Complete Guide to HDB Renovation Rules in Singapore (2025)

Renovating an HDB flat involves more rules than most homeowners realise. Getting them wrong can result in stop-work orders, fines, or having to undo completed work at your own cost.

HDB Renovation Permit

Most works require an HDB Renovation Permit, applied for by your contractor before work begins. Required for: hacking walls or floors, new windows or grilles, electrical and plumbing works, and layout changes. Not required for: painting, laying tiles on existing floors, or furniture installation.

Approved Contractors

Works requiring a permit must use contractors registered under HDB's Registered Renovation Contractor (RRC) scheme. Always verify your contractor's registration on hdb.gov.sg before signing anything.

Renovation Hours

• Mon–Fri: 9am–6pm (noisy works: 9am–5pm)
• Saturday: 9am–1pm
• Sundays & Public Holidays: No renovation works

What You Cannot Do

You cannot: remove load-bearing walls, alter the external building facade, build beyond the flat boundary, convert a bedroom into a kitchen, or install floor-to-ceiling windows that change the original building design.

Duration Limits

Renovations involving wet works must complete within 1 month. Dry works only: 3 months maximum. New BTO flats: no renovation within the first 3 months of receiving keys.

At HOBI, we handle all permit applications on behalf of our clients. Contact us to find out more.