Guidelines for Approval of Renovation Works for Older HDB Flats to Ensure Structural Integrity and Prevent Damages

58 Ms Gho Sze Kee asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether there is a different set of criteria or requirements for approving renovation works for older HDB flats, particularly hacking works to ensure structural integrity and prevent damage to adjoining units including those above and below; and (b) if not, whether the Ministry will consider introducing them.

Mr Chee Hong Tat: The Housing and Development Board (HDB) applies the same structural safety standards and approval process for renovation works across all HDB flats, regardless of age.

To ensure structural integrity and safety, contractors must obtain HDB's approval before commencing any renovation works that may affect the structure of the flat. HDB will evaluate the proposed works and may include site-specific conditions in the permit where needed, such as imposing limits on the extent a particular wall can be removed.

In addition, such renovation works can only be done by contractors listed in the Directory of Renovation Contractors (DRC). DRC contractors must only deploy workers who have been trained by the Building and Construction Authority Academy to carry out demolition or hacking of walls in HDB flats.

HDB has no plans to introduce a different set of criteria for renovation works for older flats, as the current assessment approach is sufficiently robust.