Due to increasing demand for better housing options in Singapore, the Housing Board is beginning to change the way it designs its flats. Instead of putting structural walls in the center of the flats, the HDB has developed new ways to ensure that necessary beams and columns are at the edges of the space. This way, residents will be able to remodel and reconfigure the space in a way that better suits their family’s lifestyle.

The Singapore Public Housing System

In Singapore, public housing is under the purview of the Housing and Development Board, or HDB. About 82% of Singapore residents live in these leased or owned flats, which are publicly developed and managed. There are a variety of flats available, most of them with 1-3 bedrooms. However, there are some flats with four bedrooms, called 3-Gen flats. Executive flats boast a higher level of design and feature extra floor space. The flat buildings stand within complexes that are like their own small towns, including shops, hawker centres, sports centres, clinics, and schools.

A New Era of Flexibility for Interior Design in Singapore

Over the years, the HDB has become increasingly flexible about the way it designs the flats, attempting to keep up with the modern demand for flexibility and open living space. In Skyville@Dawson, the project featured flexi layouts within the flats. Since the project worked so well, the HDB is pursuing additional buildings with the possibility for different home interior designs. One of these will be the Woodleigh Glen complex in Bidadari, a 1,000-unit project which should be finished in 2021.

The Need for Variable Layouts

In the past, the HDB flats all had structural walls and posts throughout the unit. This made it difficult for residents to renovate and change the layout, even if they were willing to pay for it themselves. The demand for changeable layouts has increased over the past couple of decades, as changing family dynamics make it necessary to have multi-use living spaces.

How the Flexi Layout Works

For the new style of flat, the HDB will put up walls and create a Build-to-Order (BTO) layout as requested by the incoming resident. However, not all of the interior walls will be essential to the structural safety of the unit. As much as possible, essential posts and beams will be erected at or near the edges of the flat. This way, if someone would like to experiment with a new home interior design in Singapore, he or she can do so.

Benefits of a Changeable Flat Layout

The new type of flat permits families to adjust their living quarters as their needs change. For example, if a new baby is born, a grandparent needs to move in, or the residents need extra space for an open floor plan, they can hire a company like Home Guide, a group that specialises in beautiful, modern interior design in Singapore. The design company can come in and create a new floorplan, knocking down current walls and erecting new ones as needed to reconfigure the space. Home Guide also installs feature walls, sleek flooring, lighting, and other design elements to help residents customise and personalise their homes.

The Commitment from the HDB

In the future, homeowners may have even more options, says architect Calvin Chua. He explains that the HDB may be able to provide 3D digital models of the flats so that residents can play around with customising the space to suit their needs. The HDB has promised to use “urban design solutions that are found to be technically feasible, cost-effective and well accepted by residents.” That’s good news for Singapore singles, couples, and families seeking modern housing solutions in a heavily populated city.

The HDB guidelines are the gospel of every interior design company in Singapore. They are the rules set out by the HDB authorities that ensure a successful renovation for all residential building works in the country. These cover everything ranging from physical renovation ‘building works’ to electrical, mechanical, sanitary/plumbing and even air-conditioning.

Today we will be looking at everything that you must know about installing air-conditions in your HDB allotted homes. Interior design in Singapore is designed to accommodate the humid climate, which is why air-conditioning is especially important. Below, we’ll be providing an easy to understand guide of the official rules you must follow.

1. Condensing Units

Condensing units are the ‘split’ type air conditioners that do not require extensive ductwork. Here’s all you should know about installing one in your home.

– No, you do not need an HDB approved permit to install 2 or less condensing units given that their combined weight is less than, or equal to 110 kg.

– This is only permissible within the designated air-conditioner platform or a service yard, the total weight of which should not exceed more than a 150 kg/m2 and given that it is installed on the floor slab of the service yard.

– These air conditioning units (ACU’s) should have an outlet that is outside the units premises. It should also have a minimum height clearance of 2.4 m from the finished floor level of the corridor.

– You must not damage any existing structural members during the installation of your ACU.

– The ACU must rest on stainless steel wall-mount supporting brackets.

– The guidelines dictate that the installation should be carried out by the Building and Construction Authority’s licensed air-conditioner installer. This is why every interior design company in Singapore is affiliated with such a contractor.

– No window type unit is allowed for danger of falling off.

– All the condensation water should be properly discharged into the designated floor trap.

For all the ACU’s weighing more than 110 kg, you would need to get an official HDB permit for installation. Here is a list of all the auxiliary guidelines you must follow:

– The structural requirements are very stringent. Interior design in Singapore is extremely liable to these guidelines, so they should be followed accurately.

– Since every brick wall panel can only handle a single 110 kg ACU, make sure that no more than one unit is installed on each wall.

– A qualified person (QP) should be hired to carry out the working and installation of these ACU’s. He’ll have to draft the structural details, carry out the calculations and notify of all the specifications that do not comply with the Seventh Schedule of the Building Control Act and Regulations (2004).

– These plans would clearly show the location of all ACU’s, their fan-coil units along with the refrigerant and the discharge pipes.

– All the structural calculations of the air-condensing bracket installation that do not comply with the Seventh Schedule of the Building Control Act and Regulations (2004) must be submitted to the relevant authorities for approval.

– There should be no harm done to the original structure of the building during installation.

– To understand the nitty-gritty of your ACU installation process, we’d suggest you go through the official HDB guidelines at least once.

2. Air Cleaners

Air cleaners come with ductwork that has to be installed in the space between the false ceiling and the actual ceiling. Despite many residents preferring the ACU’s for their interior design in Singapore, there are still some that want air cleaners. Here is all that you should know about installing it:

– No, you do not actually need an HDB approved permit to install your air cleaners given that its weight is less than 35 kg.

– None of the ductwork for the air cleaners should harm the existing structural details (i.e. columns, beams, etc.).

– Make sure that your air cleaners do not hang suspended from the ceiling. Instead, they should be suspended from a professionally designed steel structure supported by the existing reinforced concrete columns and beams.

– Also note that the penetration of nuts and anchors should be only 40 mm into the existing slab.

– Make sure that the air cleaner does not block any window view, and that all exhaust air be collected and treated with muffles to avoid noise or smell before discharge.

– All kitchen exhaust systems require the endorsement of HDB authorities and approval from the Singapore Civil Defense Force’s Fire Safety & Shelter Department and National Environment Agency.
Now, let’s look at the HDB guidelines for the installation of air-cleaners that weight more than 35 kg.

– Yes, you will need an official HDB authorized approval for all air cleaners that weigh more than 35 kg.

– The structural requirements for their installation in any interior design in Singapore is very stringent. You’ll have to hire a Qualified Person (QP) who will submit all calculations, connection details, structural drawings in a detailed plan to the relevant authorities.

– Furthermore, the air-cleaners will be suspended not from the ceiling, but from the steel members spanning the existing reinforced concrete structure of columns and beams. Also note that no anchor or bold should penetrate more than 40mm in the existing slab.

– Note that all the discharged air should be first treated with the muffles to get rid of the noise and smell and no exhaust face will block the window view.

– Lastly, the installation of every kitchen exhaust system should have the appropriate endorsement of the HDB and approval should be sought from the relevant authorities.

As you can see, there are a lot of small rules and regulations to be followed for this particular technical aspect of the renovation. Since Home Guide is an experienced and renowned interior design company in Singapore, we can help you get your feet off the ground and get you all the right permits with little to no hassle at all!

Every Singapore resident is aware – or has at least heard in passing – of the HDB guidelines. These are an extensive list of all the rules and regulations that all homeowners have to abide by during the renovation or construction phase of their homes.

Interior design in Singapore is a booming industry, and every firm in the market is affiliated with HDB approved contractors that will make your renovation easy. But did you know that these guidelines do not only cover the building works that make up the renovation? They consist of electrical, mechanical and even sanitary/plumbing works.

These are definitely an underrated part of the renovation process, but something without which any home design is incomplete. So below, we will be looking at the Sanitary/Plumbing and Gas installation guidelines in detail.

1. Water Pipes & Points

The installation, positioning and workability of water pipes and points is an important part of every renovation project. Every interior design company in Singapore will provide you with detailed drawings for sanitation and plumbing.

Here’s what you should know about it:

– You do not need a permit for the replacement and/or addition of water pipes and points from the HDB authorities.

– All installation, repositioning and replacement works shall comply with the National Environment Agency requirements.

– There should be no damage or hacking of the existing floor slabs and structural members during this process.

– All of this work should be carried out by a licensed plumber. You’ll find that every interior design company in Singapore is affiliated with one or more.

2. Repositioning of Sink & Wash Basin

Home interior design in Singapore is especially relevant to small details like bathroom and kitchen designs. Thus, the repositioning of sinks and wash basins is extremely important. Here’s all that you should know about it:

– No, you do not need an official HDB approved permit to reposition your sink or wash basin.

– All of the work carried out should comply with the National Environment Agency requirements.

– Note that all the water should be discharged into the existing floor traps.

– Any new sinks or wash basins to be installed should be positioned in the existing wet areas.

– None of the existing outlets should be tampered with.

– Remember not to damage any existing floor slab or structural membrane.

– The diameter of the discharge pipes in the floors should not exceed 35 mm. the overall thickness of the floor finishes including the slab, pipes, screed and tiles should not exceed 50 mm.

3. Installation of Portable Grease Trap

For all those how do not know, the grease trap is a plumbing device that stops all greasy and solid wastes from entering the waste-water disposal system. Interior design companies in Singapore would be affiliated with contractors who can carry out such works. Here’s what you should know about the installation of grease traps:

– You do not need an HDB authorized permit for installing a new, portable grease trap, given that its total operating weight – including the self-weight – is less than 400 kg. This installation should not tamper with the 1.2 m fire escape route. It should also have a 600 mm clearance from the firefighting equipment.

– For the installation of a portable grease trap with more than a 400 kg total weight, you do need an HDB approval. A Qualified Person (QP) would also provide full calculations for the load distribution of all the relevant machinery and equipment on the existing floor slab for approval. If it doesn’t meet the requirements, then the QP would design the plinth and steel plate to spread out the weight of this equipment.

– You will need an HDB approved permit for the installation of a new grease trap. You will also need the endorsement of the Building Construction Authority and National Environment Agency.

Plumbing and sanitary works can be especially challenging to take care of without the help of a professional consultant. Home Guide prides itself as one of the best interior design companies in Singapore, and we can help you take care of all technical aspects without any hassle at all.

As you know, every interior design in Singapore is regulated by the HDB authorities and their official guidelines. These guidelines cover a vast array of all sorts of construction work ranging from building renovation works, electrical works, mechanical works, plumbing/sanitary works and more. These guidelines ensure not only the safety of the residents but also the building they live in.

Today, we’re going to take a closer look at all you need to know in order to successfully install mechanical works according to the HDB guidelines. But first, let’s elaborate a little on what mechanical works actually area. Interior design in Singapore refers to fire alarms, smoke detectors and sprinklers systems as the mechanical works of a building. Below, we will be looking at the HDB guidelines that you must follow for the successful installation of these works.

1. Installation of a manual fire alarm system

A manual fire alarm system is one where the location of hose reels and fire extinguishers matter the most. It has some very stringent specifications that need to be strictly followed. The installation of a manual fire alarm system also considers the relocation and additions of the hose reel and extinguishers.

In terms of interior design in Singapore, these are especially relevant. So you should know that if you want to install a manual fire alarm system, you must first get a permit from the HDB authorizes. Furthermore, you must also get endorsement from the Singapore Civil Defence Force’s Fire Safety and Shelter Department.

2. Installation of an automatic fire alarm system

An automatic fire alarm system consists of a digital interface as well as automatic sprinkler systems. Its installation requires input from trained professionals, so the HDB authorities definitely has guidelines that you must follow in order for you to install this system.

First and foremost, you must get the endorsement and permit from the HDB authorities to get an approval for installation. Secondly, you must get the approval from the Singapore Civil Defence Force’s Fire Safety and Shelter Department in order to successfully install your automatic fire alarm systems.

3. Installation of kitchen exhaust systems

The proper ventilation of kitchen is extremely important. This requires the installation of either a flue chimney, a vent pipe, or an exhaust hood. All interior design companies in Singapore have to get a stringent HDB approval in order to install these exhaust systems. You will need to get an official permit from the HDB authorities, along with an endorsement and approval from the Singapore Civil Defence Force’s Fire Safety and Shelter Department and National Environment Agency.

4. Installation of air-conditioning and ductwork

Interior design in Singapore is designed to accommodate the tropical climate of the country, which means that air-conditioning is a very important part of it. Therefore, air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems that involve ductwork have become so ubiquitous that HDB requires an official permit to be approved in order for you to get it installed. You would also need the approval of Singapore Civil Defence Force’s Fire Safety and Shelter Department and National Environment Agency for successful installation.

Now that you know about all the pre-requisites of installing your mechanical works, you should also know that these are some very generalized guidelines. HDB authorities have an officer-in-charge in every other area, whom you can consult for individual circumstances and situation. Home Guide is an officious interior design company in Singapore and is affiliated with the best mechanical works contractors. Working with us would definitely spare you all the hassle that comes with these technical aspects of every home renovation!

You might have heard of the HDB guidelines in passing especially if you’re thinking about buying a new home, or renovating your old one. HDB is an abbreviated form of the Housing Development Board in Singapore. This authority is responsible for allocating flats and apartments to the Singapore residents on a temporary lease.

Thus, when you get your own apartment/flat and are looking for the best interior design services in Singapore, it might be a good time to acquaint yourself with the basics of the HDB Renovation Guidelines. These tell you all the measures you should take during the process of construction. There are guidelines for simple building works, including ceiling design, wall construction, door and window schedules and more.

Further, we are going to compile a simple list of all the major guidelines you have to keep in mind while hiring an interior design company in Singapore.

– Building works

Building works refer to the major, physical renovation aspects of a home interior design in Singapore. These include all the major components that have to be added or subtracted from the existing interior design. Let’s take a brief look at all the building works and their respective guidelines that you should know about.

a. Ceiling: The ceiling design HDB guidelines tell you about the clear height of the false ceilings, how it should be bolted into the existing structure and what to do with the space in between. They also specify the clear height of the fan from the finished floor, along with its recommended weight.

b. Doors: The door design guidelines specify about whether or not you need a permit to replace an existing door or close up an existing entrance/exit, the standard dimensions of exit doors and where not to open doors in public areas.

c. Windows: Like doors, the window design guidelines dictate whether you can replace the HDB sanctioned windows, if you need permits to enlarge or close them up, and if you can replace the grills and other paraphernalia or not.

d. Floors: Floor design HDB guidelines tell you the exact thickness of floor finishes and what kind of authorized treatments are a must after installation.

e. Walls: Any home interior design in Singapore or all over the world is incomplete without walls. The HDB guidelines specify when you need a permit for demolition and construction of existing walls.

f. Storage: The guidelines for storage units determine the size and dimensions of the racks. They also tell when you should get a permit for

g. Signboards: the building works guidelines also tell about the sizes and dimensions of signboards and advertisements. The sanction the ratio area for advertisements, as well as the recommended structural support for the signboard.

h. Awnings: The HDB guidelines specify where you are allowed to put up awnings outside your homes.

– Electrical

Electrical works include the wiring of lights, air-con units, switches and more in a home interior design in Singapore. The HDB guidelines about electrical works tell you the process of what you need to do if you’re looking for a new electricity supply. They also tell what you need to do in order to get an upgrade on your already existing electricity supply. The guidelines offer a step-by-step scenario of all the things you must do for either of these situations.

– Mechanical

All the firms and contractors who offer mechanical interior design services in Singapore must abide by the HDB sanctioned guidelines. Mechanical works include the installation of automatic fire alarm and sprinkler systems, installation of ventilation/exhaust pipes and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning). The HDB guidelines specify when you need permits and whose endorsements you should apply for to get your mechanical works done.

– Sanitary and Plumbing/Gas Works

The installation of water and sanitation pipes along with gas points is one of the most important interior design services in Singapore. The HDB guidelines for sanitary and plumbing works includes on what parts of the renovation you need permits. It specifies the guidelines, along with the terms and conditions on when you need to install, replace or reposition the sink, washbasins or the portable grease trap.

– Air-Conditioning

Air-conditioning works include the installation of the air purifying system or split units inside the home interior. The HDB guidelines specify all the guidelines you must follow for an authorized installation of air-conditioning. There are extensive terms and conditions to be followed for the successful installation of either of these two units.

– Equipment and Machinery

Equipment and machinery guidelines cover all the terms and conditions you must follow while installing the services in your building. These include installation of HVAC chiller plants and cooling towers, heavy machinery like cranes, hoists and even hydraulic car-hoists/car-o-liner.

The standard of home interior design in Singapore is measured on the basis of these stringent guidelines. Every HDB sanctioned building or apartment must follow these rules faithfully. Home Guide Designs is an HDB is a registered HDB contractor, which means we can easily get permits for all the specifications that need to be authorized by the HDB without any hassle at all.

As you know, HDB guidelines are a comprehensive list of do’s and don’ts that you must follow while renovating your interiors. All interior design services must concur with these rules, in order for you to get a fully HDB sanctioned interior. Building works make up the majority of the HDB guidelines. Every interior design company in Singapore must adhere to the guidelines mentioned below.

Building works include a reference guide for all major residential interior design services for your HDB flat/apartment. Let’s take a look at all the guidelines you have to follow for each of these services.

Ceiling Design

You should keep the following points in mind while installing a false ceiling and ceiling fans:

• • All materials used should be non-combustible

• • The void in between the false ceiling and the actual ceiling should not be used for storage.

• • The false-ceiling should have a clear height of 2.4m from the finished floor level. The clearance height for a ceiling fan would also be at least 2.4m from the finished floor.

• • Purlins are not allowed to use for suspension of the false ceiling.

• • No existing fire-fighting devices are allowed to be covered by a new false-ceiling.

• • The existing structural system of your building should not be meddled with during installation of the new false-ceiling.

• • No existing structural details should be harmed during the installation of the ceiling fan.

• • The ceiling fan should not exceed the weight limit of 35 kg.

Door Design

Here is all you should know about installing or replacing doors in an HDB.

• • There is no permit required for replacing an existing entrance or internal door. But this only applies if you do not enlarge the existing portals. You should also note that all the exit doors should be 850 mm wide when opened.

• • You will not need a permit for the installation of a roller shutter or metal gate in front of existing shop fronts and entrances given that you do not enlarge the existing portal. Note that swing gates should not open up in public corridors and common accesses.

• • You will need an official HDB sanctioned permit to replace the existing entrance or exit door. You will also need an official HDB permit for closing up an existing entrance.

Window Design

Your interior design services should follow these guidelines while designing windows.

• • You do not need a permit for the replacement of existing windows, given that they are similar in size and dimensions of the existing ones. This means no enlargements.

• • You do not need a permit for installing window grills, given that they do not project beyond the building façade.

• • You do not need approval for the sealing of louvered windows on terrace workshops. This is applicable for office buildings only.

Floor Design

• • For floor renovations, just keep in mind that the total thickness of the floor finishes cannot exceed more than 50 mm. you cannot hack the existing slab, and waterproofing for the new floor finishes is a must.

Wall Design

Wall construction is a major part of all provided interior design services. Here’s the gist of what you should know:

• • You need an official permit for dismantling existing interior walls, construction of new internal walls as well as installation of gypsum board partitions.

• • There are specific structural requirements for the demolition and construction of each kind of internal wall.

• • You do not need a permit to lay down or remove the existing wall tiles.

Storage Design

You must follow the mentioned guidelines while designing your storage shelving and/or rooms:

• • You don’t need a permit to install shelving racks, granted that they are less than or equal to 3m high and 1.2 m in width. They must not exceed the allowable floor load ratio and must be designed with non-combustibles.

• • You do need to get Singapore Civil Defence Force’s Fire Safety & Shelter Department, and Building & Construction Authority sanctioned permits to design storage units/shelves that exceed the 3m high and 1.2m wide design.

• • You also need to get an official permit in order to design mezzanine floor and storage platforms in your interiors.

Sign Boards and Advertisements

Here’s everything you and every interior design company in Singapore should know about putting up sign boards and advertisements:

• • Yes, you do need an official permit to install a signboard.

• • The signboard must be supported by a column, beam or other RCC (Reinforced Concrete) structure.

• • All the bolts, nuts and steel plates are to be corrosion free.

• • The clear height should be 2.6 m from the floor level.

• • All neon lights used must be non-flickering.

• • You cannot hack at any of the existing structures while installing.

Awnings

• • An awning is a cantilevered projection or shade that is installed on building or storefronts to keep them in shade. You need a permit to set one up. These can be installed outside ground floor units only, and must not damage existing structures while installation.

Miscellaneous

Here are all the small uncategorized things that you have to get official HDB permit as well as a Singapore Civil Defence Force’s Fire Safety & Shelter Department, along with a Building and Construction Authority permit from:

• Spray paint booth
• Installation of liquid petroleum gas cylinders
• Installation of raised floors
• Construction of Reinforced Concrete Trenches on the premises
• Demolition of existing toilets and load bearing walls

This is the basic gist of the guidelines that you need to know in order to supervise your interior design remodelling or renovation. Hone Guide is a registered HDB Renovation Contractor and one of the most well-known interior design company in Singapore. We can easily get permits for all the design works that need to be sanctioned by the HDB authority, so your renovation experience is hassle free and easy!