Singapore is a vibrant, beautiful city-state, but the high property prices and shortage of homes have made this country one of the most expensive places to live in the world. But now, HDB, the government-owned housing authority, is making a big change in the way it sells, leases and renovates properties, offering low-interest loans for first-time buyers. The renovation plans are huge, but so is the demand, and there are now many people rushing to snap up HDB flats in time.
If you’re planning to move into HDB flats in the future, you may have some concerns about choosing the right renovation timing in HDB Singapore. Should you move in during the middle of construction or at the end of the project? Here are a few things you should keep in mind to get the best bang for your buck when it comes to renovating your flat in Singapore.
HDB Renovation Timing
Your contractor has no control over how long it takes to refurbish a HDB/Condominium. We know, it’s shocking. In fact, homeowners determine the whole duration of a renovation job. Actual renovation timing in HDB Singapore takes only two months. Many HDB and condominium residents in Singapore, on the other hand, delay the process.
There’s a certain flow to follow during a renovation. Here’s a shortcut inforgaphic of a hdb renovation timing in Singapore. Here’s an estimate of how long it takes to renovate different parts of your home.
However, take note that the timeline is just an estimate. Every homeowner’s requirement is different. For example, if a homeowner does not require carpentry services, then we can save 2 weeks of renovation. Or if a homeowner has given us a tight timeline to work with, perhpas they urgently need to move into their new home, then we’ll have to speed up the process.
Furthermore, Singapore’s Housing Development Board (HDB) grants a one month renovation permit, and allows for an extension of 1 month. Of which only three days are allocated for noisy renovation works like hacking of tiles.
HDB Renovation Guidelines
The Housing and Development Board (HDB) in Singapore has gradually introduced some new HDB renovation guidelines for HDB renovation projects. The changes include a reduction in the number of allowable renovations, mandatory fire and anti-flooding measures, and a 20% increase in the minimum lot area. The new rules will also affect the type of materials used during renovation projects.
For many property owners these changes might seem unnecessary or too rigid, but they’re actually a big step towards ensuring safety among homeowners. There’s also a greater chance that renovations will meet the quality standards set by the HDB, so you can rest assured that your home is safer than ever before.
Since more people are working from home, we recognize that renovation noise may be a problem. We do, however, ask for your patience and compassion with owners who are equally eager to finish their apartment renovations quickly. You might find the following advice useful:
- Ask your neighbors for their understanding by avoiding certain days or hours.
- If your neighbor’s remodeling work cannot be postponed, you can think about going back to work or school or stopping by the community center or library in the area to finish your work or study.
- When discussing with your neighbor, ask your grassroots leader or other neighbors to serve as a mediator, if required.
- If you’re looking for advice on setting up a functional home office, you may also look at the post below.
HDB Renovation Permit
Certain works necessitate written approval from HDB, which is provided in the form of HDB renovation permits. These permits will be required before any renovation work can begin. If you do not obtain a permit before beginning the renovation work, HDB will consider it unauthorized work and will require you to restore your flat to its original condition.
Certain precincts with unique designs and special features have additional guidelines that you must follow. Even if you don’t need a permit for the work, you must follow the guidelines that govern it or HDB will ask you to remove it and restore your flat to its original condition.
Please keep in mind that the renovation contractor you hire must be listed in the Directory of Renovation Contractors, which means they are aware of HDB’s requirements when carrying out renovations and are concerned about the structural integrity of the building.
How to get HDB renovation loan
In Singapore, banks provide home renovation loans. The interest rates for a renovation loan is by far lower than that of a personal loan, the tenures are shorter at a maximum of only 5 years, with a general maximum loan amount of 6 times your monthly wages and a cap of $30,000.
In order to qualify for a renovation loan, a Singaporean bank will require the applicant to:
- Own a property
- Be a Singaporean Citizen or PR
- Have a good credit score
- Fulfil the minimum income requirement (bank dependent)
There are also limitations on what the loan can be used for, including:
- Electrical works and wiring
- Tiling, flooring and painting
- Basic bathroom fittings
- Property’s external compounds
On top of the loan, be prepared to fork out more dough in the form of fees. There will be several fees to pay, such as the disbursement fees, processing fees, and if applicable, late payment fees.
The disbursement fees are usually 1% of your approved loan amount. On the occasion that the borrower incurs late payment fees, they will need to be prepared to be charged about 5.7% of their loan amount.
You can use a renovation loan calculator to work out the amount you need. You can also put in the legwork to enquire and compare renovation loans across the various banks in Singapore to determine the best renovation loan.
Interior Empire
Finding it hard to visualize your unique interior design ideas? Look no further than Interior Empire. As one of the best interior design firms in Singapore, we strive to serve the most innovative ways and new design possibilities in your interior design. Why you should choose as your interior designer for your bathroom renovation Singapore:
- We are specialized in creating the highest standards of interior design results out of the most unique and out-of-the-box ideas
- Creating one of a kind design based on our client taste through the help of our certified and experienced designers
- We provide space planning and allocation using the latest 3D visualization technology
- We are experienced in renovating residential and commercial space
- The best quality control and project management to ensure the work gets done on time
Wait no more! Try our different renovation packages based on your different needs. Contact us or visit our showroom at T-SPACE #08-05, 1 Tampines North | Drive 1 Singapore, Singapore 528559.