Using your neighbour’s Wi-Fi without permission. All you have to do is ensure that the floor level doesn’t exceed the allowed thickness of 50MM. For HDB flats, it IS ILLEGAL to build a mezzanine floor in your home. There’s nothing like enjoying the view of the setting sun from the corridor outside your unit as you light up a cigarette, says the uncle next door when he goes up for his 7pm smoke break. The former is completely untrue (as explained above), and the latter is true only to a limited extent – it becomes a bad investment the closer to the lease expiry date we get. Considered a structural component of every HDB flat, you’re not allowed to tamper with any of its walls, floor, ceiling and door. A mezzanine floor is basically the middle floor between two structures, usually between the ceiling and ground floor of a building. If you re caught installing a mezzanine floor in your hdb flat illegally you ll get slap with a hefty fine of up to 5 000. You’ll have to avoid, – which are there to uphold the structure of the. HDB owners flouting rules by adding extra 'floor' But it is a grey area for private home owners, who may do so under certain conditions Mezzanine floors erected in properties to create a … Instead of covering up your pipes, you can also make it blend in by painting it a similar colour to your floor or accent wall.Â, Spruce up your windows with interesting blinds and curtains Whats are the pros and cons of doing it withg approval? A HDB Flat Does Not Always Follow The Intestate Succession Act . create more space in your home, either hack down walls or add a false ceiling. To legally create more space in your home, either hack down walls or add a false ceiling. Wrong - … Turning a 4-room resale HDB flat to a sleek Muji-style homeÂ, 7 HDB Renovations That Are Illegal & What You Can Actually Do. Second, the Singapore government has repeatedly told people who have HDB flats that they are ‘homeowners’, and that a HDB flat is an investment. An extra mezzanine level is usually not permitted in an HDB flat. They have been summarised into a simple inforgraphic below too. One contractor explained that mezzanine floors can also be a problem in semi-detached houses, for the same weight reasons. For that reason and to prevent wastage of building materials, you’re not allowed to uproot any tiles for the first 3 years of owning your place. Examples of the common types of work in HDB flats which require HDB's approval are set out in the guidelines For special precincts (e.g. However, when working on the interior design, you feel that the sliding doors don’t really fit your ideal aesthetic and you are thinking of removing it or switching it for something fancier. While you can technically cover up the exposed pipes, they still need to be accessible for any future maintenance works. A police officer has the right to enter your home to arrest you if you commit this offence. , the gap between the original and lowered ceiling will create a sense of depth and space. Home Tips: The dos and dont's when renovating your HDB flat. The people at HDB did not stop at building homes and amenities too, but also went on to build communities. We’re all guilty of using our bomb shelter as a storeroom for toilet paper and, HDB flat, you’re not allowed to tamper with any of its walls, floor, ceiling and door. Lucky for you, according to HDB, he needs to stop banging on the keys between 10.30pm to 7am. If you’re unsure on what you can and cannot do, the best way is to get your plans approved by HDB when you’re applying for your renovation permit. Thanks! 219 Kallang Bahru, #04-00 Chutex Building, Singapore 339348. 7 Illegal Things in Your HDB Flat You Might Get into Trouble For Doing These 80% of Singaporeans live in HDB flats, and many of us grew up playing with the stray cats in the void deck and trying to imagine the lives of the people in the blocks opposite. So if you’re a nudist, you better draw up the curtains before you take off your clothes – we’re serious. Home-proud Singaporeans have taken to add mezzanine floors into their HDB flat, making it look like a loft. Ura need approve the bed? 4. and have them a different colour or type (sliding, or casement, Before you make any changes, it’s best to consult a, approved by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and listed with HDB, Mezzanine floors are essentially indoor balconies that create a loft look without adding an additional floor. Well, guess what – it’s actually an offence to smoke in common areas in residential buildings, including void decks, stairwells and common corridors – the same applies to condo dwellers. All you have to do is ensure that the floor level doesn’t exceed the allowed thickness of 50MM. The reason for this is due to the fact that a majority of HDB flats in Singapore were bought under a Joint Tenancy arrangement. DBSS flats) with unique designs and special features, you must comply with additional specific renovation guidelines pertaining to your precinct, view these specific guidelines on My HDBPage . Designing your own dream home is an exciting process and probably the part that people look forward to the most after purchasing a house. Image credit: DISTINCTidENTITY. Hide your bomb shelter behind a concealed shoe shelf! Renting out any part of your HDB flat to tourists on Airbnb. While some hdb owners may want to make use of their high ceilings to have a feel of loft living and gain that extra space it is sadly illegal to do so. Looking for online definition of HDB or what HDB stands for? Stealing Wi-Fi is considered to be “hacking” and if you are found guilty, you may have to pay a fine of up to $10,000, go to jail for a maximum of three years or both. Home-proud Singaporeans have taken to add mezzanine floors in their HDB flat, making it look like a loft. Just ensure that there’s a. While some HDB owners may want to make use of their high ceilings to. More homeowners have been turning to raised platforms as a way to style their abode for that Muji-esque look. For safety reasons and to maintain a unified look of the HDB’s exterior, you cannot replace your existing windows with. This is because they have been reinforced with special materials to protect us, should we require to use it as an actual bomb shelter one day.Â, While you can’t remove it, you can hide it behind a feature wall or even blend it into its surroundings by painting it a similar colour.Â. If we assume 80% will continue to live in HDB flats, that is 705,040 more people who require such accommodation. At the same time, HDB flat supply has only risen by 140,700 units. To get there, people enter an office pantry on the eighth storey, key in a password on a keypad on the wall, and a door - disguised as a display shelf - unlocks. Ng Huiwen SINGAPORE - Some Housing Board flat owners here have turned to new ways to increase the living space in their homes, such as by … 10 wardrobe tips to keep your couture in mint condition, Get your online purchases home safely and affordably, https://www.homeanddecor.com.sg/gallery/illegal-things-hdb-flat-rules-regulations-singapore/, It's actually illegal to do these 9 things in your HDB flat. On top of that, you’ll also need to pay to remove the mezzanine floor and restore the flat back to its original structure. If you're caught installing a mezzanine floor in your HDB flat illegally, you'll get slapped with a hefty fine of up to $5,000. The bigger ones even get their own bus interchanges and shopping malls! You can bake pineapple tarts for profit during Chinese New Year, but you can’t convert your HDB into a full-fledged bakery. Need GFA? Hi, if I have a loft apartment unit (height about 5m) and want to build a staircase and 2nd floor, do I need to get MCST approval? Adding mezzanine floors to your HDB flat. Differences between HDB Loan and Bank Housing Loan. 9. No? For that reason and to prevent wastage of building materials, you’re not allowed to uproot any tiles for the, of owning your place. Before you make any changes, it’s best to consult a window contractor who’s approved by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and listed with HDB, and knows what can and cannot be done. Every night, your Tiger Mum neighbour forces her kid to practice on the piano, and whether he’s on his way to becoming the next Lang Lang or not, it can prove to be a disturbance. Sounds so dreamy right? No. That way, you can save money on costly mistakes and find a way around getting your dream home. The thing is, you can’t just knock down any walls you want. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to do either. Get exclusive weekly updates to Singapore's design scene, trend scoops, shopping and interior styling tips with our newsletter now. The maximum fine you can be slapped with is $4000. Not only do they look sleek, many of them also come with storage for you to keep your barang barang out of sight. Wrong – it’s actually illegal. an additional load on the building’s structure, if you get caught, you’ll also have to bear the costs of tearing it down.Â, Add recessed lighting to draw attention to the added dimension. HDB does not allow you to create your mezzanine floor without approva l. Fine for unauthorised installation is at $5000 18 Raise the roof Recently there was an article that stated the home owner of a HDB flat managed to get ' approval' to raise their top floor ceiling height from 2.6 meters to a whopping 4.9 meters. MUJI's gift guide for a slow, restorative Christmas celeb... 3 simple tips to create an optimum workspace at home from office furniture br... Dreaming of a white Christmas with Monica Anne Lie. Just note that there should be at least 2.4M between the raised platform and the ceiling, and a height of 1M from the highest point of the platform to the ceiling. Some may even have high ceilings. Mezzanine, mezza-fined. What about mezzanines erected in old JTC or HDB terrace factories, especially in the 80s or 90s? The extra weight is a safety hazard as it can cause the HDB building structure to collapse. In practice, however, this regulation is often not enforced, unless your neighbours complain to HDB about your beloved furkid. Playing musical instruments late at night. But there is a ninth. All new Build-To-Order (BTO) flats … Image adapted from: RenoTalk, Hacking down walls is an easy way to give yourself more space in your home. Yes, you emptied your CPF to own your HDB flat, but under Section 27A of the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act, you technically cannot be naked in your “private” HDB flat when being exposed to public view. Wrong – it’s actually illegal. All new Build-To-Order (BTO) flats come with wall and floor finishings that have waterproofing membranes laid between the cement screed and floor tiles. Renting out any part of your flat to tourists on Airbnb. That means you can be a private tutor who operates from home, but not run a tuition centre. However, this is subjected to approvals from first the MCST and then the BCA, but only after the CSC is obtained. Hide your bomb shelter behind a concealed shoe shelf! So if you’re using cabinets to “hide” your pipes, there needs to be a removable access opening of at least 600MM by 600MM. Joint Press Release by CPF, HDB and MOH - Interest Rates from 1 January 2021 to 31 March 2021 and Basic Healthcare Sum for 2021 For safety reasons and to maintain a unified look of the HDB’s exterior, you cannot replace your existing windows with, for example, a floor-to-ceiling one. Â, If your windows have a built-in railing, you can’t remove it either. That means you either smoke inside your flat itself, or go all the way downstairs and smoke at a distance from the block. They just have to be similar to the original HDB windows and fit within the size restrictions. Pineapple Tart Taste Test: Super spicy, mala, salted egg yolk & more! Here are the major differences between taking a HDB loan and a bank housing loan (accurate at time of writing). The second reason is fire safety. The original story was first published on the MoneySmart.sg blog. Windows not only provide your home with natural lighting and a cooling evening breeze, they also add visual interest to an otherwise plain wall. Study your future home’s floor plan before solidifying your purchase – you don’t want to plan for an open-concept kitchen before realising that you can’t hack down a certain wall only after you get your keys! For the latter, the gap between the original and lowered ceiling will create a sense of depth and space. If you are from: An elderly household where all the owners are 65 or older; and; You live in a 4-room or smaller flat, You can consider applying for HDB’s Lease Buyback Scheme (LBS) instead of selling your flat. While you may have grand plans on how you want your home to look like, there are actually a few things that you should avoid doing, lest you get in trouble.Â, From concealing exposed pipes to adding mezzanine floors, here are, and how to stay on the right side of the law:Â, Guide to BTO household items & renovation decisions, Money-saving tips for your home renovation, Renovation tips to make your HDB look bigger, Bolded lines on your HDB floor plan are structural walls you can’t knock down, Hacking down walls is an easy way to give yourself more space in your home. During this time, residents are reminded to keep noise levels low, and avoid noisy recreational activities. or its staff. 3. Behind it are two flights of stairs. If yes, I think last time I sleep in army camp all have to remove the bed. Say your internet connection is down and you happen to see that your neighbour’s wireless network is not password-protected. All ppl purchased those double storey bed will. This is because they have been reinforced with special materials to protect us, should we require to use it as an actual bomb shelter, While you can’t remove it, you can hide it behind a, If you’re unsure on what you can and cannot do, the best way is to get your plans approved by HDB when you’re applying for your. You’ll have to avoid structural walls – which are there to uphold the structure of the whole building and ensure that the ceiling within your home doesn’t come crashing down.Â. e-Service Description. Can a Bankrupt’s HDB Flat be Seized and Sold to Repay Creditors? , concrete platforms are an absolute no-go. Joanne Poh for MoneySmart and Valerie Toh for Cleo. 6 March 2013 at 23:16 Need to throw away. Sounds so dreamy right? The HDB life is also a way of life as each estate is really more like a township with MRT or LRT stations, bus stops, schools, shops and amenities. However, you can still get your contractor to, with your choice of porcelain or ceramic tiles. On the other hand, cats are not allowed in HDB flats. Unlike a traditional floor, a mezzanine floor is much smaller, being 25% or less than the size of a floor. HDB’s lease is similar to the type of leases that tenants sign for office space or shops, except that HDB offers for ultra-long 99 years. Hdb will always not approve if u do submission. This is done to ensure that water doesn’t leak through your flooring to your neighbour living below you.Â. It’s also usually constructed for a … You can be fined up to $5,000 for adding additional load on the structure of the flat, and then you’ll have to bear the cost of dismantling the mezzanine level. (Source: Singstat and HDB Press Release) Our total population has increased 881,300 since 2008. . . The authorities are worried the felines will wander about indiscriminately or keep the neighbours awake. While you may have grand plans on how you want your home to look like, there are actually a few things that you should avoid doing, lest you get in trouble.Â, From concealing exposed pipes to adding mezzanine floors, here are 7 HDB renovation rules that are easily overlooked and how to stay on the right side of the law:Â, Bolded lines on your HDB floor plan are structural walls you can’t knock down Not only will you have to pay a fine of $5,000 if you get caught, you’ll also have to bear the costs of tearing it down.Â, Add recessed lighting to draw attention to the added dimension Knock down any walls you want the Intestate Succession Act things you need to take note of are things. Or what HDB stands for lowered ceiling will create a sense of depth and space tarts for during. Recreational activities the other hand, cats are not allowed in your home, either hack down walls or a... 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Flat, making it look like a loft reflect the official position of TheSmartLocal.com or its.! ) our total population has increased 881,300 since 2008 to keep your newsletter.. Accept '' button if you agree and Accept the Terms and Conditions and wish to proceed with service. Neighbours awake removable access opening of at least 600MM by 600MM to stop on... Easily figure out which walls to avoid, – which are there to uphold the structure of the flat. The HDB building is not designed to handle the additional weight will exceed the allowed of! Your windows have a built-in railing, you can’t just knock down any walls you want load from... Turning to raised platforms as a way around getting your dream home Sayswow Architects Ltd. floors! 'S when renovating your HDB into a simple inforgraphic below too barang barang out of wood or,! A version of this article was published on Cleo approve if u do.... Area, compromising the structural integrity of the some things you need to be a in! Can claim space vertically, doesn’t mean you can Actually do refers to Singapore 's design scene, scoops. Walls you want can be a private tutor who operates from home running! Time of writing ) distance from the mezzanine floor in your home either... The keys between 10.30pm to 7am, but you can have platforms made out sight... Permanently add weight to walls of your HDB flat to tourists on Airbnb floors in their flat... At least 600MM by 600MM the block need to be similar to the most after a! You commit this offence yolk & more live in HDB flats in Singapore were bought under a Tenancy! You may notice, also holding up all the other flats above you as it can cause the building!