Most homeowners engage a renovation contractor (from the list on HDB InfoWEB) to transform their new HDB flat into their dream home. However, the renovation can be noisy, dusty and can create inconvenience to neighbours. These three renovation guidelines will help make for happy neighbours:
Getting the right contractor
Inform your neighbours of your renovation plan, at least three days before the start of the works. Your renovation contractor is also required to display the Notice of Renovation issued by HDB, outside your flat for the duration of the renovation works.
Renovation hours
While general renovations are to be carried out between 9:00am and 6:00pm on weekdays and Saturdays, renovation works that generate noise are to be carried out only between 9:00am and 5:00pm on weekdays only. These works include demolition of walls, removal of wall/ floor finishes, cutting of tiles, and heavy and excessive drillingor hammering works. Noisy works are not permitted on weekends, eve of major public holidays and on public holidays – so that your neighbours can enjoy some peace and quiet on their rest days.
If you are into DIY decoration, do note that works involving drilling or hammering are to be avoided between 10:30pm to 7:00am. If you really need to carry out such works within these timings, do inform your neighbours in advance.
Complete your renovations promptly
Ensure that your contractor completes the renovation works within the set guidelines i.e. renovations should be completed within one month for existing HDB blocks and three months for new HDB blocks. This time frame works in your interest and your neighbours’ too.