Whether you opted for a Build-To-Order (BTO) flat or you purchased a resale flat in Singapore, there is a chance that you need to either replace your HDB flooring or install a new one. Before you jump into that, there are a few regulations that you need to adhere to when renovating your home and installing new flooring in HDB flats.
Whilst an HDB-approved flooring specialist in Singapore can help you ensure all regulations are complied with, you should still have an understanding of them to prevent any problems.
Flooring Works that Require a Permit
1. Replacement of Floor Finishes
Thinking of replacing your current flooring with new floor finishes such as ceramic, homogeneous tiles, marble, terrazzo and parquet or timber flooring? You’ll need to first apply for a permit from HDB.
Apart from having to obtain a permit, there are also other renovation guidelines your flooring specialist must follow. Some of them include:
The new floor finish and screed must not exceed 50mm (5cm)
Pre-packed waterproofing screed and waterproofing membrane should be used before laying new floor finishes.
The waterproofing membrane is only required around the sanitary stacks for an area with a radius of 400mm. Sanitary stacks are main vertical pipes that carry discharge away from your unit.
2. Replacement of Existing Toilet Floor Finishes
For new BTO flats, you can only replace your existing bathroom and toilet floor finishes three years from the block’s date of completion. The restriction period will usually commence from the building’s Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) date.
This is because these areas are laid with a waterproofing membrane to prevent water from leaking through the flooring of the unit and affecting the interior of the unit below. However, if you’ve opted out of HDB’s Optional Component Scheme (OCS) for your BTO flat, then you can get an HDB-approved flooring specialist in Singapore to help you get the flooring installed.
3. Topping up of Flooring Using Lightweight Screed
A permit is also required if you need to top up your flooring using lightweight screed, be it for your balcony, kitchen, bathroom or toilet. Lightweight screed top-up is usually done to adjust your floor level, acoustic insulation or thermal insulation.
Your flooring specialist must make sure that the material used for the in-filled must be non-combustible, your existing floor finish including cement screed must be removed, overall loading onto the existing floor should not exceed 120kg/m2. Apart from these, there are also many more guidelines that your flooring contractor should adhere to when performing renovations to your HDB flooring.
Flooring Works that Don’t Require a Permit
Aside from flooring works that require a permit, there are also those that you can do without a permit, they include:
Laying of Vinyl Finishes, Carpet or Linoleum
Laying of floor finishes on the bare (rough) concrete surface provided by HDB
Laying or replacement of parquet or timber flooring (also known as laminated or bamboo flooring)
Laying of floor finishes over existing floor finishes using adhesive only
Installation of hardwood platform on the floor
However, although permits are not required for these types of flooring work, they are still subjected to certain guidelines and conditions.
If you’re thinking about installing new flooring in your HDB or replacing your existing flooring, hiring an HDB-approved flooring specialist is the best way to go. They will be able to conduct all flooring works professionally while adhering to HDB’s list of regulations.
Floorrich is a flooring specialist in Singapore providing wood and vinyl flooring solutions to households and businesses. We provide only safe flooring products which are non-toxic and eco-friendly to safeguard the health and safety of all users. Contact us today to find out more about our flooring solutions.