How do flat owners verify that an air-conditioner contractor is registered by BCA, or an electrical/plumbing contractor is licensed by EMA/ENV?

You should check whether the renovation item requires a renovation permit before you commence on the renovation works. You can refer to the information leaflets on Renovation Guide For Your HDB Flat or the HDB InfoWEB under Renovation & Maintenance

If the works require a renovation permit, you can either submit your application for the renovation permit personally to your HDB Branch Office or through your contractor. You are required to sign on the authorization section of the application form if you are authorizing a representative to act on your behalf. Completed application forms can also be submitted by post or through your HDB Branch Office.

You can carry out renovation work that does not affect structural stability. Examples of permitted renovation work are:

• Laying of ceramic, terrazzo, marble, parquet, or other tiles as floor finishes.

• Laying of additional wall tiles up to ceiling height.

• Construction of kitchen cabinet base with cement mortar.

• Installation of grilles in windows or at balcony openings.

• Installation of cornices.

For more details, as well as for works requiring a renovation permit, please refer to Renovation Guide For Your HDB Flat .

Alternatively, you can also visit the HDB InfoWEB under “Renovation & Maintenance” .

Unlicensed contractors are not allowed to carry out any renovation works in flats.

Therefore, you must not sign any contract with an unlicensed contractor to renovate your flat.

Although a renovation permit is no longer required, flat owners are still required to engage HDB licensed renovation contractors to carry out the renovation works.

This ensures that they comply with the guidelines and conditions governing renovation activities within HDB estates and that they do not cause any nuisance to other residents or damage HDB properties while carrying out the renovation works.

For more details, visit the HDB Renovation Contractor Application Process.

Renovation contractors registered with HDB are given an HDB renovation licence, which bears the photograph of the licence holder, the particulars of the company, and their authorised representatives.

Flat owners can also check the particulars of a renovation contractor by referring to the List of Registered Renovation Contractors in the HDB InfoWEB.

For new blocks, you must complete the approved renovation works within four months from the date of the renovation permit.

For existing blocks, the approved work must be completed within one month from the date of the renovation permit.

As the flat owner, you are responsible for the renovation work carried out in your flat.

For further clarification on your renovation works, please contact the HDB Branch Office in charge of your flat.

The HDB licensed Renovation Contractors’ Scheme was introduced to regulate the activities of these contractors to ensure that they do not create any nuisance in HDB properties while carrying out their renovation work in HDB flats.

However, as HDB is not a party to the contract, it would be more appropriate for you and your renovation contractor to resolve the matter amicably.

If you cannot settle the dispute amicably, both parties could seek assistance through the Small Claims Tribunals or seek legal redress through court proceedings via Casetrust-RCMA.

From 1 Dec 2003, flat owners are required to engage a trained window contractor to carry out the window installation/replacement works.

The works must comply with the minimum safety requirements for window installation.

Flat owners may search for a listing of trained window contractors in the HDB InfoWEB at HDB Renovation & Maintenance or call the toll-free Branch Office Service Line at 1800-2255432.

You can install either a window/casement unit or split-type air-conditioners.

However, you must ensure that the total electrical running current of your air-conditioner does not exceed the maximum electrical rating allowed for flats with a 30-amp main switch.

For flats provided with a 40-amp main switch and flats upgraded under the Main Upgrading Programme (MUP), there is no control on the running current of electrical appliances.

You are required to engage a Building and Construction Authority (BCA) trained air-conditioner installer if the air-conditioner is to be mounted on the exterior of your flat or if any part of the air-conditioner projects outwards from your flat.

If your flat is provided with a 30-amp main switch and you wish to install an air-conditioner using a new power point, you must submit an application for the air-conditioner permit, along with SP Services Ltd (SPSL) Form CS/5, to the HDB Branch Office managing your flat for approval and endorsement.

Your BCA trained air-conditioner installer or their representative can submit the application on your behalf. Alternatively, you can submit your application by post or through the deposit box at your HDB Branch Office.

Upon completion of the work, you must apply to the SPSL for testing through your licensed electrical contractor.

For flats provided with a 40-amp main switch and flats upgraded under the Main Upgrading Programme (MUP), there is no control on the running current of the air-conditioner. Hence, no air-conditioner permit is required.

Flat owners can find out whether their blocks have been provided with the higher electrical loading by checking the HDB InfoWEB.

Alternatively, owners can contact the HDB toll-free Branch Office Service Line at 1800-225 5432.

You need to complete and/or submit the following documents when applying for the permit:

• Documentary proof of your ownership of the flat.

• Application form for electrical installations/extension and air-conditioner installation in HDB flats (available at HDB Branch Offices or on the HDB InfoWEB).

• SP Services Ltd’s Form CS/5 (available at SPSL offices or from your EMA-licensed electrical contractor) if you install a new power point or reposition the existing power point for your air-conditioner.

You and your contractor must sign the application forms.

You can purchase the flat layout plan for your flat from your HDB Branch Office or use the plan in your sales brochure.

No. Flat owners must still comply with the guidelines and conditions governing the installation of air-conditioners.

This includes approved guidelines/locations, and they must seek HDB’s prior approval before installing an air-conditioner.

The flat owner is responsible for any unauthorized electrical extension and appliances installed in their flat.

As the flat owner, you are responsible for the proper installation, safety, and stability of the air-conditioner (casement/window or split unit) in your flat.

You should also comply with HDB’s requirements, which include:

• The air-conditioner/condensing unit must be installed in a location approved by HDB.

• The installation method must follow HDB’s guidelines. Hacking holes through reinforced concrete walls, beams, or columns is strictly prohibited.

• Your BCA-trained air-conditioner installer must insulate all pipes/joints to prevent condensation and dripping water.

• Condensation water from the air-conditioner must be properly discharged into your flat’s internal floor trap (discharge pipes cannot run along external walls).

• If you install a new power point or reposition an existing power point for your air-conditioner, you must engage an EMA-licensed electrical contractor. The electrical extension must be tested and approved by SP Services Ltd (SPSL).

For flats with a concrete air-con ledge:
• You must not tamper with the air-con ledge, which is part of the common property maintained by the Town Council.

• The air-con ledge must be kept clean and free from obstructions.

• The air-con ledge can only be used for placing air-con condensing units—nothing else.

• You must allow HDB, Town Council, and Government authorities entry to carry out routine checks and maintenance on the air-con ledge.

Yes and no.

We do not have architects on staff, but we have relationships with top architects and architectural firms.

However, we do have interior designers, kitchen designers, project managers, and various trade professionals on staff.

Our design consultations are free of charge whether at your home, place of business, or our showroom.

Usually, our labor proposals are free as well. However, there are exceptions to this rule, which will be discussed with you during your free consultation.

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