Services · BTO key collection renovation
BTO key collection renovation, done in the right order
The weeks after you collect BTO keys decide how smoothly the rest goes. HDB gives you a short window to report defects, some works need a permit before anyone lifts a hammer, and noisy work is only allowed on weekdays. This page sets out what to do, in order, so the renovation starts on time and you move in on a date you can plan around.
What new BTO owners usually change
- Built-in wardrobes, a full-height shoe cabinet and a feature TV console, because new flats come with bare walls.
- Kitchen cabinets, countertop and backsplash. Many owners keep HDB's kitchen layout and change the finishes.
- Flooring, if you did not take HDB's optional flooring. Vinyl over the screed is common because it is quick and quiet.
- Toilets: new vanity, mirror cabinet and shower screen. For the first 3 years HDB does not allow you to remove wall or floor finishes in the toilets, so new tiles go over the old ones.
- Lighting points, power points and data points, planned before carpentry so cables hide inside the cabinets.
- Window grilles, a laundry system and the air-conditioning, which need specific approved installers (see the rules below).
Defects check at handover
- HDB's move-in guide says new BTO flats have a 1-year Defects Liability Period from your key collection date, and that you must report defects within 30 days of key collection, before renovation starts.
- Walk every room with good light and a roll of masking tape. Mark hollow or chipped floor and wall tiles, cracks, uneven plaster and paint stains.
- Open and close every door and window, and check the locks, hinges and window sealant.
- Run every tap and flush every toilet. Check the floor traps drain properly and nothing leaks under the basins.
- Switch on every light point and test every power socket.
- Photograph everything and report it through the QR code in your Welcome Kit or the Building Service Centre in your project, as HDB's guide describes. Let the defects be fixed before your contractor covers anything up.
What HDB's rules allow
- Your contractor must be listed in HDB's Directory of Renovation Contractors. You can authorise them to apply for the renovation permit online for you.
- A permit is needed before work such as removing floor finishes, raising floor levels in the kitchen, bathroom, balcony or toilet, or hacking or altering any wall.
- The walls of the household shelter must not be hacked or drilled.
- General works are allowed Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm. Noisy works, such as hacking and tile cutting, are allowed Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm only. No works on Sundays or public holidays, and no noisy works on the eve of major public holidays.
- Windows must be installed by a BCA-approved window contractor, and air-conditioners by a BCA-trained installer.
- Rules change from time to time, so we check HDB's current renovation guide for your flat before we quote.
A realistic timeline
- 01
Before keys 4 to 8 weeks
Layout, 3D drawings and an itemised quotation, so work can start as soon as defects are reported.
- 02
Keys + first 2 weeks 1 to 2 weeks
Defects inspection and reporting, permit application, measurements on site.
- 03
Wet works and electrical 2 to 3 weeks
Tile overlays, screed or vinyl, wiring and plumbing points.
- 04
Carpentry 3 to 5 weeks
Built in the factory while wet works run on site, then installed.
- 05
Finishing 1 to 2 weeks
Painting, lights, glass, cleaning and a handover walk-through.
For a typical full BTO renovation, plan on about 8 to 12 weeks from keys to move-in. A light renovation can be shorter; heavy carpentry or custom pieces take longer.
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Sources: HDB renovation guide (MyNiceHome) · HDB move-in guide (MyNiceHome)
Good to know
Questions owners ask
When should I start talking to an interior designer about my BTO?
About one to two months before key collection. That gives time for a layout, 3D drawings and a firm quotation, so works can start once your defects are reported and the permit is in.
Can I hack my BTO toilet tiles?
Not for the first 3 years. HDB's move-in guide says owners of newly built BTO flats must wait 3 years before removing wall or floor finishes in the toilets. Overlaying new tiles on the existing ones is allowed.
What are HDB's renovation hours?
General works Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm. Noisy works such as hacking and tile cutting only Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. No works on Sundays and public holidays.
How long do I have to report defects?
HDB says to report all defects within 30 days of key collection, before renovation starts. The Defects Liability Period runs for 1 year from key collection.
Do I need an HDB permit to renovate?
Many works need one, including removing floor finishes and hacking or altering walls. Your contractor must be listed in HDB's Directory of Renovation Contractors and can apply for you.
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