Rules and permits
What HDB, your condo’s management, URA and BCA need to approve before the works start, and which trades must be licensed.
Guides in this section
Which renovation works need approval in Singapore?
It depends on the home. HDB flats need an HDB permit for most hacking, re-tiling and window work. Condos answer to the MCST’s by-laws, and to BCA for anything structural. Landed homes answer to URA and BCA once you add floor area or touch the structure.
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HDB renovation rules: permits, approved contractors and what’s not allowed
In an HDB flat, every contractor must come from HDB’s Directory of Renovation Contractors, even for works that need no permit. Hacking walls, replacing floor tiles and replacing windows need a permit first, and some works, like removing structural walls, aren’t allowed at all.
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Condo renovation rules: your MCST, the by-laws and BCA
In a condo, start with your management corporation (MCST): its by-laws can require approval before you renovate, and works that change how the building looks need its authorisation. Structural changes need a Professional Engineer and BCA approval; adding floor area needs a 90% vote and URA permission.
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Renovating a landed house: URA permission, BCA plans and your neighbours
Inside a landed house, many works need no approval: re-tiling, new windows in the same place, enlarging rooms. Adding floor area, enclosing an open balcony, earthworks and structural changes need URA and BCA approval through a Qualified Person, an architect or engineer.
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Who’s allowed to do electrical, gas, plumbing, window and aircon work
In every type of home, some work can only be done by licensed or approved people: wiring by an EMA-licensed electrical worker, gas pipes by a licensed gas service worker, toilets and water pipes by a PUB Licensed Plumber, windows by a BCA approved window contractor and outdoor aircon by a trained installer.
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