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!
Excited to move into your new flat soon? Get tips on connecting with your new neighbours.
Moving into a new home can mean a new group of lifelong friends. With the neighbourhood being an extension of your home, take the first step to get to know your neighbours!
Here are some ways to connect with them:
Creating a Gracious Neighbourhood
It is easy to make your neighbourhood a pleasant place to live in, with these little acts of kindness that can go a long way:
• Keep lifts and common areas clutter-free
• Keep noise levels low, especially between 10:30pm and 7:00am
• Prevent killer litter
• Wring excess water from wet laundry before hanging them out to dry
• Service your air-conditioners regularly to prevent leaks or noise disturbances
• Do not throw bulky items into the rubbish chute
• Do not vandalise common areas or amenities
Building Community Bonds
Keen to do something for your community? Participate in the Lively Places Programme to enliven public spaces and bring your neighbours together!
Living the Eco Way
Another way to do your part for the community is by leading a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Here are some simple actions that you can do every day to contribute to a more sustainable living environment:
Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling
• Bring a reusable bag when shopping
• Borrow or share items if you only need to use them occasionally
• Use unwanted plastic bags to bag garbage
• Deposit recyclable items into designated recycling bins
Saving Energy
• Check the Energy Label of household appliances and choose energy-efficient ones
• Set the temperature of the air-conditioner at a comfortable 25°C
• Choose energy-efficient lightbulbs
• Reduce the use of electrical appliances, such as by using daylight where possible and line drying your laundry
Saving Water
• Look out for the Water Efficiency Label and select water-efficient models when purchasing household appliances
• Reuse water where possible, such as reusing water from washing rice to water your plants
• Use a mug when brushing teeth
• Take shorter showers
Greening
• Keep green plants in your home to beautify and cool the environment
• Join or start a community garden and make friends along the way
For more eco-living tips, check out the Green Living Guide on HDB InfoWEB.
Staying Connected
After moving into your new home, there are many ways for you to keep up with the latest stories and happenings in the heartland!
• Life Storeys – Discover interesting hangouts in your town, and find out how you can play a more active role in your community with HDB’s quarterly community publication, Life Storeys. Read the latest and past issues via the HDB InfoWEB.
• HDB’s Community Events – Visit the Community tab on the HDB InfoWEB to find out more about the community events in the heartland, and stay in touch on what is happening in your neighbourhood.
• MyNiceHome – Follow us on Facebook/ Instagram where we share stories of interesting heartlanders, and tell you all about the best dining and hangout spots close by! Tag us to share your experiences and tips too.
Interior Designer, Contractor, or Home Stylist: What’s the Difference?
Interior designers and home stylists are good sounding boards for design advice, while working directly with contractors can help cut back costs
Looking for someone to help bring your dream home to life? Many might first think of interior designers, but you might also have heard of those who work with contractors or home stylists. Read on, if you’re not sure who to call.
Interior Designer
Interior designers are top of most people’s minds when they think of home renovation. This is for good reason, as interior designers provide a whole suite of design and renovation services.
An interior designer would be a good fit for you if you need a sounding board for the design of your home. They’re also great if you don’t have experience or time to oversee your home renovation, as interior designers can help to work with contractors and manage the entire renovation process.
Contractor
Unlike an interior designer, a contractor’s expertise lies in the execution of the renovation works, rather than design advice. Depending on the scope of work, contractors may also hire sub-contractors such as electricians, plumbers, and painters.
If you have a clear vision for your home or perhaps even some background in architecture and design, you could consider working directly with contractors. This might translate into some savings, since you would not need to pay for design services.
However, this also means you will need to keep track of the budget and progress on your own, or ensure that the main contractor is able to do so. Since the different vendors have their own area of specialisation, they will not have an overview of the renovation process. This means you will need to be familiar with the sequence of works – for example, knowing that you can only start carpentry works after wiring and piping works – to avoid having to rework the renovations.
You might also have heard of a third option – home stylists, sometimes also called interior stylists. While home stylists are similar to interior designers, their area of expertise is slightly different. Interior designers oversee the big picture, including the overall concept, timeline and major renovation works. On the other hand, home stylists have a fine-tuned eye for detail. They can advise on colour, texture, furnishing and decor changes to help make the space truly yours.
If you’re an existing homeowner looking to refresh your home (or just one or two rooms) without going through big renovations, a home stylist might be the perfect budget-friendly option for you.
TL;DR Who should I engage?
If you could do with some design advice and help in managing the renovation journey, an interior designer is a good option
If you have some background in design and are confident in managing the process by yourself, consider working directly with a contractor(s) to potentially save some cost
If you are looking to upgrade your space without taking up major renovation, try reaching out to a home or interior stylist
Whichever route you take, be sure to read our Guide to Renovating Your HDB Flat first to familiarise yourself with the process for a smooth renovation journey!
5 Things to Know About the Community Care Apartments
Combining elderly-friendly housing with care options, Community Care Apartments allow in-place and independent aging in a community setting.
Community Care Apartments (CCA) are public housing jointly developed by the Ministry of National Development (MND), Housing & Development Board (HDB) and Ministry of Health (MOH). The CCA combine senior-friendly housing with care services, offering an option for seniors to age in-place and independently in a community setting.
The first batch of CCA, which will be in Bukit Batok, was launched in February 2021. Seniors can look forward to the second batch of CCAs in Queenstown, to be launched later this year.
Harmony Village @ Bukit Batok
If you or your family members are looking to apply for a CCA, here are 5 key things to note.
1. Wide Range of Facilities and Amenities
The upcoming CCAs will be situated within the Health District @ Queenstown. There, HDB will work with partners to create a built environment conducive for healthy living and active ageing. There will be common facilities such as roof gardens, fitness stations, and community living rooms to promote social interactions between all residents. With Alexandra Hospital nearby, residents will have easy access to healthcare and medical services.
The first batch of CCAs is located at Bukit Batok West Avenue 9, close to parks such as Little Guilin, Bukit Batok Nature Park and Bukit Batok Central Park. Besides shopping malls and wet markets, there are also several healthcare facilities nearby, including Bukit Batok Polyclinic, St. Luke’s Hospital and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital. Within the development, residents have convenient access to an activity centre, a community garden, and fitness stations to maintain an active lifestyle. The CCA development will also house a hawker centre offering a variety of affordable food options.
2. Minimal to No Renovation Required
Interested seniors would be glad to know that little to no renovation is required for these units! Each 32sqm CCA unit adopts an open layout, with sliding partitions to separate the living room and bedroom for greater privacy.
Each unit comes with built-in wardrobes, cabinets and a furnished kitchen
The flat also comes ready with senior-friendly design features and other pre-installed fittings, including:
Wide wheelchair-friendly main door with a built-in bench at the side
Large wheelchair-accessible toilet with grab bars and slip-resistant flooring
Built-in wardrobe and cabinets
Furnished kitchen (without fridge and washing machine)
Service yard accessible from toilet, with clothes drying rack
Wheelchair-friendly bathrooms are outfitted with grab bars and slip-resistant
On each floor of the CCA block, there will also be a furnished communal space for residents to mingle, share meals and take part in group activities.
Residents can connect with each other at the communal space located at every floor of the CCA block
3. Integrated Care Services
Care services are provided at the CCA to meet seniors’ needs, to support independent living within a social setting for an enriching retirement life.
Residents will have to subscribe to a Basic Service Package. The package offers 24-hour emergency monitoring and response, basic health checks, and the service of an on-site community manager who will organise regular activities and programme for the residents. The community manager will also ensure that the following services are provided:
Care and support services
Simple home fixes
Activities at the communal spaces
Key card access to individual flats
Depending on their needs and preferences, seniors can also choose to add on optional services that cover different activities in day-to-day living.
4. Eligibility Conditions
As the CCA is intended as an affordable housing option for seniors, the applicant(s) and their spouse (if any) must be 65 years old and above. Applicants have the flexibility to choose a lease ranging from 15 to 35 years (in five-year increments), as long as it covers both the applicant and their spouse (if any) until at least 95 years old.
Those who have taken up housing subsidies twice, and have bought a Studio Apartment or short-lease 2-room Flexi flat before are not eligible to purchase a CCA.
Here’s a quick summary of the eligibility conditions:
5. Full Upfront Payment for Flat Purchase
Successful applicants for CCA are required to make full upfront payment for the flat by cash and/or CPF. For the mandatory Basic Service package, applicants can decide to make either full or partial upfront payment in cash, with a monthly fee throughout the lease term.
This is illustrated in the indicative prices for the CCA at Bukit Batok:
Using the 15-year lease tenure as an example, an applicant has 2 payment options.
While both options require full upfront payment of $40,000 for the flat itself, the applicant may choose either to pay $22,000 upfront (Option 1) for the Basic Service Package, or make partial upfront payment of $13,000 (Option 2) with the remaining fees to be paid monthly. If partial payment is chosen, the applicant would have to pay an estimated $50 per month throughout the remaining lease tenure of 15 years.
Another key difference between a CCA unit and other HDB flats is that it cannot be resold or rented out. Owners who do not require the CCA anymore can return it to HDB. They will receive a refund of the value of the remaining lease of the flat.
Once an eastie, always an eastie! Christopher brings us around his peranakan-inspired 5-room flat in Pasir Ris.
Christopher knew that the 5-room resale flat in Pasir Ris was The One, the moment he saw it. “My mother and I had viewed 10 properties before falling in love with this unit,” he said.
Having grown up and lived in the east side of Singaporefor allhis life, Pasir Ris was an ideal town for Christopher with its laidback vibes and peaceful surroundings. On top of the lovely view, the flat offered him the chance to design his home the way he wanted.
Christopher worked closely with his interior designer, Dan,to develop the design ideas and carry out the renovation works. To complement a soothing palette of greys and blues,subtle patterns were incorporated in the décor for visual interest. One example is thestunning feature wall of Peranakan tiles at the entryway, as a nod to Christopher’s heritage.
In planning the layout of the flat, Christopher considered how the space could meet his lifestyle needs. “As I had little use for a balcony, I chose to expand the living room instead,” he explained. The change made room for ample seating and dining space, which is especially useful when he has friends over.
While Christopher purchased most of his furniture from Castlery and IKEA, he also has unusual pieces in his home, such as a customised coffee table with a Peranakan tile pattern that complements the overall interior design concept.
Christopher and his mother do a lot of cooking at home, so he remodelled the kitchen into one with both wet and dry areas that are separated by glass doors to keep the cooking fumes out. The open concept kitchen features a dark blue island with a unique motif, which also doubles up as a casual breakfast bar.
An avid vinyl record collector, Christopher transformed one of the bedrooms into a music room. Besides full-height shelves to display his extensive, prized collection, the room is decked out in framed signed vinyls and other toy memorabilia. “It is a favourite spot for me to sit back and unwind while listening to music,” Christopher said.
Wear-and-tear over time can compromise the appearance and safety of even the most well-built and renovated flat – but don’t throw in the towel yet!
Want your home in tip-top condition during the holiday season? Check out our catchy jingle for some quick tips!
As homeowners, it is our responsibility to maintain our flats, including its internal fittings and fixtures. We can keep our homes in good condition with regular checks and maintenance. This can help resolve issues before they deteriorate further and become more difficult and costly to rectify. The best time to start your home maintenance is now, so here are some tips to help you get started!
The unsung hero of our home, windows help keep the elements out. They are, however, constantly subjected to harsh conditions such as scorching heat, accumulation of dust and relentless pounding from wind and rain. This can result in damage over time.
How can I maintain my windows?
Homeowners should conduct checks on their windows at least once every 6 months by following the 3Cs – Check, Clean and Change.
For casement windows:
For sliding windows:
If any repair or replacement is required, homeowners should engage a contractor from the Building and Construction Authority (BCA)’s list of Approved Window Contractors as soon as possible. It is important to ensure that your windows are in good condition, as a fallen window can result in serious injuries to passers-by. Should windows fall due to lack of maintenance, the owner or flat occupant may face a fine up to $10,000 and/or a jail term of up to one year, or both.
Check out this article for more tips on window maintenance.
More common in older flats, spalling concrete occurs when steel bars embedded in ceiling go through natural deterioration, causing pieces of concrete cover to fall off. It mostly occurs in bathrooms where high humidity can speed up the deterioration process.
Spalling concrete is usually minor, but can spread to a larger area if left unattended. Spot the issue early and engage a contractor to have it repaired before it becomes a safety hazard.
How can I prevent spalling concrete?
Repaint your ceilings regularly as a fresh coat of paint can act as a protective layer
Reduce humidity in wet areas by keeping doors or windows open where possible, to improve ventilation
Seal up cracks and unused holes that were drilled into the ceiling to prevent moisture from entering the concrete
How can I repair spalling concrete?
Remove loose spalling concrete
Engage a professional contractor to get it fixed as soon as possible
Ceiling leaks are more common in older flats, particularly in wet areas such as bathrooms and toilets. Leaks occur when the waterproof membrane and screed in the floor slab deteriorate due to wear and tear, leading to water seepage. Tell-tale signs of a ceiling leak include water marks or stains that extends from the ceiling along the wall.
How can I repair ceiling leaks?
Homeowners of both the upper and lower floor flat units are responsible for the maintenance of their flats. In the case of ceiling leaks, discuss with your neighbours, arrange for a repair together and split the cost incurred.
If you are living on the top floor, this typically means that leakage came from the roof of the block. You may contact your Town Council to have the leakage rectified. If your unit is on the second floor of the flat and water is leaking from your flat to the void deck of your block, the cost of repair will be split between the Town Council and yourself.
Re-screeding is the recommended repair option for ceiling leaks. This process involves removing the tiles to replace the waterproof membrane and screed. Depending on the situation, certain ceiling leaks may require other methods besides re-screeding for effective repair. You may discuss the best option to resolve the leakage with your contractor.
You may have come across images of popping tiles like the one above. Temperature changes or water absorption leads to the expansion or contraction of tiles. As a result, the loss of adhesion between the tiles and screed surface can cause the tiles to be dislodged.
How can I repair dislodged or popping tiles?
If your flat is still within its one-year defect liability period, HDB will help to repair the dislodged tiles that were provided with the flat. HDB also offers additional goodwill repairs for dislodged tiles originally provided by HDB for up to 15 years. If your flat is beyond 15 years, you should engage your own contractors to arrange for repair
While waiting for repair works to begin, keep calm and follow the tips below:
Wear a glove to remove the dislodged tiles and keep them away in a safe corner
Cover the affected area with either cardboards/newspapers or carpets
The most common cause for cracked walls is the natural expansion and contraction of the building materials used. Over time, this differential movement could cause cracks to appear in the joints within the wall.
How can I repair a cracked wall?
For hairline cracks, you may seal it simply by painting over the cracks with a flexible sealant or elastomeric paint. If the cracks observed are wide, engage a contractor to carry out the repair works.
If cracks are found outside your flat, you should contact your Town Council to investigate the issue and carry out the necessary repair works.
General Home Maintenance Tips
1. Regular maintenance helps to prevent issues from deteriorating and becoming a safety hazard that could also be more costly to repair.
2. Set aside a home maintenance budget that you can tap on should the need arises.
3. You may check with your Town Council on issues found in common areas such as corridors, void decks, lifts, water tank, public lighting, and open spaces.
4. For more tips on general home maintenance, check out our other guides and articles on How to Maintian Your Flat.
5. HDB assists to rectify maintenance issues in flats that are within its one-year defect liability period. Beyond that, homeowners are responsible for the general care and maintenance of their flats, including repairs for wear and tear issues.
6. HDB also provides new flat owners with extended warranty for three major defect types: 5 years for ceiling leakages and external seepage, and 10 years for spalling concrete. Note that the warranty for ceiling leak will cease if floor tiles have been changed of if the waterproofing system has been tampered with.
7. For a list of contractors you can engage on your own, visit the HDB InfoWEB. Do note that engagement of these contractors is strictly on a private basis.
Adding greenery in your home office helps improve productivity and prevent fatigue. Here are our top plant choices!
Studies show that looking at greenery helps with productivity and prevents fatigue. If you don’t have a window view, there is always the option of displaying some green plants on or around your desk for a green ‘micro-break’.
When selecting a plant for your workspace, choose options that are easy-to-care for and don’t take up too much space. Listed below are some plants you can consider incorporating for your HDB home office.
1. Indoor Succulents
Succulents that tolerate indoor conditions are a good way to liven up the surroundings without extensive maintenance. However, not all succulents are a good fit for indoor growing conditions. Many brightly colored varieties require more sun and can fade or stretch if kept indoors. So, choose the green varieties that tend to do well with the lowest light levels, especially if your home office lacks natural light.
2. Snake Plant
Sansevieria trifasciata (also known as the Snake Plant or Mother-In-Law’s Tongue) is one of the most popular and hardy species of houseplants. They are easy to grow and nearly indestructible – they can thrive in very bright light and almost dark corners of the house. Sansevieria can remove formaldehyde and benzene from the air, and help purify the air.
3. Dracaena
If you prefer a leafier plant, the Dracaena is a good choice. The sturdy plant comes in different variants, but they mostly feature dark green leaves which are soothing to look at. Its relentless root system makes it difficult to wilt, and the plant can also survive in drought-like conditions, making it the perfect starter plant for indoor gardens.
4. African Violets
With their wide variety of colours, the African Violet livens up any workspace. Their low-maintenance levels and ability to grow well in moderate temperature, make them popular houseplants. However, as these plants do not do too well in high humidity, be sure to water them from the bottom, to avoid excess water on leaves that may result in leaf rot.
5. Cactus
When all else fails, there is the trusty cactus. Just be sure to keep the prickly plants where no one is likely to be reaching across your desk. The cacti plant actually thrives on neglect. It can contain a huge amount of water, enabling the plant to withstand even the most forgetful worker. Cacti prefer higher light levels, so if you are lucky enough to have a window desk, they will thrive.
When selecting any greenery for your workspace, review the care requirements carefully before making that decision. Enjoy your fresh looking workspace!
Check out these design ideas that are both fun and functional!
Designing a nursery for your HDB flat before a baby’s arrival often sends a ripple of excitement around the house. As with any renovation journey, it’s common to trawl social media for design ideas and inspiration before carting out truckloads of items in the hopes of creating the “perfect” space — the kind that appears at the top of your Instagram’s Explore page.
What’s important though, is that the nursery must withstand many months of hard use. Here, a new mother shares practical design ideas and tips for a room that are both aesthetic and functional.
1. Take Baby Steps
The first tip is to leave enough time to plan and furnish your nursery. Often, you may be stuck deciding on the design idea (forest wonderland or boho chic?) and put off outfitting the room until it’s too late. Instead, start by thinking about your big, ‘must-have’ items (like a baby cot, storage for baby clothes, a nursing chair or even an adult bed for co-rooming) and plan your room layout around these items. Decorating the room is easy and can come later with minimal effort.
2. Watch Them Grow
The second design idea is to pick items that have longevity and can grow with baby. It’s an incredible feeling watching your newborn grow into a crawling bub and an active toddler – the flip side is they’ll outgrow the things in their nursery in no time. Having multi-functional furniture, like cots that can switch to toddler beds and diaper drawer bins that can turn into future toy storage, means you won’t have to overhaul your nursery with each of your child’s milestones.
Essentials like diaper cars and hanging organisers can go a long way to keeping the room neat!
Photos: Pinterest (left), Pinterest (right)
Third design idea: smart storage and organisation are essential. Baby items are often numerous and small so the last thing you want is for clutter to overrun the space. Consider a mobile diaper changing station that keeps everything you need within reach. Store baby linen in stackable boxes that take up less space than a bulky dresser, and store odd items in transparent over-the-door pocket organisers.
Lastly, your nursery wall colours should promote a soothing environment for your little one, with some stimuli like patterns or bright colours to promote learning. Research has shown that bright yellows can overstimulate babies while dark colours can make the room look too gloomy. For convenience, you can opt for washable wallpapers or wall stickers instead of a fresh paint job. In addition, framed art prints or handcrafted ornaments can easily and instantly enliven a space.
