The HDB is a government agency that is in charge of the housing estates in Singapore. It ensures that the living conditions of the citizens are kept high and make sure that each housing area stays nice and clean at all times. One way to help ensure this is by making sure that you get a permit before doing any renovation work on your home. But not everyone knows how to go about getting one or what exactly they need to do to get a HDB renovation permit.

Require a quote for HDB Renovation? Or perhaps you need to get the permit for your HDB renovation in Singapore? If yes, then you are at the right place. Here we will talk about simple yet important ways to get your HDB permit.

HDB Renovation Guidelines

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) in Singapore has gradually introduced some new HDB renovation guidelines for HDB renovation projects. The changes include a reduction in the number of allowable renovations, mandatory fire and anti-flooding measures, and a 20% increase in the minimum lot area. The new rules will also affect the type of materials used during renovation projects.

For many property owners these changes might seem unnecessary or too rigid, but they’re actually a big step towards ensuring safety among homeowners. There’s also a greater chance that renovations will meet the quality standards set by the HDB, so you can rest assured that your home is safer than ever before.

HDB Renovation Timing

Your contractor has no control over how long it takes to refurbish a HDB/Condominium. We know, it’s shocking. In fact, homeowners determine the whole duration of a renovation job. Actual HDB renovation timing take only two months. Many HDB and condominium residents in Singapore, on the other hand, delay the process.

There’s a certain flow to follow during a renovation. Here’s a shortcut inforgaphic of a hdb renovation timing in Singapore. Here’s an estimate of how long it takes to renovate different parts of your home.

However, take note that the timeline is just an estimate. Every homeowner’s requirement is different. For example, if a homeowner does not require carpentry services, then we can save 2 weeks of renovation. Or if a homeowner has given us a tight timeline to work with, perhpas they urgently need to move into their new home, then we’ll have to speed up the process.

Furthermore, Singapore’s Housing Development Board (HDB) grants a one month renovation permit, and allows for an extension of 1 month. Of which only three days are allocated for noisy renovation works like hacking of tiles.

HDB Renovation Permit

Certain works necessitate written approval from HDB, which is provided in the form of HDB renovation permits. These permits will be required before any renovation work can begin. If you do not obtain a permit before beginning the renovation work, HDB will consider it unauthorized work and will require you to restore your flat to its original condition.

Certain precincts with unique designs and special features have additional guidelines that you must follow. Even if you don’t need a permit for the work, you must follow the guidelines that govern it or HDB will ask you to remove it and restore your flat to its original condition.

Please keep in mind that the renovation contractor you hire must be listed in the Directory of Renovation Contractors, which means they are aware of HDB’s requirements when carrying out renovations and are concerned about the structural integrity of the building.

How to get HDB renovation loan

In Singapore, banks provide home renovation loans. The interest rates for a renovation loan is by far lower than that of a personal loan, the tenures are shorter at a maximum of only 5 years, with a general maximum loan amount of 6 times your monthly wages and a cap of $30,000.

In order to qualify for a renovation loan, a Singaporean bank will require the applicant to:

• Own a property
• Be a Singaporean Citizen or PR
• Have a good credit score
• Fulfil the minimum income requirement (bank dependent)

There are also limitations on what the loan can be used for, including:

• Electrical works and wiring
• Tiling, flooring and painting
• Basic bathroom fittings
• Property’s external compounds

On top of the loan, be prepared to fork out more dough in the form of fees. There will be several fees to pay, such as the disbursement fees, processing fees, and if applicable, late payment fees.

The disbursement fees are usually 1% of your approved loan amount. On the occasion that the borrower incurs late payment fees, they will need to be prepared to be charged about 5.7% of their loan amount.

You can use a renovation loan calculator to work out the amount you need. You can also put in the legwork to enquire and compare renovation loans across the various banks in Singapore to determine the best renovation loan.

ELPIS helps you to obtain the mandatory HDB renovation permit for your home improvement. We have years of experience in helping Singaporeans with how to apply HDB renovation permit and obtaining all types of HDB permits. Our team will guide you from beginning to end to ensure that you get your desired outcome in as low cost as possible. You will be able to relax while we take care of the entire hdb renovation guidelines process and enjoy your time.