HDB Renovation

Start Your HDB Interior Design

HDB renovation and interior design can become a rather daunting task, considering the HDB guidelines that one must adhere to. If you are having a hard time deciding where to begin, keep the following aspects in mind:

• Engage our company for HDB renovation, as employing a professional HDB interior design Singapore company can help you design your home according to your specifications and budget while ensuring that all necessary HDB guidelines are met.
• Keep in mind your future planning and functionality needs to create a design that can be sustainable over the years.
• Identify the functionality and design of each room of the house and make sure that you and the HDB renovation contractor list are on the same page.
• Explore our various interior design HDB portfolios that can inspire you to introduce innovative HDB renovation ideas and designs into the interior and transform your imagined home into reality.
• Choose a particular interior design style for your HDB flat.

HDB Renovation Guidelines For Homeowners

Renovation HDB projects handled with precision and care to create your dream home. To ensure that you do not carry out any unauthorised work or oversee any important rule, it is essential that you plan the renovation process thoroughly. The Housing and Development Board Singapore has issued a list of renovation guidelines that must be adhered to. To give you a clear understanding of these guidelines in simpler terms, we have summed them up in the following sub-sections.

HDB Kitchen Renovation Guidelines

The following rules must be adhered to while renovating a kitchen:

• If the sink is to be repositioned, it should not cause any damage to the floor slab
• You cannot construct a concrete shelf in the kitchen
• The exhaust fan cannot be installed on the wall that opens into the balcony or yard.

Flooring Guidelines

For renovating the flooring, you would need a permit from the Housing and Development Board if you wish to carry out the following works:

• Replacing the bathroom flooring, but only after at least 3 years have passed since the block was constructed.
• Topping up the existing flooring of the HDB with a lightweight screed.
• Replacing the flooring with different materials, such as natural stones, wooden flooring, or homogenous tiles.

Wall Renovation Guidelines

If you want to demolish a non-load-bearing wall or concrete structure like stiffeners, hangers, or lintels, you will need a permit from the Housing and Development Board. However, this is only allowed after at least 3 years of construction of the block.

Air-Conditioner Works Guidelines

If your HDB has a higher electrical loading of 40 amps for the main switch, you are allowed to install air conditioners in the flat. However, the following guidelines must be met:

• Only a BCA-trained AC installer can install the AC.
• All AC piping should be insulated properly to prevent any leaks or drips.
• A proper drainage system for the water from the condensation must be created inside the flat.
• To install an AC in the living room, you would need to hire a licensed gas service technician to ensure that the installation complies with the guidelines regarding pipes in enclosed areas.

Door Installation Guidelines

You would need an HDB permit if you wish to replace the main entrance door that opens into the lobby or passageway. You would also need a permit in case you wish to reposition an internal door.

False Ceiling Guidelines

Although there is no requirement to get a permit from HDB for installing a false ceiling, the ceiling must adhere to certain requirements, including:

• The clearance level of the ceiling from floor level must be at least 2.4 m for all rooms except the bathroom.
• The material of the false ceiling must be non-combustible.
• The false ceiling must not enclose any gas pipe.

Building and Other Works Guidelines

There are some other building, plumbing, electrical, and window works guidelines as well, that ensure that the structural integrity and safety of the flat is not compromised.

Explore Renozone's  HDB renovation packages tailored to fit various home sizes, including best interior design HDB in Singapore with our innovative and custom solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Renovation & Interior Design of HDB Homes in Singapore

Why should I choose an HDB-licensed interior designer?

When choosing an interior designer for your HDB renovation, it is advised to choose an HDB-approved renovation contractor because of the following reasons:

• They have a deep understanding and expertise regarding the HDB regulations, which minimises the risk of any error or legal complication in case of non-compliance.
• They can help you streamline the paperwork and get all necessary approvals easily.
• They can ensure that your HDB renovation project meets the HDB standards of safety and quality.
• They are well-versed in creating comfortable homes in a limited space of an HDB and can ensure that your HDB flat will also be spacious and functional.

What are the different types of HDB interior design styles?

Although an HDB flat has limited space, there are many different interior design styles that you can incorporate into it. The most popular HDB interior design styles in Singapore these days are minimalist, modern, contemporary, and the Scandinavian style. You can even create a fusion of two or more interior design styles and apply it to your flat to create a unique and personalised space.

Check out our articles below for more design ideas:

• 3-Room HDB interior design ideas in Singapore
• Creative 4-Room HDB interior design ideas
• Inspiring ideas for 5-Room HDB interior designs

What is the most common HDB type?

HDBs come in a variety of sizes and configurations. If you are opting for a BTO (build-to-order) HDB flat, you can choose between 2-room, 3-room, 4-room, and 5-room flats. The 3-room and 4-room HDB flats are the most common ones that allow sufficient space and rooms for a small family of 3 to 4 members.