There are many reasons why Singaporeans love renovating houses in Singapore, but none of them have anything to do with the high prices of housing. It is true that renovating a house can be costly, but it does give the homeowner a chance to put their own stamp on the property. Many people pretty much come to a dead end when they try to complain about renovation noise. And the reason is that the issue is not really solved. The unfortunate part with renovation noise is that it not only affects you and your house but also your neighbors. And while it’s common knowledge that being kind to your neighbors is vital, it’s equally crucial to do it properly.
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.
Home Renovation Noise – A Big Problem
Are you having trouble working from home due to noisy renovation contractors? If so, you are not by yourself.
However, many Singaporeans continue to work from home for the time being. Work from home can be difficult for a professional who isn’t accustomed to using this approach of doing the task at hand. Finding the right balance between work and life is difficult since there are so many distractions.
It becomes even more problematic when new homeowners who just received their keys to a new BTO apartment start or restart BTO renovations at the same time.
The number of complaints about renovation noise
Since the beginning of the Circuit Breaker, there have been an increasing number of complaints concerning renovation noise. Contractors are routinely reminded by HDB about good construction and renovation standards aimed at minimizing interruptions. One of these specifications for renovation contractors is the delivery of a written notice of the impending work at least three days before it starts.
What to do if you are affected by the noise
Making plans to leave the house during the renovation process is often advised for individuals who are bothered by noise from neighboring residences. There are alternative options if leaving the house is impossible due to the epidemic.
Open your windows but shut the doors if the apartment being refurbished is directly across from yours. Open the windows and doors if the apartment being refurbished is above or below yours. If not, you’ll keep the vibrations within the house to a minimum. Suggested earplugs or, if necessary, noise-canceling headphones.
Neighbors might request, within reason, that the rehabilitation work be temporarily halted if the noise is intolerable. Although you must keep in mind that labor must continue, if you ask, “Can you stop for one day? My child has a significant exam today. We’ll work to halt it.
Can I complain about renovation noise ?
Your neighbor must have given your HDB apartment’s neighbors notice of the renovation. You can report to your town council or HDB if they violate the HDB remodeling rules. You and your neighbor will communicate through the local council. They will tell your neighbor to halt working or use quieter equipment until 11 p.m. if they don’t hear back from them.
For assistance with noise problems related to renovations being done directly above or below your property, you can also contact HDB. Additionally, HDB will look into complaints regarding remodeling projects carried out by the occupant or owner of the unit next to yours.
Best ways to beat renovation noises
Working from home frequently requires a lot more focus than working in an office. When you have to manage calls, virtual meetings, and the completion of cognitively taxing activities, hacking and drilling in the neighboring apartment can be extremely tough to handle, even if there are no noise ordinance violations.
Several tactics can be used if you’re currently coping with this problem to lessen the impact of the renovation noise. Get out of the house while the noisiest forms of work are being done. This is one of the simplest and quickest short-term solutions to deal with the renovation time. In order to organize your job ahead of time, you should also speak with your neighbors who are remodeling. The majority of the time, contractors are more than happy to cooperate and share details regarding the project’s duration and the types of work that will be done. You’ll find it lot simpler to plan calls based on this information, and you’ll be able to decide whether leaving the home office is the best option.
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.