First-time home owners Kenneth and Xinrong talked to us about buying their BTO flat and the $48,000 housing grant they received. They let us in on their HomeStory and their gorgeous home.
Dressed in bold colours and a smorgasbord of patterns, Kenneth and Xin Rong’s HDB flat in Bukit Batok is exactly what they intended it to be – a cosy, artsy space filled with elements they love.
Home owners Kenneth and Xin Rong, with daughter Kaia Rose
Playing with Colours and Textures
“We really like the colour blue, and have incorporated it where we can,” Xin Rong smiles. “We chose a deep hue as Kenneth prefers darker spaces. I lean towards brighter tones, so that comes through in the gold accents that carry throughout our home,” she adds, gesturing to a sunburst mirror which contrasts brilliantly against the dark blue wall of the dining area.
The dining area is also where the couple displays collectibles from their trips. “These souvenirs remind us of the good times we shared and at the same time, add character to our home,” they explain.
Creating a Bright, Spacious Home
In designing their home, the couple shared that they knocked down a wall between the living and dining areas to open up the space. Additionally, since many of the family’s activities— such as eating, hosting, and working— take place at the dining table, they decided to place it in the designated living room which is more spacious.
The living room
What was meant to be the dining area was then redesigned as a cosy lounge space, where the family often spends quality time together.
“We prefer talking to each other over watching television, so we did away with the TV altogether,” Xin Rong laughs.
Although much of Kenneth and Xin Rong’s home features its deep signature blue, their flat does not feel gloomy. To maximise the amount of sunlight that filters in, the home owners chose curtains for their home, with the sheer day curtains lending a light, airy feel. Curtains also offer an unblocked view of the estate. In the kitchen, an arc was built into a wall to let even more light in.
Flexibility First
With the exception of the kitchen cabinets and master bedroom wardrobes, the home is furnished with loose items. “We like the versatility that comes with non-built-ins. This way, we can refresh the look whenever we wish!” the couple says.
Majority of the furnishings are non-built ins
Having such flexibility also means the house can evolve with their family. In the bright and lively nursery, accessories such as a leather armchair, wooden cot and soft toys decorate the room. “Without built-ins, we’re able to rearrange the furnishings so that the room can be transformed into a play area when Kaia Rose grows older,” they say with a smile.
This flat in Bukit Batok is dressed in bold colours and a smorgasbord of patterns.
First-time home owners Kenneth and Xinrong talked to us about buying their BTO flat and the $48,000 housing grant they received. They let us in on their HomeStory and their gorgeous home.
Dressed in bold colours and a smorgasbord of patterns, Kenneth and Xin Rong’s HDB flat in Bukit Batok is exactly what they intended it to be – a cosy, artsy space filled with elements they love.
Home owners Kenneth and Xin Rong, with daughter Kaia Rose
Playing with Colours and Textures
“We really like the colour blue, and have incorporated it where we can,” Xin Rong smiles. “We chose a deep hue as Kenneth prefers darker spaces. I lean towards brighter tones, so that comes through in the gold accents that carry throughout our home,” she adds, gesturing to a sunburst mirror which contrasts brilliantly against the dark blue wall of the dining area.
The dining area is also where the couple displays collectibles from their trips. “These souvenirs remind us of the good times we shared and at the same time, add character to our home,” they explain.
Creating a Bright, Spacious Home
In designing their home, the couple shared that they knocked down a wall between the living and dining areas to open up the space. Additionally, since many of the family’s activities— such as eating, hosting, and working— take place at the dining table, they decided to place it in the designated living room which is more spacious.
The living room
What was meant to be the dining area was then redesigned as a cosy lounge space, where the family often spends quality time together.
“We prefer talking to each other over watching television, so we did away with the TV altogether,” Xin Rong laughs.
Although much of Kenneth and Xin Rong’s home features its deep signature blue, their flat does not feel gloomy. To maximise the amount of sunlight that filters in, the home owners chose curtains for their home, with the sheer day curtains lending a light, airy feel. Curtains also offer an unblocked view of the estate. In the kitchen, an arc was built into a wall to let even more light in.
Flexibility First
With the exception of the kitchen cabinets and master bedroom wardrobes, the home is furnished with loose items. “We like the versatility that comes with non-built-ins. This way, we can refresh the look whenever we wish!” the couple says.
Majority of the furnishings are non-built ins
Having such flexibility also means the house can evolve with their family. In the bright and lively nursery, accessories such as a leather armchair, wooden cot and soft toys decorate the room. “Without built-ins, we’re able to rearrange the furnishings so that the room can be transformed into a play area when Kaia Rose grows older,” they say with a smile.
Bold and Beautiful – these are the two words that best describe Spanish architecture and interior design. If you have a penchant for a majestic or modern elegant look, the Spanish interior style is right up your alley.
Photo credit: Decoist.com
Here are some tips to achieve the aesthetic in your home:
Colour Me Vibrant
There’s no room for blacks and greys in a Spanish-style home… only bright colour palettes please! Pick from warm oranges, yellows and reds, or cool blues and whites for the walls of your home.
Photo credit: SavvyInteriors.com
Tile It Up
Add a touch of Spanish flair with tiles—hardwood and red tiles are hot favourites for flooring in Spanish-style homes. For a different look, try mosaic patterns on either your floor tiles or your kitchen backsplash!
Photo credit: Impressive Interior Design
Mix and Match
Another key trick is to have an eclectic mix of tone and textures in your décor. Don’t be afraid to match different fabrics, colours, and genres to create that Spanish contemporary look.
Photo credit: Coral Images
Wooden Accents
Spanish décor usually includes leather and dark wood furnishings. From accent tables to cabinets, wooden furniture will add an ornate yet rustic element to your home interior.
If you’ve already got a Spanish style home – we want to see it! Leave a comment below!
Home Tours: A Mid-Century Home With An Eclectic Twist
Even before collecting the keys to their resale flat, Geraldine Toh and Vincent Lim had already decided on the look of their future home. With a passion for the arts, the couple wanted to add a dash of personality to the space with their works.
Homeowners Geraldine and Vincent with Luna, their furkid
“I love painting and Vincent is passionate about photography. We wanted to decorate our home and were already working on the paintings and prints despite not being homeowners yet,” 28-year-old Geraldine laughs.
The living room features ambient lighting, warm tones and wooden accents
“We prefer warm and darker tones – so naturally, we found ourselves leaning towards a mid-century-themed home.”
A Modern Mid-Century Home
Featuring an open layout, nature elements and walnut tones, Geraldine and Vincent’s Executive Apartment in Tampines comprises the defining features of a modern mid-century home.
“We fell in love with the flat’s spaciousness and squarish layout – we thought the panoramic view of the house from the living room was (and still is) amazing,” Geraldine says.
In further embracing an open concept home, the homeowners removed the partition wall that stood between the kitchen and the common living area. With the expanded space, the incorporated a kitchen island.
“Having a kitchen island has always been a dream – it’s like the ultimate kitchen goal,” Vincent smiles. “Aesthetics aside, we’re really happy with the additional countertop space. Now that we’re working from home more often, we spend more time preparing our meals and the space allows us to do so more comfortably in the kitchen.”
The dining table is also placed next to the kitchen island, to create a seamless flow between the kitchen and living area
Being nature lovers, the homeowners saw the balcony as the perfect space for greenery.
“The balcony is like our mini getaway to the outdoors. We love hiking and trekking, so having big, leafy plants in an outdoor space is a way of bringing nature closer to us. The balcony also happens to be one of Luna’s favourite hangout spots,” Geraldine laughs.
To tie the entire modern mid-century look together, the homeowners opted for loose furniture pieces instead of built-ins.
Loose furniture pieces such as the walnut-coloured shoe cabinet (left) and pantry (right) are a common sight in Geraldine and Vincent’s home
“Loose furniture allows more room for creativity and for us to mix and match the décor. There’s also more flexibility, where we can shift the position of the furniture to create a different look.”
Incorporating Eclectic Elements
In addition to woody tones, Geraldine and Vincent also incorporated their love for quirky colours and shapes – an element that is immediately captured by the brightly-coloured main door, which has since become an icon of the house. This eclectic element is amplified with the colour spilling over to the conjoining wall.
Not only does the mustard yellow door create a focal point in the common area, it also livens up the space
“We wanted to inject pops of mustard yellow into the house. So, when we came across a photo on Pinterest that showed a yellow square painted on an angled wall, we were sold!” Geraldine says.
Other eclectic elementsi, including in the kitchen and bathrooms, add to the character of the home.
Straying away from warm tones and wood accents, the kitchen emits playful vibes with a terrazzo backsplash and countertop
The porcelain sink lends a pop of quirkiness to the bathroom in the master bedroom
The common bathroom features a combination of textures and bold colours
On the contrasting look of the common bathroom, 29-year-old Vincent says, “We wanted to create an entirely different space, and we thought the common bathroom was the best spot to do so. However, we did use the same shade of mustard yellow for the bathroom cabinet, to ensure consistency.”
DIY Prints
From the living room to the home office, the house is decorated with numerous crafts – but unlike the other décor items, the art pieces on display are painted by Geraldine. Her masterpiece is the floral mural on the wall facing the master bedroom.
The mural features a Peony, one of Geraldine’s favourite flowers
“I had painted my room in my parents’ home and couldn’t wait to do the same for my own house,” Geraldine smiles. “I eventually decided on a Peony and a muted colour palette to match the aesthetics of the rest of the space.”
Geraldine’s paintings are also used to decorate the home study
The couple lounging on the bed with Luna
“Home is a place for us to unwind, it’s also where we can fully be ourselves – our new home presented the perfect canvas for us to express our creativity.”
Home Tours: A Mid-Century Home With An Eclectic Twist
With an open layout, nature elements, and walnut tones, this Tampines home is all about the cosy vibes
Even before collecting the keys to their resale flat, Geraldine Toh and Vincent Lim had already decided on the look of their future home. With a passion for the arts, the couple wanted to add a dash of personality to the space with their works.
Homeowners Geraldine and Vincent with Luna, their furkid
“I love painting and Vincent is passionate about photography. We wanted to decorate our home and were already working on the paintings and prints despite not being homeowners yet,” 28-year-old Geraldine laughs.
The living room features ambient lighting, warm tones and wooden accents
“We prefer warm and darker tones – so naturally, we found ourselves leaning towards a mid-century-themed home.”
A Modern Mid-Century Home
Featuring an open layout, nature elements and walnut tones, Geraldine and Vincent’s Executive Apartment in Tampines comprises the defining features of a modern mid-century home.
“We fell in love with the flat’s spaciousness and squarish layout – we thought the panoramic view of the house from the living room was (and still is) amazing,” Geraldine says.
In further embracing an open concept home, the homeowners removed the partition wall that stood between the kitchen and the common living area. With the expanded space, the incorporated a kitchen island.
“Having a kitchen island has always been a dream – it’s like the ultimate kitchen goal,” Vincent smiles. “Aesthetics aside, we’re really happy with the additional countertop space. Now that we’re working from home more often, we spend more time preparing our meals and the space allows us to do so more comfortably in the kitchen.”
The dining table is also placed next to the kitchen island, to create a seamless flow between the kitchen and living area
Being nature lovers, the homeowners saw the balcony as the perfect space for greenery.
“The balcony is like our mini getaway to the outdoors. We love hiking and trekking, so having big, leafy plants in an outdoor space is a way of bringing nature closer to us. The balcony also happens to be one of Luna’s favourite hangout spots,” Geraldine laughs.
To tie the entire modern mid-century look together, the homeowners opted for loose furniture pieces instead of built-ins.
Loose furniture pieces such as the walnut-coloured shoe cabinet (left) and pantry (right) are a common sight in Geraldine and Vincent’s home
“Loose furniture allows more room for creativity and for us to mix and match the décor. There’s also more flexibility, where we can shift the position of the furniture to create a different look.”
Incorporating Eclectic Elements
In addition to woody tones, Geraldine and Vincent also incorporated their love for quirky colours and shapes – an element that is immediately captured by the brightly-coloured main door, which has since become an icon of the house. This eclectic element is amplified with the colour spilling over to the conjoining wall.
Not only does the mustard yellow door create a focal point in the common area, it also livens up the space
“We wanted to inject pops of mustard yellow into the house. So, when we came across a photo on Pinterest that showed a yellow square painted on an angled wall, we were sold!” Geraldine says.
Other eclectic elementsi, including in the kitchen and bathrooms, add to the character of the home.
Straying away from warm tones and wood accents, the kitchen emits playful vibes with a terrazzo backsplash and countertop
The porcelain sink lends a pop of quirkiness to the bathroom in the master bedroom
The common bathroom features a combination of textures and bold colours
On the contrasting look of the common bathroom, 29-year-old Vincent says, “We wanted to create an entirely different space, and we thought the common bathroom was the best spot to do so. However, we did use the same shade of mustard yellow for the bathroom cabinet, to ensure consistency.”
DIY Prints
From the living room to the home office, the house is decorated with numerous crafts – but unlike the other décor items, the art pieces on display are painted by Geraldine. Her masterpiece is the floral mural on the wall facing the master bedroom.
The mural features a Peony, one of Geraldine’s favourite flowers
“I had painted my room in my parents’ home and couldn’t wait to do the same for my own house,” Geraldine smiles. “I eventually decided on a Peony and a muted colour palette to match the aesthetics of the rest of the space.”
Geraldine’s paintings are also used to decorate the home study
The couple lounging on the bed with Luna
“Home is a place for us to unwind, it’s also where we can fully be ourselves – our new home presented the perfect canvas for us to express our creativity.”
Lighting Ideas: Choosing the Right Lights for Your Home
Lighting plays a crucial role in your home. Besides illuminating various spaces, lighting also enhances the interior design while setting the mood and ambience of the room.
We’ve put together a handy guide to help you navigate the blinding (pun intended) range of different lighting ideas, designs and functions for the different spaces within your home!
The living room is where you unwind after a long day at work, and ambient lighting can create a cosy, relaxed ambience that will help you achieve a state of zen. Ambient lighting comes in many forms – it can be recessed lights installed in the ceiling, track lighting, or even a pendant light that doubles up as a statement piece in the living room. Find out more about the different lighting fixtures here.
Lighting is vital to a fully functioning kitchen, and more than one type of light fixture is typically used. One of the more common lighting ideas is ceiling lights which brightly illuminate the space. Track lights and under-cabinet LED light strips are often installed as task lighting, to eliminate shadows cast by cabinets.
Just like the living room, dining rooms should be kept warm and cosy, yet bright enough to see the food on your plate! Pendant lights are commonly installed in the dining area – not only do they provide sufficient illumination, they also act as a bold visual element to the space. The best part? This lighting idea comes in an array of designs and styles so you are sure to find one to complement your flat’s aesthetics.
Brainstorming for lighting ideas for the bedroom can be complicated as we require a range of light intensities for different activities. For example, dim lighting before bedtime, bright lighting when dressing or putting on makeup, and warm lighting for light reading. The trick to a well-lit bedroom? Layered lighting which seamlessly combines the various types of light required.
Popular bedroom lighting ideas include ceiling and pendant lights that are adjustable in terms of light intensity, as well as cove lights. Task lighting such as bedside or dresser lamps can also be added for a more comfortable experience.
Nothing beats natural light streaming in from the windows to the study, but we think that ceiling lights and table lamps are good to have just in case the study room gets too dark. Ceiling lights instantly brighten up the room, while table lamps are useful when working on specific tasks such as writing or working on your laptop.
Bathrooms usually have one or at most two light fixtures installed, with ceiling or recessed lights being the most common. If you prefer lights with a softer glow, consider cove lighting which hides lights behind mirrors, shelves, or false ceilings.
With a better understanding of the different lighting ideas, you can design and plan the lights for every space within your dream home. If you have any novel light fixtures in your home, tag us on Instagram @MyNiceHome – we’d love to see them!
Move over ‘Living Coral’, ‘Classic Blue’ is here to stay – at least in 2020! So what makes this elegant and timeless shade of blue so special, that Pantone decided to crown it colour of the year?
Pantone explained that ‘Classic Blue’ represents stability, calmness, and connection. Well, sounds like everything we’d love in a home! Here’s how you can incorporate this on-trend shade in your interior décor.
1) Just a Hint of Blue
The easiest way is to add art pieces and soft furnishings, such as cushion covers, curtains, throws, and rugs, in the shade of ‘Classic Blue’. This would be most impactful in spaces with a neutral-toned decor to contrast with the unexpected pop of colour.
For something more permanent, consider this blue-speckled terrazzo wallpaper, especially if you are going for a vintage vibe.
A sofa is one of the most important pieces of furniture in your living room, so pick well! After all, that’s where most of your guests will spend their time, and maybe you too (think netflix and really just chilling). Here, homeowner Fizah picked a large velvet blue sofa to be the highlight of her living room, with a matching rug to complete the look.
Fizah picked a rug with hints of blue to match her sofa
If the idea of full blue kitchen cabinets sounds a bit overwhelming, why not choose a blue laminate for your kitchen island instead. It adds the right amount of pizazz – see how Fizah has done it below!
3) Full on Blue
Yes, you can go big on blue! Don’t be afraid to go all out, because it is such an easy colour to match. Take reference from Kai Jie and Jiching’s flat; from the feature wall, to the artwork and cabinets, everything features ‘Classic Blue’. They balanced the colour with white, to achieve a nature-inspired theme.
Kai Jie and Jiching’s home features a lot of blue.
The surest way to make a statement with ‘Classic Blue’, is to simply paint it on your walls. Some common colour pairings are gold, brown, white, and yellow.
Know of other ways to work ‘Classic Blue’ into your home decor? Let us know in the comments below
Get tips on renovation and furnishing to maximise space in your HDB flat, regardless of its type and size!
Space need not be a luxury – it all comes down to making the right choices to maximise it. From renovation to furnishing, read on for 5 ways to create a sense of openness in your flat, regardless of its type and size!
1. Go Bold with an Open Floor Plan
A bold way to visually open up your flat is by removing walls between the living area, dining area and kitchen. If you prefer some demarcation between rooms, you can replace walls with glass panels which will give a feeling of spaciousness.
If you plan to demolish or alter any walls, make sure the works are carried out only after obtaining HDB’s approval. This ensures that your renovations do not compromise the structural integrity of your flat.
2. Let in Natural Light
Nothing beats natural light when it comes to brightening up interiors, so choose sheer window coverings rather than opaque blinds to make the most of our sunny climate. Full-length curtains that sweep the floor are another great way to make the ceiling look higher!
3. Accentuate Your Ceiling
You’ve heard of statement walls, but what about statement ceilings? The clever use of overhead accents adds both vertical dimension and visual interest to your home. Similarly, unique pendant lights that draw the eye upwards can make a room feel bigger.
Achieve a bright and airy vibe by using lighter hues throughout your home. Darker colours absorb rather than reflect light, so go with off-white or muted tones from your flooring and wall shades to upholstery.
5. Curate Your Furnishings
Conserve space in your flat by being intentional with your furnishing choices. The key is avoiding clutter so keep these tips in mind:
Opt for multi-functional pieces such as daybeds, or expandable tables
Choose furniture with exposed legs to allow light to filter through
Colour-coordinate your furniture and walls, as contrasting colours break up a room and can make it seem smaller
Place mirrors strategically on darker walls or near windows to reflect natural light
Decorate with statement pieces such as a large art print, rather than many small knick-knacks
We’ve all seen numerous stylish bathrooms on Pinterest, renovation videos and shows like Selling Sunset. Here are some HDB bathroom design ideas to help you achieve a similar look for your bathroom!
1. Floating Vanity
Not only do wall-mounted vanities provide a stylish touch to your bathroom, their ‘floating’ characteristic also gives the illusion of a bigger space. For a contemporary touch, install a strip of lighting at the bottom, to give the bathroom an extra oomph!
2. His and Hers Sinks
Two is better than one, so having two sinks provides you with more countertop space, especially when you’re looking to get ready! Having separate sinks also means that you’ll be better able to organise your items, where you’ll have faster access to them. If you have a long bathroom wall, this could be an option for you.
3. Feature Backsplash
Get stylish with a backsplash for the bathroom! Beyond aesthetics, the backsplash can also protect the walls from overexposure to water and potential water stains.
Similar to kitchen backsplashes, there are a variety of designs you can consider. If you are thinking of an elegant and classy bathroom, consider patterned or subway tiles. A minimalistic bathroom? Mirrored or tempered glass finishes will do the trick.
While a little uncommon, it is possible to incorporate a tub in your bathroom for a relaxing soak, especially after a long day. If this HDB bathroom design idea doesn’t spell luxurious, we don’t know what does. Before proceeding with your renovation works, do take some time to read the guidelines on bathtub installation.
Need more HDB bathroom design ideas or renovation tips? This article will also definitely come in handy if you are looking to stretch your renovation dollars!
Remember to tag us at @mynicehome to show your beautiful bathroom designs in your HDB home.
Get familiar with the permits required before renovating your HDB flat.
Collected your keys and excited to renovate your HDB flat? Make sure you learn about the permits required and renovation guidelines before starting on your renovation works!
Permits? What Permits?
As the home owner, you are responsible for ensuring that all permits required for your flat’s renovations are obtained from HDB before the works begin.
HDB requires these permits to ensure that the renovations you plan on doing do not affect the structure of your flat. This helps to keep you and your neighbours safe!
Do note that the renovation contractor you are engaging must be listed in the Directory of Renovation Contractors, which means they are aware of HDB’s requirements when they carry out renovations, and to protect the structural integrity of the building.
Floor Finishes
You will need a permit if you are thinking of removing existing floor finishes and replacing them with floor finishes of your choice. You also need a permit to raise the level of the floors in your kitchen, balcony, bathroom or toilet – doing these works incorrectly can add unnecessary stress on the floor slab of the flat and weaken the overall structure of the flat.
Hardy and cost-efficient, vinyl is a popular flooring option that can be quickly laid above existing tiles, long as it complies with HDB’s guidelines on replacing floor finishes.
Walls
Before you hack down any walls in your flat, you need to obtain a permit from HDB to ensure that the demolition works do not compromise the structural integrity of the flat.
Similarly, any construction of arches or rounded corners to existing openings also requires HDB’s approval before it can be carried out.
Replacing internal wall finishes? You need a permit too to prevent any tampering of existing wall structures. Just putting wallpaper, or plastering your walls? No permit needed!
Doors
You need a permit to replace your main entrance door, if it is situated along a fire escape route i.e. facing a staircase or lift lobby. The replacement door and the frame of the door must be half hour fire-rated, and complete with a door closer.
Changing the location of doors within the flat also requires a permit from HDB, to ensure that the hacking works involved do not affect the structural integrity of the flat.
Bathrooms/ Toilets
You will have to wait 3 years before removing any wall or floor finishes in the toilets of your BTO flat. Otherwise, the waterproofing works in these wet areas might become damaged.
Instead of hacking away the original tiles, overlay them with the tiles of your choice. For more bathroom renovation tips, read The Basics of Bathroom Renovation!
After 3 years, if you decide to change the flooring or wall finishes of your bathrooms and toilets, or extend your bathroom/ toilet, you will need to get a permit from HDB.
Air-Conditioner Installation Works
If you buy a BTO flat, and the compressor of the air-conditioner is going to be installed at the air-conditioner ledge, you do not have to apply for a permit from HDB before the installation.
You need to submit an air-conditioner installation report if you plan on installing your air-conditioner on building exterior, or if any part of the air-conditioner projects outwards from the building.
Window Works
Permits are needed if you want to install or change your flat’s windows or the grilles at your service yard or balcony. The design of the windows and grilles must also comply with the colour and design scheme approved by HDB, so that your flat does not look too different from your neighbours’ when viewed from the outside.
Replacement of full height and ¾ height windows such as the above is strictly not allowed
To prevent accidents from happening, only engage BCA-approved window contractor registered with HDB for the installation and replacement of your flat’s windows and ensure that all works comply with HDB’s safety requirements.
Applying for an HDB Renovation Permit
You can authorise your renovation contractor to submit an electronic renovation application on your behalf. Removing or repositioning fittings, hacking down or constructing walls? Scans of the layout plans, elevations, sections or details of the proposed works must be submitted together with your application.
Once HDB receives the application, an SMS notification will be sent to you. You can view your renovation permit on My HDBPage once it has been granted.
Do HDB Renovation Permits Expire?
After you obtained the approval from HDB for your renovations, ensure that they are carried out as soon as possible, as these permits come with expiry dates. For new BTO flats, the approved renovations must be completed within 3 months. Resale flats have a shorter deadline – renovation works must be completed within a month, to minimise inconvenience to your existing neighbours.
The renovation contractor must comply with the stipulated timings for carrying out renovations. Remind your contractor to inform your neighbours and put up the Notice of Renovation indicating the start and end date of your renovations outside your flat early, so that your neighbours can make their own plans to avoid the noise and dust during this time, if necessary.
Bonus: Coping with Noisy Renovation Works
Do you have neighbours who are renovating their flat instead? We know it can get challenging at home with noisy renovation works going on around you, such as if you work from home.
You can maintain friendly relations with your neighbours by reaching out to them. Let them know if there are specific days or timeslots that might be of particular concern (e.g. important meetings or interview), so both parties can address it together.
If necessary, you may approach your grassroots leader or other neighbours to act as a mediator when communicating with your new neighbour.
This nifty infographic explains common light renovations that do not require HDB’s approval:
