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18 Questions You Want to Ask Before an Interior Design Project for Your House
Q1. What should I do if I want to renovate my flat?
You should check whether the renovation item requires a renovation permit before you commence on the renovation works. You can refer to the information leaflets on “Renovation Guide For Your HDB Flat” or the HDB InfoWEB under “Renovation & Maintenance“.
If the works require a renovation permit, you can either submit your application for the renovation permit personally to your HDB Branch Office or through your contractor.You are required to sign on the authorization section of the application form if you are authorizing a representative to act on your behalf. Completed application forms can also be submitted by post or through your HDB Branch Office.
Q2. What kind of renovation work or interior design work am I permitted to carry out?
You can carry out renovation work, which does not affect the structural stability. Examples of permitted renovation work are:
• Laying of ceramic/terrazzo/marble/parquet or other tiles as floor finishes.
• Laying of additional wall tiles up to ceiling height.?
• Construction of kitchen cabinet base with cement mortar.
• Installation of grilles in windows or at balcony openings.
• Installation of cornices.
For more details, as well as for works requiring a renovation permit, please refer to ‘Renovation Guide For Your HDB Flat’. Alternatively, you can also visit the HDB InfoWEB under “Renovation & Maintenance”.
Q3. Can I sign the renovation or interior design contracts with an unlicensed renovation contractor?
Unlicensed contractors are not allowed to carry out any renovation works in flats.
Therefore, you must not sign any contract with an unlicensed contractor to renovate your flat.
Q4. Since flat owners need not apply renovation permit for certain renovation items, why can’t flat owners engage contractors who are not registered with HDB to carry out these works?
Although a renovation permit is no longer required, flat owners are still required to engage HDB licensed renovation contractors to carry out the renovation works and comply with the guidelines and conditions governing the respective activities of these renovation contractors within HDB estates and to ensure that they do not cause any nuisance to other residents or damage HDB properties while carrying out the renovation works.
Q5. How do I check whether my renovation contractor has a HDB licence?
Renovation contractors registered with HDB are given an HDB renovation licence which bears the photograph of the licence holder, the particulars of the company and their authorised representatives. Flat owners can also check the particulars of a renovation contractor by referring to the ‘List of Registered Renovation Contractors’ in HDB InfoWEB at http://www.hdb.gov.sg under “HDB Living-Renovation & Maintenance.”
Q6. What documents do I have to furnish when applying for a renovation permit?
When applying for a renovation permit, the following documents need to be submitted:
• Documentary proof of your ownership of the flat.
• Your renovation contractor’s licence.
• Two copies of drawings, if your renovation work involves the removal or repositionings, demolition or construction of walls.
You and your licensed renovation contractor must sign all drawings submitted. You can purchase the floor plan for your flat from your HDB Branch Office or brochure.
Q7. How much time am I given to complete my renovation work or interior design furnishing?
For new blocks, you must complete the approved renovation works within four months from the date of the renovation permit. For existing blocks, the approved work must be completed within one month from the date of the renovation permit.
Q8. Who will be held responsible if the renovation work in my flat does not comply with HDB’s requirements or are unauthorised?
As the flat owner, you are responsible for the renovation work carried out in your flat. For further clarification on your renovation works, please contact the HDB Branch Office in charge of your flat.
Q9. I had engaged a HDB licensed renovation contractors to renovate my flats. Can HDB help me to resolve my dispute with the contractor caused as a result of pricing, delay in work, poor workmanship etc.?
The HDB licensed Renovation Contractors’ Scheme was introduced to regulate the activities of these contractors to ensure that they do not create any nuisance in HDB properties while carrying out their renovation work in HDB flats.
As HDB is not a party to the contract, it would be more appropriate for you and your renovation contractor to resolve the matter amicably. If you cannot settle the dispute amicably, both parties could seek assistance through the Small Claims Tribunals or seek legal redress through court proceedings via Casetrust-RCMA.
Q10. What should l do if I want to install/replace a window?
From 1 Dec 2003, flat owners are required to engage a trained window contractor to carry out the window installation/replacement works.The works are to comply with the minimum safety requirements for window installation. Flat owners may search for such listing of trained window contractors in the HDB InfoWEB at http://www.hdb.gov.sg under “Renovation & Maintenance” or call toll-free Branch Office Service Line at 1800-2255432.
Q11. What type of air-conditioner can I install?
You can install either window/casement unit or split type air-conditioners. However, you must ensure that the total electrical running current of your air- conditioner does not exceed the maximum electrical rating allowed for flats with 30 amps main switch. For flats provided with 40 amp main switch and flats upgraded under the Main Upgrading Programme (MUP), there is no control on running current of Electrical appliances.
Q12. What must I do if I want to install an air-conditioner?
You are required to engage a Building and Construction Authority (BCA) trained air-conditioner installer if the air-conditioner is to be mounted on the exterior of your flat, or if any part of the air-conditioner projects outwards from your flat.
If your flat is provided with 30 amps main switch and you wish to install an air- conditioner using a new power point, you are required to submit an application for the air-conditioner permit, together with the SP Services Ltd (SPSL) Form CS/5 to the HDB Branch Office managing your flat, for approval and endorsement respectively. Your BCA trained air-conditioner installer or his representative can submit the application on your behalf. Alternatively, you can also submit your application by post or through the deposit box at your HDB Branch Office. Upon completion of the work, you have to apply to the SPSL for testing through your licensed electrical contractor.
For flat provided with 40 amps main switch and flat upgraded under Main Upgrading Programme, there is no control on running current of the air conditioner. Hence, there is no necessity for you to submit an application for the air-conditioner permit.
Q13. How do I tell whether my block is provided with a 40 amp supply/upgraded under the Main Upgrading Programme (MUP) or 30 amp supply?
Flat owners can find out whether their blocks have been provided with the higher electrical loading by checking HDB’s InfoWEB. Alternatively, the owners can contact the HDB toll-free Branch Office Service Line at 1800-225 5432.
Q14. What documents do I have to furnish when applying for an air conditioner permit?
You need to complete and/or submit the following documents when applying for the permit: • Documentary proof of your ownership of the flat. • Application form for electrical installations/extension and air-conditioner installation in HDB flats (available at HDB Branch Offices or the HDB InfoWEB). • SP Services Ltd’s Form CS/5 (available at SPSL offices or from your EMA censed electrical contractor) if you install a new power point or reposition the existing power point for your air-conditioner. • You and your contractor must sign the application forms. You can purchase the flat layout plan of your flat from your HDB Branch Office or make use of the plan in your sales brochure.
Q15. Since there is no need to apply for the permit to install air-conditioners in blocks with 40 amperes supply, does it mean that flat owner can put up any number of air-conditioner and at any location?
No. Flat owner must still comply with the guidelines and conditions governing the installation of air-conditioner including approved guidelines/locations, they must seek HDB’s prior approval before they can install the air-conditioner.
Q16. How do flat owners verify that an air-conditioner contractor is registered by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) or whether an electrical or plumbing contractor is licensed by Energy Market Authoritv (EMA) or Ministry of the Environment (ENV) respectively?
For BCA-trained installers, the names of the installers and their installer pass numbers are listed in BCA’s website at http://www.bca.gov.sg under “CITI Training & Testing – List of Trained installers of Supports for Air-con units”.
For licensed electrical contractors, the names and their licence numbers are listed in EMA’s website at http://www.ema.gov.sg under “Search for Licensed Electrical Workers”.
For licensed plumbers, the names and their licence numbers are listed in ENV’s website at http:///www.env.gov.sg under “Info Centre” access to the “Directory of ENV registered sanitary plumbers”.
Q17. Who is responsible for unauthorised electrical exiensions and/or electrical appliances installed in the flat?
The flat owner is responsible for any unauthorised electrical extension and appliances installed in his flat.
Q18. Who will be held responsible for the air-conditioner?
As the flat owner, you will be held responsible for the proper installation, safety and stability of the air-conditioner (casement/window or split unit) in your flat. You should also comply with HDB’s requirements as outlined below:
The air-conditioner/condensing unit must be installed in a location approved by HDB
The method of installation must be in accordance with HDB’s guidelines. Hacking of holes through reinforced concrete walls, beams or columns is strictly prohibited.
Ensure that your Building and Construction Authority (BCA) trained air- conditioner installer insulates all pipes/joints (especially at the sides of the condensing unit) to prevent condensation and dripping or water.
Condensation water from the air-conditioner must be properly discharged into your flat’s internal floor trap (the discharge pipes are not allowed to run along the external wall of your flat).
If you install a new power point or reposition the existing power point for your air-conditioner, you are required to engage a Energy Market Authority (EMA) licensed electrical contractor to carry out the works. The electrical extension must be tested and approved by SP Services Ltd (SPSL).
You should maintain the air-conditioner/condensing unit at all times so as not to cause any inconvenience to your neighbours.
Your flat is provided with concrete air-con ledge, Town Council has imposed the following conditions:
You shall not tamper with the air-con ledge which is part of the common property maintained and managed by the Town Council and ensure that the air-con ledge is kept clean and free from any obstruction at all times.
The air-con ledge is only to be used for placing of air-con condensing unit and nothing else.
You shall grant HDB Town Council, other Government authorities and their authorised person, the right of entry into the flat to carry out routine checking and maintenance works to the air-con ledge. You and your contractor must sign the application forms. You can purchase the flat layout plan of your flat from your HDB Branch Office or make use of the plan in your sales brochure.
