Do not forget to apply for an HLE letter before taking a HDB housing loan – it only takes 4 steps
Once you have a great partner by your side and a shiny ring on the finger, it is only natural that both of you would be looking to buy your very own home sweet home. If you wish to take a housing loan from HDB, be sure to apply for your HDB Loan Eligibility (HLE) letter before you seek out your new pad.
Why do I need an HLE Letter?
An HLE letter will tell you the amount of HDB housing loan you are eligible for, the repayment preiod, and other important financial details. This loan amount, coupled with CPF housing grants, as well as your CPF and cash savings, make up the budget for your flat.
Armed with this information, you can avoid falling in love with a flat that is beyond your means.
You will need a valid HLE letter when you book a new flat with HDB, or even when you exercise an Option to Purchase to buy a resale flat.
Okay… so how do I apply for an HLE Letter?
There are only 4 steps to apply for an HLE letter. You can do so online via HDB InfoWEB. Do prepare the required information and documents beforehand for a smoother application.
Not everyone is eligible for an HDB housing loan though, so it is best to check on your loan eligibility as early as possible. Having an HLE letter in hand will also help you plan your flat budget. There is no harm in planning ahead; after all, the HLE letter is valid for 6 months and there is no payment involved to apply for one.
What if I did not get a large enough loan?
Regular income, age, and financial standing are 3 main factors that HDB considers in loan assessment. If you are just starting out in your career, and the eligible HDB loan amount is insufficient to cover the price of the flat you have your eye on, look around some more. There will be a flat for every budget and need.
Spend within your means and do not overstretch yourself financially — a cheaper flat might mean more money for rainy days, renovations, furnishings, or even a vacation.
We also have other financial tools; to help with your planning. All the best in working out a housing budget, so you can make an informed decision when buying a flat!
Budgeting for a home renovation can be tricky, especially if it’s your first time doing so. While it’s good to invest in good quality flooring and fixtures, prioritizing what you should be spending your money on is key so you don’t stretch yourself too thin.
To avoid busting your renovation budget, here are some common big-ticket items to consider splurging, or saving on.
Mixed Tiles: SAVE
While mixing graphic tiles may add visual interest to your space, you may want to forgo them, unless you can be sure that you’ll like the eclectic look just as much decades down the road.We recommend sticking to plain tiles that are less trendy but can endure the test of time.
Interior Designer: The Makers Design Studio
Kitchen Backsplash: SAVE
Enticed by pictures of gorgeous kitchens with funky backsplashes? Remember that your kitchen will function just the same without this decorative element. Since most homes come with finished kitchens, it might not be worth spending more on retiling works to achieve this aesthetic feature.
Interior Designer: Authors Interior and Styling
Wall Hack: SPEND
Reconfiguring your home is a big decision because it usually involves hacking your walls, which can be costly. While it can dramatically improve the look and feel of your space, consider your future living needs before you make a decision, whether the extra space will come in handy in the future.
Interior Designer: i Chapter
If you want the best of both worlds, do a half-hack and replace the top half of the room’s walls with glass panels. Your home will look larger as natural light can stream in, and you can still keep the room semi-private.
Walk-in Wardrobe: SPEND
A walk-in wardrobe is a worthy investment because you can store your clothes neatly and hide bulky items. Consider having compartments that can store odd-shaped belongings to fully maximise the space.
Interior Designer: Adroit ID
Bathtub: SAVE
Having a bathtub at home can be tempting because it makes you feel like you’re on a holiday. Unless you plan to do that every day, it is more feasible to stick to a standing shower. It’s way easier to clean, and you can save some money on your water bills!
Interior Designer: Fifth Avenue Interior
This article was adapted in collaboration with Qanvast, Singapore’s go-to renovation platform for homeowners to meet the right interior firm for their home makeover. Check out the original article here.
4 Questions to Ask Your Potential Interior Designer
Find out if your interior designer is right for you!
Your new house is like a blank canvas – full of possibilities, and ready to be transformed into a masterpiece. Think of your interior designer (ID) as an art director who helps to mould your space into the home of your dreams. With so many interior design firms around, it might be overwhelming to pick the right ID.
Here are 4 questions you should ask your potential ID to see if he or she is the right one for you.
1. Can I see samples of your past work?
We’re assuming you’ve already done your homework, and checked out the design firm’s portfolio and online reviews. Still, you should ask for the designer’s past works to get a better sense of their style. This is especially as individual designers may have their own specialties, which could differ from their firms’. Check if their work aligns with the vision you have for your future home.
2. What is your working style like?
It’s equally important to understand how the designer works. Having this conversation early ensures everyone involved is on the same page before works begin. You may want to break this question down further, for example:
How will you present your proposals? Should I be expecting ideas to be presented in mood boards, 3D visualisations or other formats?
What would be the best way to contact you throughout the project – via text messages, phone calls, or face-to-face meetings?
How regularly can I expect updates on the project?
3. What does the budget for this project look like?
Money talk might make you sweat, but the last thing you want to do is burst your renovation budget! Do also check when and how payment should be settled, and budget for this in advance. If the quotation happens to exceed your budget, evaluate which items are absolutely necessary and which are things you could live without.
4. What is the expected timeline for the project?
After all, time is money (your ID will surely agree). Highlight all the factors your designer may want to factor into the timeline. Can works on your flat only begin after a certain start date? Are you hoping to move in by a specific date?
It would also be great if you and your ID can draw up key project milestones. Do check if they have other projects that they’re working on at the same time as well, and ask if these projects will affect the progress of your renovations.
With these four simple questions, you should get a sense of whether the interior designer is The One for you.
Pick the right combination of materials to stay within your reno budget!
While there are many aspects to renovation such as design and labour, one particular component provides the foundation (literally) – materials!
With flooring works potentially making up a huge chunk of the renovation budget, homeowners are constantly looking for cheaper alternatives to stretch their dollar! To save you the research, we’ve curated a handy list of affordable materials for every section of your home.
Wall Finishes: Traditional Matte Paint
Interior Firm: Metier Planner
Most homeowners are familiar with painted walls. They are the most common option for wall coverings, as they are cheaper and require less work than wallpapers.
Before making your decision, know that some types of paint may cost significantly more than others. Examples that are air-purifying, anti-bacterial or odourless cost approximately $80+/5 litres. Meanwhile, the traditional matte paint costs only about $50+ per 5 litres.
Interior Firm: Jubilee Interior
If you do not prioritise these health benefits, just opt for paint with a normal matte finish. Homeowners on a tighter budget may even consider a DIY paint job. This will help shave a couple of hundred dollars from your budget, as a paint package typically costs about $1,000+ for a 4-room flat.
Opt for Vinyl Flooring
Interior Firm: Meter Square
Vinyl has recently become a popular choice amongst homeowners because it’s so affordable. Typically priced at about $4.50 – $8.50 per square foot, vinyl is a pocket-friendly flooring option for the entire home. Other options like parquet or stone tiles can cost more than $10 per square foot.
Interior Firm: Design Plus
Better yet, vinyl tiles/strips can be laid over existing tiles, which means lower hacking costs! Vinyl floors are mostly water-resistant, fire-resistant and soft underfoot – making them a suitable option for homes with children or elderly occupants.
However, vinyl floors are prone to dents and scratches from sharp objects or furniture. Each vinyl piece also needs to be aligned carefully, as gaps will make the flooring susceptible to water damage.
Choose Laminates for Your External Carpentry Finishing
Compared to other options like wood veneers and melamine, laminate finishes are a popular choice – due to their affordable price point and range of finishings.
Interior Firm: Authors Interior and Styling
Solid colours and matte finishes generally cost less than those with prints (woods, marbles, etc.) or embossed and textured finishes. Similarly, laminates with special anti-fingerprint or scratch-resistant qualities will cost more.
Interior Firm: Design 4 Space
On average, one standard laminate sheet (2.4m x 1.2m) will set you back about $30+ for solid colours, and $40 – $50+ for wood/marbled patterns. However, as one sheet is enough for multiple cabinet doors, the overall price difference is not likely to be significant.
Opt for White PVC for Your Internal Carpentry Finishing
PVC and polykem are the most widely used materials for the insides of your cabinetry. Usually, white PVC is often the most budget-friendly choice, followed by coloured PVC and polykem..
Interior Firm: Black n White Haus
Do note that even though PVC is typically long-lasting and resistant to scratches, they are susceptible to heat and water damage. White PVC can also easily discolour over time.
Consider Laminate for Your Kitchen Countertops
Interior Firm: erstudio
Laminate countertops are by far the most affordable option for kitchen countertops. Other alternatives are solid surface, engineered quartz and natural stone – the cost increases in that order! Most laminate tops are essentially plywood slabs finished with a laminate covering.
Interior Firm: Schemacraft
One of the benefits of laminate countertops is its wide variety of designs. Laminates panels can look a lot like the real material it’s modelled after – be it stone or wood. If properly cared for, they can last just as long too!
Interior Firm: Authors Interior and Styling
However, if you cook often, consider selecting a hardier material, such as engineered quartz, which is highly heat-resistant. But bear in mind that once its surface or sealant is damaged, the countertop cannot be resealed again and must be replaced entirely.
Consider Ceramic for Your Bathroom Tiling / Kitchen Backsplashes
Ceramic refers to a range of clay-based surfaces, which may include homogeneous, porcelain and ceramic tiles. Hardy and largely water-resistant, ceramic tiles are a popular choice – its costs range from $3 – $15 per square feet.
Interior Firm: Charlotte’s Carpentry
Due to a higher firing temperature and kaolin (clay mineral) percentage, homogeneous and porcelain tiles are generally hardier and less prone to moisture absorption than ceramic tiles. This makes them perfect for outdoor areas! But they are also slightly costlier than ceramic tiles. Prices may also vary according to the design and where it was manufactured.
Interior Firm: Aart Boxx Interior
That being said, with tiled backsplashes, cleaning may be a problem. Food spills and grease can get trapped easily in the grout lines and are difficult to remove. So if you cook often, a seamless, glass panel may be a better option.
This article was adapted in collaboration with Qanvast, Singapore’s go-to renovation platform for homeowners to meet the right interior firm for their home makeover. Check out the original article here.
Achieve your dream home without breaking the bank!
Buying a resale flat comes with its advantages, one of which is not having to wait long to get your keys. However, if the flat is in bad shape or the interior is not done to your tastes and needs, the renovation costs can add up quite quickly!
Fret not – here are some tips to help cut back on your renovation costs.
1. Set a Budget
… and stick to it! Set your budget and consider all the potential expenses that you may incur, including your furniture and fittings. (Be sure to include a buffer!) Go through the items and check if they are necessary or if there are alternative options.
Making a list helps you visualise what your biggest expenses might be and rationalise your needs. From there, you can determine if you can afford a major renovation or if it would suffice to make a few light changes to the existing flat.
Do keep in mind that renovating a resale flat generally costs more, due to the necessary repairs and restoration works, as well as any dismantling or demolition works.
If you think you might move after a few years, consider holding off on making drastic, expensive changes to the design such as wall-hacking, or investing in pricey tiles and carpentry.
Design trends can come and go quickly, and it is important to invest in timeless looks with broad appeal, especially if you plan to live in your flat for the long term.
3. Budget Wisely
While wallpaper can make your home look instantly more luxurious, paint is typically more cost-effective and requires less maintenance. To save costs, you can also reupholster or varnish existing furniture in good condition such as arm chairs and tables, rather than purchasing new ones.
Such alternatives are ways to free up your renovation budget, so that you can direct your budget towards more essential improvements, such as in the bathrooms or kitchen. In some cases, you may also need to spend on vital fixes for the air-conditioning pipes or electrical wiring.
4. Factor in Loans
While not exactly a money-saving tip, a renovation loan can help you cover the cost of certain renovation-related works so you can use your savings to buy things like furniture. Do your research on the most competitive rates in the market before applying for one.
When buying a resale flat, you can leverage on several CPF housing grants! As a first-timer applicant, you can apply for the Family Grant and Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) if you meet the criteria. Tap on the Proximity Housing Grant as well, if you are buying a resale flat to live near or with your parents. Likewise, other grants are available for first-timer single Singapore Citizens who are 35 years old or above.
Housing loans from HDB are pegged at 0.10% above the prevailing CPF Ordinary Account (OA) interest rate. The rates may be adjusted in January, April, July and October, in line with CPF interest rate revisions. HDB’s Resale Financial Plan services are available here.
Current bank loan interest rates on the other hand, are lower than HDB Loan rates. However, the rates may fluctuate according to market conditions.
This article was contributed by Qanvast, Singapore’s go-to renovation platform. Whether you’re embarking on a major overhaul or a simple refresh, Qanvast can connect you to the right professionals for the job. Read the original article here.
Ready to Renovate? We Answer Your FAQs on HDB Bomb Shelters
While you can utilise it as extra storage space, avoid removing the door or hacking the walls!
Most HDB flats built from the late 1990s are equipped with a household shelter, also known as the “bomb shelter”. While most home owners utilise the shelter for additional storage space, we’ve seen others transform the space into a cosy pantry or even a library. Learn more about these shelters in this article!
How did these household shelters come about?
Due to building code regulations that took effect in 1996, all apartment buildings in Singapore must be constructed with a household shelter. With strengthened walls, floor and ceiling, the household shelter is designed to protect you and your family during an emergency.
Can I knock down the walls of the shelter to make more space in my flat?
The household shelter is an essential part of your home, so it’s important to note the walls must not be hacked or drilled.
How do I know where the household shelter is located at?
If you look at the floorplan, you will see that the household shelter is clearly marked with the thicker black lines to represent reinforced walls. The shelters are usually located nearer to the living and dining area, or beside the kitchen area. Here are some typical floorplans:
Household shelter in the ‘middle’ of the flat layout, beside the kitchen. In this layout, the door can be inconspicuous as it is not visible from the main living room area.
Household shelter beside the main door. This layout allows you to mask the door with an extended shoe cabinet.
How can I make use of the space within the shelter?
You can transform part of the household shelter into a storeroom by installing shelving units that can be removed in times of need. Avoid filling the shelter to the brim, as you’ll need to utilise the space during an emergency.
Can I remove the door? What about the round metallic disc?
It’s important to leave the door intact and ensure that it can be opened and closed properly.
The round metallic disc is actually a ventilation sleeve for the household shelter. If needed, the sleeve can be tightened to provide an air-tight shelter. We’d recommend that you always keep the vent open and check the gasket and screws from time to time. Do visit this page for some essential maintenance tips for your home shelter!
Is it possible to re-design the bomb shelter?
Many homeowners have either redecorated the door or added design elements to mask its appearance. Here are some examples!
If the shelter is positioned near your front door, you can consider doing a customised shoe cabinet and storage cabinets, according to your décor theme. This helps you create another ‘wall’ to mask the door – can you spot it in the photo above? Alternatively, even a simple application of wall decals and stickers can help to mask the door.
The household shelter door is made of reinforced steel. Some creative homeowners have embraced its original form and transformed it into something like a fridge wall. Now, your magnet collections have a permanent home.
All you need to know for the various renovation stages to make your journey as seamless as possible!
A Guide to Planning Your HDB Home Renovation
Renovating your home can be an exciting project, especially for first-time home owners! From designing your home to completing renovation, knowing when and what to do at each stage of your journey can help you save costs and ensure a pleasant experience.
To help you out, MyNiceHome has put together a timeline and checklist for the various renovation stages to make your journey as seamless as possible!
1 Year Before Key Collection – Decide on Your Theme
Procrastination is the enemy of all good home renovations. Don’t make the mistake of waiting after your key collection before you start thinking about the theme and features that you want in your new home. This is a creative process that takes time!
Start a mood board to collate images of home designs and concepts that you fancy.
Keep an eye out for complementary furniture and appliances as they would influence your carpentry, tile works, placement of your electrical points or even configuration of your home spaces. Having these in mind early can help facilitate discussion with your interior designer (ID) or contractor.
Our favourite sources of inspiration? Pinterest, Instagram and our blog!
3 Months Before Key Collection – Choose Interior Designer/Contractor
Engaging a good interior designer (ID) or contractor takes the guesswork out of renovation and lets you focus on other aspects such as home furnishings and other paperwork.
Besides dedicating ample time for selection, it is important to ensure that the ID shows understanding of your needs and requirements, and your desired concept. They should also be responsive to queries and receptive to feedback, to work with you on ideas or suggest viable alternatives where need be.
Pro tips:
Do your research! Ask around for recommendations and study the IDs’ portfolio and customer reviews. Some questions to keep in mind – Does their style meet your personal preferences? How are the reviews for their service and workmanship?
Shortlist and meet up with the IDs or contractors to discuss your plans and expectations.
Compare quotations, bearing in mind that the extent of work and materials used can make quite a difference in the costs.
Once you have set your mind on a particular ID or contractor, you would likely have to go through several rounds of discussion with them before arriving at the final design.
3 Weeks Before Key Collection – Shop for Fixtures and Fittings
Lighting, bathroom and kitchen fittings – all these items are essential for your new home, while adding character and unique details. Start shopping at around 3 weeks before key collection, to account for shipping and potential delays.
What you should be doing:
Look out for offers including group-buy promotions for new BTO flats.
If you are purchasing from an overseas supplier, check if the fitting is compatible for use in Singapore and suitable for the local climate
Be aware of the time it would take for the item to ship.
Where to buy:
Any e-commerce website (keep an eye out for sales!) or group-buys in your BTO group chats.
Alternatively, visit reputable brick-and-mortar stores to get instant feedback and recommendations from the staff.
Upon obtaining approval from HDB, renovation should be completed within 3 months for new flats and 1 month for existing flats. This will minimise inconvenience and noise disturbances to your new neighbours, especially those who may be working from home or have young children at home. Read our guide on renovating your HDB flat to familiarise yourself with the steps involved!
Pro tips:
Your good and early planning should be paying off at this stage, but you should regularly check in on the works going on at your new flat, to ensure that your renovation can be completed on schedule.
Make sure that your renovation works are being done according to the agreed specifications and design, as well as HDB’s renovation guidelines. Identifying and rectifying any mistake early will definitely save you money, time and effort.
Maintaining friendly relations with your future neighbours is important for a healthy start to your home ownership journey. Be mindful of the noise disturbances to them, and remind your contractor to put up a notice outside your flat that indicates the start and end date of your renovation works. This will help your neighbours make arrangements to avoid the noise and dust during this time.
Inform your neighbours ahead of any noisy renovation works. This is also a great opportunity to get to know them!
Take active steps to reduce any noise disturbances. For instance, close the door of your flat during periods where loud noise from your renovation works could be generated.
We hope you found this guide useful. Happy planning and renovating!
Collecting the Keys to Your HDB Flat? Here’s What to Expect!
The Welcome Kit has been recently refreshed, to commemorate HDB’s 60th anniversary!
Congratulations, you’re officially a homeowner!
While key collection is a straightforward process, you should prepare ahead to make the experience at HDB Hub even more of a breeze. Here are some tips to help you mark this milestone in your homeownership journey like a champ!
New homeowners Hariz and Hanaa with the new welcome kit
Save the Date
Make your work arrangements early to ensure that your key collection experience is a relaxing and memorable one! While we have taken pains to streamline the key collection process, we recommend setting aside some extra time to visit your new home after the appointment for the very first time (remember the pineapple for good luck!). You can also explore your new neighbourhood and enjoy a sumptuous meal to celebrate the start of your homeownership journey!
Get Your SingPass (and 2FA) Ready
You will need your SingPass login and its 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) set up if you are using your CPF savings for the flat purchase. Login to your account prior to the appointment date, to ensure that you’re able to access it and avoid having to reset your password at the very last minute!
Activate Your Utilities
That’s right, you can do so before key collection! Getting this settled early means one less thing to worry about, and it also allows you to start checking for defects early and shorten your overall renovation journey. The application can be done completely online.
Bring the Required Documents
The following list of documents is mandatory. Make sure you have them ready before the appointment –
Identification Cards (IC)
Make sure that all applicants (for married couples that means both husband and wife) have your IC with you. According to ICA’s website, the processing time for a replacement IC can take up to a month for first loss and up to 3 months for subsequent losses. If you’ve misplaced your NRIC, do apply for a replacement early.
Certificate of insurance
You must buy fire insurance from HDB’s appointed insurer, FWD Singapore Pte Ltd (FWD), if you are taking an HDB housing loan.
Completed GIRO form if you are paying monthly loan instalments partially or fully by cash
You may apply for GIRO payment on HDB’s website. Print and sign on the completed form and bring them along with you for your appointment.
Power of Attorney
If you are unable to attend the appointment, you may appoint an attorney whom must bring along with him the Power of Attorney. If you are overseas, the attorney must bring one true copy of the document certified by the solicitors and two photocopies.
Collect Your Welcome Kit
This is the moment that you have been waiting for! You might be surprised to know that HDB provides new homeowners with a beautifully designed Welcome Kit. Its design and content have been refreshed recently to commemorate HDB’s 60th anniversary in 2020!
You will find the keys to your flat in a sleek and classy pouch inside a tote bag adorned with iconic sights of the heartland. Be sure to check that you have all the keys and do test them out during your visit to your new home.
Looking for a heartland adventure? Here are some top spots to explore in Punggol!
Punggol is a modern eco-town known for its lush greenery and picturesque bridges. Listed below are the top spots to explore in Punggol, such as the bridges along the waterway and its new generation neighbourhood centres, Northshore Plaza and Oasis Terraces.
1. Waterway Wonder
A night view of Punggol Waterway
A 4.2km-long man-made waterway runs through Punggol and is now a key part of the town, made possible as part of the Remaking Our Heartland programme to rejuvenate Punggol. Not only has it helped to realise waterfront living for Punggol’s residents, the waterway is also home to a thriving ecosystem, including numerous species of freshwater plants, mangroves, butterflies, dragonflies, and birds.
Mangroves, native to Singapore, are planted along the waterway, where they help to maintain the water quality
Carefully selected plants add a welcoming pop of colour to the water surface
While admiring the view from the waterway, be sure to look out for the honeycomb-inspired buoyant platforms that facilitate the growth of lush greenery. Approximately 760 of these floating wetlands can be spotted at the waterway, adding life and colour to the water surface.
2. The Famous Five (Bridges)
The Jewel Bridge offers a picturesque sunset view
High on the list of top spots to explore in Punggol, Punggol Waterway is home to not one, not two, but five picturesque bridges: Jewel Bridge, Sunrise Bridge, Kelong Bridge, Adventure Bridge and Wave Bridge.
The Wave Bridge is especially perfect for the ‘gram, as is the Jewel Bridge at sunset. Another note-worthy bridge is the Kelong Bridge that was inspired by the kelong, a fishing platform that’s built on wooden stilts.
The design of the Kelong Bridge pays homage to Punggol’s history
This unique design is also a reflection of Punggol’s history, where the town used to be home to several fishing villages.
3. Green Developments and Seafront Views
Oasis Terraces, Singapore’s first new generation neighbourhood centre
Designed to capitalise on the waterfront location, Oasis Terraces is Singapore’s first new generation neighbourhood centre. The 7-storey development offers a wide range of amenities and sports and recreation facilities.
The rooftop features a play area that is surrounded by lush greenery
As part of HDB’s efforts to build greener neighbourhoods, smart and sustainable features such as motion-sensor lighting and sensor-activated fans are utilised, to encourage green living. Extensive green terraces and landscaping are also incorporated within Oasis Terraces, to bring nature closer to home.
Northshore Plaza is a seafront new generation neighbourhood centre that is enabled with smart technologies
Northshore Plaza is HDB’s first seafront new generation neighbourhood centre. The development comprises two connected buildings Northshore Plaza I and II that offer a variety of retail and dining options, as well as a supermarket and childcare centre. The neighbourhood centre is also connected to the LRT and surrounding residential blocks, and provides direct access to the waterfront for residents and visitors to enjoy the seafront view.
The seafront neighbourhood centre is directly connected to surrounding housing blocks
To create a sustainable living environment, smart and green initiatives were incorporated within the planning, designing and building of Northshore Plaza. These include using naturally-ventilated corridors, smart fans, solar panels and rooftop greenery to regulate the ambient temperature.
Pockets of greenery can be found within Northshore Plaza
A sheltered community plaza is also designed for communal events, while community pods function as resting points. Digitally interactive directories and the ShopperLink App are also used to enhance the shopping experience.
4. Punggol Discovery Cube
Overlooking the iconic waterway, Punggol Discovery Cube is a first-of-its-kind visitor centre in an HDB town. With the help of multimedia showcases, you can discover the rich history of Punggol and the developments that have defined its distinct Waterfront Town identity.
An interactive architectural model of Punggol will give you a bird’s-eye view of the entire town, including its 7 signature waterfront districts.
Head to the second floor for significant moments of Punggol’s development and planning. Here, learn about the smart and sustainable initiatives implemented at Punggol, including the use of modelling tools to simulate environmental conditions such as wind flow, solar radiation, shading and noise, to create the best possible homes.
Before ending your visit of the Discovery Cube, step out to the open-air viewing deck at the top of the centre and enjoy panoramic views of the estate!
5. Date Ideas and Family-Friendly Activities
Punggol is also home to an array of recreational activities. For instance, hop on your bike and explore the scenic sights of Punggol along the park connector! Spots to visit include the waterway, its bridges, and Coney Island.
Take a cycling trip to Coney Island
Fitness junkies will appreciate Arkbloc, a recreational space that combines fitness and bouldering, a form of climbing. Fancy a more laidback weekend? Visit Hai Bin Prawning and master the art (or try your luck) at fishing and prawning.
Photo: Arkbloc Try out a new activity or chalk up a workout session at this new fitness space
6. The Punggol Settlement and @Punggol
Photo: The Punggol Settlement
Feeling peckish after a walkabout of the top spots to explore in Punggol? Punggol Settlement offers a wide culinary spread, from fresh seafood to Thai cuisine. Located next to the Punggol Jetty, Punggol Settlement also provides a unique dining experience with a view of the sea.
Dining with a view Photo: The Punggol Settlement
Craving for some Tom Yum? Pop by Trunk at Bay, an eatery that serves classic Thai food. Tuck into dishes such as Green Curry and Phad Thai while enjoying the cool breeze.
Otherwise, head to @Punggol, a hidden gem at Tebing Lane offering restaurants, cafes and recreational activities. Visit Whisk and Paddle, an industrial-themed café that offers a diverse menu, ranging from the classic mac ‘n cheese to an innovative sambal seafood pizza. There are other eateries in the area too — some housed within shipping containers!
Especially so if you’re craving for a breath of fresh air, embark on a discovery journey of Punggol and you may be surprised at what you’ll find.
Just collected your keys? Learn about the features in your new HDB flat, and how to maintain them.
Congratulations on collecting the keys to your new home! As you move into your HDB flat, you may have some questions about its features and how to maintain them. Get the answers in this guide!
Drywalls
The internal partition walls in your home are built of drywall system (Severe Duty grade) and are filled with sound insulation material for good sound-proofing. Watch the video below to learn more.
A set of sample anchors, ranging from light to heavy duty, has been placed in your Household Shelter. You can use them for mounting fixtures such as wall cabinets and television sets. When selecting locations for installing anchors, please avoid areas with concealed electrical wiring.
To remove stains on drywalls, use a slightly damp cloth and a small amount of mild detergent. Avoid using too much water and wipe up excess moisture or soap along the way, to avoid damaging the drywall. Remember to ventilate your rooms to dry the walls and floor after cleaning!
Timber or vinyl flooring requires minimal maintenance – keep your floors clean with a simple sweep, or a slightly damp mop. Remember to avoid using too much water!
To protect your floors from scratches, consider attaching felt pads to the base of your furniture legs. Also, take extra care especially when moving things around — lift, and not drag, your furniture.
Tiles
Likewise, tile flooring is easy to maintain and requires minimal cleaning. Gaps in between tiles in your flat are filled with tile grout. This is to allow for slight movement of the tiles when there are changes in temperature, and also to help accommodate slight variations in tile sizes which can occur during tile production.
Doors
Timber doors can last a long time if you keep them dry. Some maintenance tips to follow include installing a shower screen in your bathroom to prevent your timber door from getting wet and keeping your rooms well-ventilated.
To protect the timber door from damage during renovation, you can request your renovation contractor to cover your doors and handles with corrugated cardboard or bubble wrap before works begin.
Clothes Drying Rack
It is easy to operate the clothes drying rack in your kitchen or service yard. You can lower the rack in 2 steps:
Unlock the rack by pulling the strap at a 45° angle, in the direction of the arrow indicated on the rack
Slowly release it to lower the rack.
Still unsure? Scan the QR code in your flat to view the instructional video, or request for assistance at the Building Service Centre.
Window Restrictor for Top Hung Windows
A window restrictor is installed at the top hung window between your kitchen and service yard. The window restrictor limits the swing of the window and helps prevent accidental knocks.
If you prefer a bigger window opening, you can simply detach or disengage the windows restrictor by following these steps:
Home Fire Alarm Device (HFAD)
Noticed this device in your flat? This is a Home Fire Alarm Device (HFAD) – an automatic smoke detector installed on the ceiling that triggers an alarm when smoke is detected.
You can test whether the HFAD is in working condition, by pressing the Test/Reset button located on the front face of the device. A light will blink and an alarm will sound to indicate that the HFAD is working. To reset the device, press the Test/Reset button until the alarm stops.
During renovation, you should place a temporary cover such as a plastic sheet over the HFAD to prevent dust getting into it. Remember to remove the temporary cover after renovation.
To learn more about the HFAD, read the instruction manual in your flat, or refer to the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) website at www.scdf.gov.sg/HFAD.
Dual-Flush Low Capacity Water Closet (WC) Suite
As part of our national water conservation efforts, HDB has installed water efficient WCs in your flat which use less water during each flush. This will help you to conserve water and lower your water bill. The flushing effectiveness and volume have been tested in accordance with PUB’s standards and requirements.
However, if you prefer to have a stronger flush, you may choose to supplement the flushing by installing a hand-held bidet spray at the side of the WC and use it to aid your cleaning of the toilet bowl.
We hope you learnt more about the features in your new flat – make sure to follow MyNiceHome on Facebook and Instagram for design inspiration and ideas for your new home!
