HDB renovation rules, minus the jargon

Renovation guide · Updated 26 October 2026

Got your keys and a Pinterest board full of ideas? Before anyone picks up a hammer, HDB has a few rules: who’s allowed to do the work, what needs approval, and when your neighbours have to put up with the noise. Here’s all of it in plain English, with links to HDB’s own pages if you want to check our homework.

First rule: pick a DRC contractor

This one isn’t optional. HDB requires every renovation in your flat to be done by a contractor from its Directory of Renovation Contractors, including the works that don’t need a permit.^2,3 And because you’re the owner, HDB holds you responsible for what happens in your flat.²

Some jobs also need a specialist with their own licence:³

• Plumbing: a PUB Licensed Plumber (a handyman can still do simple jobs)
• Electrical: an EMA-licensed electrical worker
• Gas: an EMA-licensed gas service worker
• Windows: a BCA-approved window contractor listed with HDB
• Aircon: a BCA-trained air-conditioner installer

What needs HDB’s green light

Some works need HDB’s written approval, in the form of a permit, before they start:^2,3

• Any hacking or demolition of walls, even partly
• Building new walls, or removing or moving fittings
• Replacing safety barriers
• Enclosing an interaction balcony
• Certain electrical works (your electrician applies for these)

Everything else can go ahead without a permit, but it still has to follow HDB’s guidelines. If it doesn’t, HDB counts it as unauthorised work.²

New flat? You’ll need to open your water and electricity account with SP Services first. HDB won’t grant a permit until you do.²

How the permit actually works

Good news: your contractor does the paperwork. You authorise them to apply online on your behalf, sign an acknowledgement form, and HDB sends you an SMS once it has the application. You can see the permit on My HDBPage, under My Flat > Purchased Flat > Renovation.³

If walls are moving, you may need a floor plan. The one in your sales brochure works, or you can buy a copy from HDB for $5.³

Once the permit is granted, the clock starts: approved works must be finished within 3 months for a newly completed block, or 1 month for an older one.² When it’s all done, let your HDB branch know.²

When the drilling can happen

Two more limits: contractors can only use 2 approved power tools at a time, and hacking walls or removing tiles can’t run more than 3 days in a row.²

Worth knowing: because noisy work is weekdays-only, a month packed with public holidays and their eves leaves fewer days for hacking. Factor that in when you plan your move-in date.

Be nice to the neighbours (it’s also the rule)

At least 5 days before work starts, give written notice to your neighbours within 2 units of your flat. Once the permit is granted, the Notice of Renovation goes up outside your door and stays there until everything’s finished.²

Just got your BTO keys? Read this

New flats come with a few extra rules, mostly to protect the waterproofing:²

• Hands off the toilet tiles for 3 years. The original toilet wall and floor finishes can’t be replaced for 3 years from the block’s completion date. You can lay new floor tiles over the old ones with adhesive, though.
• Waterproofing first. Replacing bathroom floor tiles means waterproofing screed and a membrane turned up at least 150mm against walls, kerbs and pipes. Kitchens and open balconies need waterproofing screed too.
• Water test. After new bathroom floor tiles go in, you and your contractor must do a water test.
• Careful with lightweight walls. Some new flats have Ferrolite partition walls. Don’t drill within 200mm of the ceiling or a beam, keep holes about 22mm deep, and don’t hang more than 50kg on any one anchor bolt.

And if you spot defects, you have a 1-year defects liability period. Report them online or at the Building Service Centre in your precinct.⁴

The no-go list

A few things HDB simply doesn’t allow, permit or not:²

• Hacking structural parts: concrete walls, columns, beams, slabs or staircases
• Putting more than 150kg per square metre on the floor slab
• Plastering the ceiling
• Partitions made of plywood, plastic or other combustible or toxic materials
• Raising the floor more than 50mm with concrete
• Building out over void areas
• Moving or enlarging the refuse chute opening
• Painting the outside of the flat, or fixing awnings outside it
• Enclosing the aircon ledge, or using planter boxes for something else
• Water tanks in the bathroom (a ready-made long bath is fine)

Windows, railings, gas and power

• Windows: only BCA-approved window contractors. No casement windows facing the common corridor, no replacing full-height or bay windows, and no window film above 20% reflectance.²
• Safety barriers: they stay unless damaged. Replacing them needs a Qualified Person (HDB puts the fee at about $2,000), BCA approval, Town Council permission for external parts, then HDB’s permit.³
• Gas and electrical: gas pipe changes need Power Gas’s approval, and electrical changes need SP Services’ approval.²
• Fire alarm: if your renovation includes fire-safety works, like replacing the fire-rated main door, a Home Fire Alarm Device is a must.²

What happens if you break the rules

Not using a DRC contractor or ignoring the guidelines can mean a fine of up to $5,000 on conviction.² HDB can also make you stop, fix or remove unauthorised work and restore the flat to how it was,³ and it can cancel your renovation permit.² Not the way anyone wants to start life in a new home.