HDB Renovation Permits for Resale Flats (2025) What You Must Know Before Starting
Renovating a resale HDB flat in Singapore can dramatically improve comfort, value, and style. But before you start hacking walls or re-tiling bathrooms, you must understand one thing clearly:
HDB renovation permits are mandatory for many works.
Unlike private property, HDB flats are governed by strict rules to protect safety, structural integrity, and your neighbours’ well-being. Failing to comply can result in
fines, stop-work orders, or even mandatory reinstatement of your renovations.
This guide explains in detail:
- ✅ Which renovation works require permits
- ✅ Who can apply for permits (and who cannot)
- ✅ Timelines and validity periods for resale flats
- ✅ Common mistakes homeowners make
- ✅ How to ensure 100% compliance without stress
🏛️ Why Permits Are Required for Resale HDB Renovation
Every HDB block is a shared structure. Unsafe hacking, poor waterproofing, or illegal plumbing can affect not only your flat but also your neighbours. For example:
- 🔨 Hacking a structural wall could compromise the block’s safety.
- 🚿 Faulty bathroom waterproofing could cause leaks to units below.
- 🪟 Installing non-approved windows could pose falling risks.
Permits ensure that all works are carried out by qualified HDB-registered contractors and follow national building codes.
📑 Which Works Require a Permit?
When renovating your resale HDB, some works require mandatory approval.
Below is a simple Do’s & Don’ts style checklist you can follow.
✅ Works That Require HDB Permits
- • Hacking of walls (structural or non-structural)
- • Re-tiling of bathrooms, kitchens, or other wet areas
- • Bathroom waterproofing works (ponding test required)
- • Changing floor finishes (marble, parquet, vinyl)
- • Window replacements (HDB-approved only)
- • Altering door openings (main, bathroom, bedroom)
- • Gas pipe relocation (licensed gas contractor only)
🚫 Works That Usually Do Not Require a Permit
- • Painting and wallpaper installation
- • Installing built-in wardrobes or carpentry
- • Replacing light fixtures (without rewiring)
- • Polishing floors or overlaying vinyl without hacking
⚠️ Important: Even if a work seems “minor,” always check with HDB’s renovation guidelines or consult your contractor.
👷 Who Can Apply for a Renovation Permit?
As a homeowner, you cannot apply for the permit yourself. Only an HDB-registered renovation contractor is authorised to do so.
Responsibilities of an HDB-Registered Contractor:
- • Submit permit applications to HDB on your behalf
- • Provide detailed floor plans, method statements, and structural checks
- • Ensure works comply with HDB’s renovation guidelines
- • Carry out ponding tests (for waterproofing) and other safety checks
- • Handover with supporting documents when works are complete
👉 Always verify your contractor’s registration in the HDB Directory of Renovation Contractors (DRC) before engaging them.
⏱️ Permit Duration: How Long Do You Have?
- 📌 Resale flats: Renovation works must be completed within 1 month from approval.
- 📌 New flats (BTO): 3 months are given.
⚠️ Missing the deadline may result in fines or suspension of works.
📅 Typical Permit Application Process
1️⃣ Select HDB-Registered Contractor
Verify credentials via the official directory.
2️⃣ Contractor Prepares Submission
- • Floor plan (with proposed hacking marked)
- • Method statement (how works will be carried out)
- • Compliance declaration
3️⃣ Submit to HDB
Application is done digitally.
4️⃣ HDB Review
Approvals take about 5–7 working days.
5️⃣ Approval Issued
Permit must be displayed at the renovation site.
🚫 Common Mistakes Homeowners Make
- Assuming small hacking doesn’t need approval
- Hiring unregistered contractors (risk: fines or reinstatement)
- Exceeding the 1-month validity period
- Changing works midway without approval
- Not keeping documents (permits, reports, drawings)
📋 Resale HDB Renovation Permit Checklist
- ✅ Contractor confirmed as HDB-registered
- ✅ Permit applied and approved by HDB
- ✅ Permit displayed on site during works
- ✅ Waterproofing tests documented
- ✅ Windows from HDB-approved suppliers
- ✅ Works planned to finish within 1 month
📞 SpeedyDecor.com Pte Ltd – Compliance Made Easy
Dealing with permits, rules, and technical jargon can be overwhelming. That’s why many Singapore homeowners leave it to SpeedyDecor.com Pte Ltd.
- ✅ HDB-registered contractors
- ✅ All permit applications handled end-to-end
- ✅ Strict compliance with waterproofing, hacking, and window rules
- ✅ Full design-and-build solutions under one roof
👉 Don’t risk fines or reinstatement. Call SpeedyDecor.com Pte Ltd at +65 8839 3899 for a free consultation today.
Renovating a resale HDB flat is not just about design—it’s about following the rules. Understanding HDB permits, timelines, and compliance requirements will save you money, stress, and potential legal trouble.
👉 Let SpeedyDecor.com Pte Ltd handle the paperwork and execution so you can focus on creating your dream home.
📱 Call/WhatsApp: +65 8839 3899
