurements and technical details of your proposed works differ from the requirements, you will be required to seek HDB’s approval before commencing.

It may take up to three weeks for the Board to approve permits. Approval time may be faster if renovation works do not include hacking or reconfiguring sinks and/or toilets (can take three days to a week).

To apply for the permit, the appointed interior design firm will submit an electronic application on your behalf. But before submission, you have to sign an acknowledgment form to be attached to the application.

A copy of this form is available via the e-service under HDB downloadable form in the HDB InfoWEB at www.hdb.gov.sg. For renovation that includes the demolition of walls, the contractor must submit the unit’s floor plan showing the proposed renovation for HDB’s evaluation.

Renovation (approximately 12-14 weeks)

Once all those documents have been submitted and approved, you can officially begin the site work. You have three months to complete the approved renovation from the date of the renovation permit.

Your interior designer will have to put up a NoR or Notice of Renovation outside your flat or use any other means to keep your immediate neighbours informed of the renovation. This includes works that do not need a renovation permit.

Such notice must be served to them at least 3 days before beginning the renovation. And as much as possible, the homeowners are advised to exercise due care and caution so that no one gets disturbed by this personal endeavour of yours.

Here are some more guidelines to follow to ensure that no nuisance or annoyance is caused to other homeowners in the housing estate.

• Do not carry out DIY works like drilling and hammering from 10:30 in the evening until 7 in the morning.
• General renovation can only be carried out between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM daily.
• Noisy renovation, which includes wall demolition, removal of wall and floor finishes, tile cutting and drilling works, can only be done from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily during weekdays. You are not allowed to conduct noisy renovation works on weekends and public holidays.
• You can only use two of the approved handheld power tools or their equivalents when demolishing walls and/or removing wall/floor finishes. You have three days if you want to complete demolition works consecutively.

Hacking

Hacking usually commences the renovation if you need some walls, tiles or old fixtures removed. But before tearing down the place, here are some points to consider so you don’t get into trouble with the Housing & Development Board.

Only certain walls in HDB flats can be hacked. You can only tear down non-load-bearing walls, as load-bearing walls carry the weight of the ceiling down to the foundation. So you cannot hack this down.

As long as your ID has secured renovation permits from the Board, you won’t have any problem tearing down non-load-bearing walls.

There is one exception to removing wall and floor tiles provided in bathrooms: the 3-year restriction period. All homeowners are not allowed to replace the wall and floor tiles within three years. What you can do is lay new floor finishes over the existing floor finishes using adhesives, subject to the guidelines of HDB.

The restriction period starts upon the issuance of the temporary occupation permit (TOP). This window period gives the waterproofing membrane installed by HDB time to stabilise.

Shopping for Appliances, Furniture, and Fixtures

The next step is to shop for appliances, furniture, and fixtures for your new home. Do not stress yourself out, for we will provide the list for you to shop for. Get the following things ready before moving in and cross out what you already have or no longer need.

Electrical Wiring and Plumbing

During the design planning of your home, one thing becomes clear as you approach the renovation process—that power outlets are never enough. You might initially think that you will not have many electrical devices, but when you start living in your renovated home, you might regret not adding more power outlets.

Hence, it is better to create more now than add power outlets later.

Plumbing also needs to be planned carefully. The very first task of the plumbers is to place the plumbing pips and decide the optimal plumbing lines from the main water pipes to the kitchen and bathrooms.

Masonry Works

This step in the process is anything that involves cement like shower kerbs, cabinet bases, and tiling floors and walls. It also includes post-hacking touch-ups.

More masonry needs to be done when more hacking and reconfiguration are needed during renovation. The cost varies depending on the area size and labour costs for laying tiles and foundations.

Changing Doors and Windows

There are three conditions when changing doors and windows. First are things you are allowed to do. Second, there are things you can do, but only with permission from the HDB. And third, there are things you are permitted to do that you do not need a permit for, but you need to comply with the Board’s renovation guidelines.

Wall Plastering

After the masonry works, your walls need a strong, smooth and durable finish. This is where applying plaster becomes integral. Keep those old walls in good condition by providing the perfect base for the paint.

If you need help with the guidelines on laying and replacing wall finishes and other aspects/parts of your home, check the Building Works page of HDB.

Wall Painting

After plastering the walls, the next step is to paint them. Two or more coatings can be added, but each coating should be dried first before adding another layer of paint. The final coating could be with the use of either standard non-permeable semi-dispersible paint or permeable colours such as dispersion acrylic and latex paint.

You are not allowed to paint the external part of the building like the common corridor walls and ceilings, or paint the external wall/railing of the balcony with a colour that’s different from the original. These are restrictions set by the Housing & Development Board.

You can paint the walls, ceilings, and doors (in the case of HS or Household Shelter doors), but house owners should not paint over the HS door notice, the locking bolts or the door seal.

Ceiling Works

You don’t need an HDB permit to install a false ceiling, but it is subject to HDB’s renovation guidelines/conditions. The minimum clearance height is 2.4 meters from the finished floor level. Take note that it doesn’t apply to bathrooms and toilets as they may have different requirements.

False ceilings should be made of non-combustible materials. Only use 6mm diameter power-driven nails that do not penetrate more than 40 mm into the RC slab. However, if you have the false ceiling installed below the ventilation sleeves, provide an access panel of at least 600mm x 600mm directly below each ventilation sleeve.

Take advantage of false ceilings and use them to run electric wiring properly since HDB prohibits concealed electrical wiring in reinforced concrete or RC slabs.

Installing AC Units

ACs must only be installed by a BCA-trained AC installer. To test any new wiring, submit this form endorsed by the Board to SP Services Ltd. And within 2 weeks after installing your air conditioner(s), you need to submit an installation report through this feedback form.

Whatever type of AC you choose, always confide in the technical requirements and maintenance guide set by HDB so that things always go smoothly. It also contains the requirements and guidelines if your flat is provided with a 30-amp main switch, a 40-amp main switch, and those upgraded under the Main Upgrading Programme/Home Improvement Programme.

Fibre Termination Point Installation

A termination point or TP is a small wall-mounted box where the optical fibre is terminated in your home. Only one TP is required per home. You have to leave at least a 75mm gap between the termination box and utility outlets and/or structures.

Bathroom Fittings Installation

At this point of the renovation, the bathroom fixtures and fittings can be installed next.

• Sinks – You have to consider the size, the style, and how it will be mounted. There are various options for bathroom sinks and you can immediately choose one if you already know what you want.
• Taps – A sink is not complete without its tap. Always purchase the tap together with the sink so that the fit matches the shape and height of the bathroom sink.
• Toilet seat – Today’s toilet seats offer more options because of tech advancements. The shape of your toilet seat will have to match your toilet’s shape to create a snug and comfy fit. Measure the current seat from the hinge bolt to the front. You can also choose from unique toilet seat cover features and expect most covers to include a combo of one or more standard features; or Smart seats that have one or more features with personalised comfort and bidet cleansing.
• Bathroom accessories – Do not forget smaller fittings such as towel rails, soap dispensers, shower baskets, and toilet roll holders. Keep your accessories list complete so you can fully utilise the bathroom space.
• Mirrors – These are a staple that you can find in any bathroom. Don’t just install any mirror. Since there are many options for size, style, and shape to choose from, carefully choose a functional mirror. It needs to be about 30cm above and below the eyeline of those who will use it. The more height you get, the better.

Carpentry Measurement & Installation

If you plan to add new and built-in cabinets and other furniture like cupboards and shoe racks, the carpenters will visit the site and take measurements. Fabrication (making wood products from semi-finished or raw materials) should take about two weeks before they bring the completed products over.

Once they load up the cabinets and other wooden furniture and assemble them onsite, your home renovation should be about 90% done.

Installing Kitchen & Bathroom Countertops

As soon as the cabinetry is installed, the designers should be ready to template your space for the installation of the kitchen and bathroom countertops. On the day of its installation, remember to clear entryways and pathways and remove obstructions from existing counters for easy removal and installation.

Once the work is complete, they will review the work with you and answer questions you may have in mind.

Appliances Installation

After all the cabinetry and other wooden works are installed, appliances, such as the hobs, refrigerator, oven, and more, can be installed next. Proceed with caution when moving heavy appliances, so they do not scratch new flooring or cabinets.

Installing Fixtures

This part of the renovation process involves installing items like hooks, light fixtures, curtain rods, window blinds/curtains, or any object attached permanently by the use of bolts, screws, or nails.

Post-Renovation (at least 3 weeks)

Your home renovation is now complete. But the process does not end there. There are loose strings you need to tie up before you enjoy your beautifully renovated space.

Final Walkthrough with the Interior Designer

This marks a significant step in the post-renovation phase as you will have the chance to point out errors that need rectification or parts you need touch-ups before you fully take over your home.

Here is what you should check during the walkthrough:

• Are the locks of the newly installed doors working?
• Do the glass or mirror panels installed have tiny cracks or scratches?
• Are there any chipped or smudged parts of the painted walls?
• Is the water draining well in the bathroom?
• Are the water closets flushing well?
• Are there uneven tiles or gaps in the flooring?
• Did you check for creaking or unusual sounds on your floors?
• Did you check for any signs of damage and/or warping?
• Did you verify the placement of the switches and outlets?
• Are the faucets in the kitchen and the bathroom running well?

General Cleanup

Your interior designer usually provides a general clean-up post-renovation, like the disposal of renovation debris or a chemical wash to remove stains on tiles. This means you need to clean your home thoroughly prior to moving in.

Do allocate at least 2-3 days for a thorough cleaning. You can also engage a professional cleaning company to help you do the post-renovation cleaning.

Improve Indoor Air Quality

Renovation projects often leave harmful chemicals and fumes that continue to linger even post-renovation. These come from paint and other materials, such as adhesives and sealants. So open all your windows and doors to let the air circulate.

It is also recommended that you leave your cabinets and wardrobes open to remove the fumes contained in them. If you can get air purifiers and plants inside, you can do so as they help purify your air.

Moving In Your Stuff

After these, you can slowly bring in your furniture, appliances, and decor. Your interior designer would have suggested the ideal locations of your electronics and furniture. If you have purchased bulky appliances like a fridge or 40-inch TV, you can call them in advance to schedule the delivery and installation date.

Pre-Moving In Cleaning

A post-renovation cleanup pertains to your efforts plus the services of professional post-renovation cleaners. This is to deep clean the newly renovated space so that no dust and harmful toxins are left in your home.

Setting Up the Router

Your termination box is ready. It only means that your home is Fibre-ready. Get your home Wi-Fi network up and running before moving in. When you plan to integrate smart home devices in the future, it’ll be easier when you have your Internet ready.

If you live in a large house and wish to boost the signal, you may want to add mesh routers to your cart to get more coverage and a stronger signal.

Moving In & “Wearing In”

You are now ready to move in with your family. You may want to use this opportunity to start familiarising yourself with your new personal space. This way, you can know where the things are located and rearrange them where needed.

Purchasing Additional Furnishings

There may be items that you need such as bedside and coffee tables, floor lamps and other accessories. This may be the best time to buy them after bringing in the bulky items and moving in.

Organising and Registering Warranties

You would have likely bought many new items, such as appliances for your new home. Each of these has dates of warranty. So register them immediately and keep track of the warranty periods. Organise them by listing contact numbers and emails so you can easily reach out in case something breaks down.

Conclusion

Now that you have a full guide on HDB renovation, one significant step to take is to carefully choose your interior designer. There are many interior design service providers in Singapore, so it may be challenging to choose which firm gives the best interior design for your home. Style + Space Interior Design makes renovation projects a walk in the park. Contact us today so we can discuss the timeline of your HDB renovation, if you’re planning to do one in the future.