Come journey with us into the homes of HDB residents in this 3-part series, and witness the transformation of their flats into beautiful homes!

Homeowners: Geoffrey and Sian Ching
Town: Tampines
Flat type: 5-room BTO

In the final part of this series, Sian Ching and Geoffrey bring us on a tour of their recently-completed home.Get acquainted with the couple and their design process  in part 1, and find out more about their renovations in part 2.

“We don’t have a specific interior theme – it’s a modern and timeless look that comprises black and wood accents,” Geoffrey and Sian Ching explains the look and feel they were aiming for in their new home.

Your house looks great! How did you achieve such a spacious living area?

Sian Ching: We hacked the wall of the first bedroom to create a bigger communal space. As we like having friends over, we made this design decision from the get-go.

Sian Ching: We have different hangout spots to cater to different groups of guests and it’s interesting to see them gathering at the sofa, the dining area, and of course, the bar counter. The dynamic communal area enables guests to move around the house, which is what we had in mind.

It sounds like your house is the perfect place for a gathering (within the allowed group size, of course).

Geoff: Sian Ching enjoys hosting so we decided to extend the bar counter for more dining space. In the kitchen, the sink is also designed to be a little wider, to accommodate more dishes for washing-up sessions after playing host.

Can you tell us more about your customised carpentry works?

Sian Ching: To maximise the space, we opted for lots of full-height features – including the TV area. Instead of just a console, we created more storage space via nooks built into the wall.

Geoff: Another key feature of our home is the wooden wall that leads to the bedrooms. We concealed a door in the design, which separates the communal and private spaces while enabling a seamless transition between the two.

How did you achieve such a stylish look for your bedroom?

Sian Ching: We chose a darker colour palette for the bedroom as it provides a more relaxing environment. We used a combination of pendant lights, floor lamp and cove lights to keep the space cosy.

Geoff: You will notice that our toilet door and wardrobe are hardly distinguishable. We wanted everything to look flat, so the toilet door is on the same plane as the wardrobe. Both are also fabricated with the same material, to achieve a seamless look. We also shifted the position of our bedroom door to align it with the wardrobe.

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

 

Did you know that buyers of BTO flats can choose to have floor finishes installed by HDB under the Optional Component Scheme. New BTO projects launched from February 2019 also come with glazed porcelain floor tiles in the kitchen and bathroom.

However, if you intend to get your own flooring done, the number of flooring options in the market may just overwhelm you. To help you in this process, we have shortlisted 3 popular flooring materials for your consideration. Before embarking on any major works at your new home though, get familiar with HDB’s guidelines on laying and replacing floor finishes here.

1. Vinyl

Made from PVC, this hardy flooring option is affordable and very adaptive. With its thin and modular construction as interlocking sheets, vinyl flooring can be applied to rooms and spaces very quickly. You can also lay it above existing tiles, as long as it complies with HDB’s guidelines!

Vinyl flooring can simulate other materials that may be usually difficult to maintain, such as natural wood

2. Cement Screed

While it may seem a little bare, this option is perfect for home owners seeking a raw, minimalist style or an industrial-themed home. Cement screed floors may even appear powdery or patchy depending on how the surface is sealed, and it is much more susceptible to cracks and scratches.

The cement screed effect can be applied to walls too.

Cement screed doesn’t come with a polished finish – but that is the beauty of it. Over time, the surface will develop a patina, filled with wear marks, stains and fractures blending in with its original imperfections. Embrace the wabi-sabi aesthetic.

3. Tiles

This is the most common flooring option, and practically essential in some areas of your home, such as in bathrooms and kitchens, due to its hardiness and resistance to stains. Most tiles are generally hardy, and damaged pieces can be replaced without having to redo the whole floor.

Large, polished tiles in light tones are popular choices for living rooms, as they make spaces look much bigger and inviting

While most homeowners get their design inspiration online via apps and sites like MyNiceHome, selecting tiles is much easier if you head down to a store or showroom, and take a look at the selections available.

At showrooms, you’ll learn that the industry has made great strides and there is myriad variety beyond the typical marble, porcelain tiles and hardwood flooring. There are products mimicking materials and textures too. Decorative tile designs such as vintage Peranakan and antique Art Nouveau, have also returned as mass-market reproductions. With a wide variety of materials and sizes, you can say this option is very versatile – a floor for every budget and need.

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

HDB Renovation Permits 101

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.

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.

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.

However, if you bought a resale flat that is still using a 30 Amps main switch, you must get a permit from HDB before installing air-conditioner units using new 15 Amps power point or new 20 Amps isolator.

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.

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:

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg

All ready to renovate your flat? Before you get started, familiarise yourself with these steps to enjoy a smooth and hassle-free process. Here are the top 8 things that you need to know!

 

1.  Engage a Contractor listed in the Directory of Renovation Contractors

When engaging a renovation contractor, it is important to engage only those listed in the Directory of Renovation Contractors. This also applies to renovations which do not require HDB’s prior approval.

The Directory of Renovation Contractors lists contractors who are familiar with HDB’s renovation rules and requirements which are in place to protect the structural integrity of the building. You can view the Directory of Renovation Contractors on HDB InfoWEB, or via the Mobile@HDB app.

That said, HDB does not endorse or guarantee the quality of the renovations. The contractors will be fully responsible for the contractual responsibilities towards you, their client, including workmanship.

2. Submit a Renovation Application

You and your renovation contractor must obtain HDB’s prior approval before starting any demolishing and/ or hacking of walls, whether partially or fully. This mandatory requirement protects residents’ safety, as unauthorised demolishing and/ or hacking of walls may affect the structural integrity of the building.

For renovations works that require HDB’s prior approval, ensure that your renovation contractor submits an online renovation application to HDB together with the acknowledgement form signed by you, the flat owner, before commencing work.

You will receive a Short Message Service (SMS) notification upon the submission of the renovation application by your renovation contractor. To view the status of your renovation permit application, log in to My HDBPage (My Flat > Purchased Flat > Renovation) on HDB InfoWEB.

Learn more about HDB renovation permits here. You can also read up on guidelines and important information for works that can be done in your flat on the HDB InfoWEB.

3. Contact Other Agencies on Related Works

During the renovation process, you will most likely require other services such as air-conditioner installation.

If you plan to mount your air-conditioner on the exterior of your flat, or if any part of the air-conditioner will project from your flat, you must engage a BCA-trained air-conditioner installer. Once the air conditioning unit has been installed, you will also need to email the installation report to the HDB Branch managing your flat.

Check out the list of other works below to find out if a licensed worker/ contractor is required:

4. Keep Renovations to Permitted Hours

Noise from renovation works can be disruptive to your neighbours, especially those who have young children, or are working from home. We can maintain harmonious relations with our neighbours by adhering to the following:

• Inform your neighbours staying within a radius of 2 units at least 3 days in advance before renovations begin. Do remind your contractor to put up the Notice of Renovation outside your flat early and throughout the renovation period.

• Only carry out renovation work between the stipulated timings below.

• Should you be carrying out DIY (Do-It-Yourself) works, do limit it between 7:00am and 10:30pm, and keep noise to a minimum with the tips below.

•  When possible, close the main door of your flat while works are ongoing, to help reduce noise disturbance to your neighbours and do remember to inform them in advance of any works that may generate noise.

5. Manage Payment and Any Renovations Dispute

The renovation contract between flat owners and their contractors is a private one, and not regulated by any government agency.  If there are disputes over the renovation such as pricing, costs, work schedule, type or quality of renovations, these should be resolved between both parties.

If you are facing challenges with settling the matter amicably, both parties may approach the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE), Singapore Mediation Centre or the Small Claims Tribunals for assistance or seek legal redress.

6. Use the Lifts Properly

Renovating and moving into your new home is an exciting time for all home owners! However, it can also be hectic, dusty, and noisy. Movers and contractors carrying bulky items will be a common sight, and lifts may take a slightly longer time to arrive.

Do your part by telling your contractors or vendors not to jam the lift doors when moving materials and furniture as this can damage the lifts, causing inconvenience and delay to other lift users.

7. Keep your Neighbourhood Clean

Unwanted items such as packing materials and renovation debris discarded around your estate can potentially create safety and health hazards, and will mar the image of your estate.

Do remind your delivery persons, movers and contractors to dispose of renovation debris and unwanted items properly by carting them to disposal sites. They should not wash or flush debris into the sewage system or dispose of bulky items into the refuse chute, as this could cause damage and inconvenience you and your neighbours.

You may report instances of lift misuse and dumping of debris in the common areas via the OneService website or app.

8. Care for Your Home Regularly

Finally, it’s important to carry out regular checks on the fittings and fixtures in your home. This can help you spot areas that require attention before they become serious and save you money on major repairs.

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg