If your BTO estate was launched after 2019, here’s what you can expect in your home!
Prospective homeowners, lucky you! By now, you’ve probably heard through the grapevine that newer BTO flats are being fitted with sleeker, more modern HDB fittings.
But what exactly are these new fittings, and how different are they from their older counterparts? Here, we break down each of these changes, and answer some common questions you may have about them!
1. An all-new modern-looking steel gate and laminated timber door
Remember those old wrought iron BTO gates? That’s all gone – instead, you now get a new black steel gate, built with sleek, clean lines that would fit right into any modern home!
The old (left) vs new (right) BTO gates | Source: Carousell and MyNiceHome
For greater convenience, the new gates are fitted with an interior thumb-turn knob, meaning you’ll no longer need to hunt for your keys whenever you want to open the gate from inside.
Even the main doors have changed. Instead of the old timber veneered doors, they’ll now be replaced by laminated timber doors that are more durable and scratch-resistant.
FAQ: Are we allowed to change the BTO gate grille within the first 5 years?
Check out our Instagram AMA for a full list of FAQs about BTO fittings!
If you’ve already got a particular look in mind and are thinking of replacing your gate, you’re probably wondering: are you even allowed to swap out the BTO gates within the first five years?
And the answer is: yes, you can! But do note that there are a few guidelines and conditions to follow – for instance, your new gate shouldn’t obstruct public escape, and they should also have the same gate width and panels as the original BTO gate.
2. New glazed porcelain floor and wall tiles
A 3-room BTO flat with the old ceramic tiles | View this project by R Interior | R 设计团队
Those old ceramic floor and wall tiles? Gone as well. Instead, what you get are larger glazed porcelain tiles, which gives you two (very) useful benefits:
- They’re more resistant to wear and tear
- They have fewer grout lines to minimise visual clutter (and cleaning!)
A 4-room BTO flat with the new glazed porcelain tiles | View this project by Liya Interior
3. Top-hung windows between the kitchen and service yard
The old louvred kitchen windows | View this project by Flo Design
Louvred kitchen windows have also made way for new top-hung windows, which will not only be easier to maintain, but also give you a cleaner, more modern look!
The new top-hung windows | Source: MyNiceHome
FAQ: Are we allowed to conceal the pipes in the service yard?
To help you create the sleek, modern home you desire, you’ll be glad to know that yes, you are allowed to conceal the pipes in the service yard. For easier maintenance, just be sure to leave a removable access opening that’s at least 600mm by 600mm.
Also, do try to avoid any tampering with the floor slab and walls!
4. A 20mm level drop between rooms
In a bid to make BTO flats more wheelchair-friendly, homes were fitted with ramps between the kitchen and service yard, as well as the bathroom and living room.
But that may not necessarily look the best in a modern BTO flat – so now, those ramps have been replaced with a 20mm drop that not only remains usable by residents on wheelchairs, but also ensures a neat and seamless look.
5. New water-efficient sanitary fittings in different designs and finishes
New BTO flat owners can also expect newer, more water-efficient sanitary fittings, which includes a range of dual-flush, low capacity WCs and fittings with a “very good” rating under PUB’s water efficiency label.
The new concealed floor trap (left) vs the old version | Source: The Straits Times
That old white floor trap has also been replaced – with a concealed floor trap that boasts a much more sophisticated look than its predecessor!
FAQ: Are we allowed to change the WC and sink/hack the toilet door frame within the first 5 years? Will this affect the waterproofing layer?
If you’re still keen to swap out the new sanitary fittings, rest assured that it is allowed. In fact, you can change most things, including the toilet door frame (as long as it’s not part of a structural wall, that is!).
However, do take care not to tamper with the bathroom wall and floor finishes as doing so will void your warranty. To be safe, it’s best to engage the help of a plumber that’s licensed under PUB.
This article was adapted from MyNiceHome, HDB’s official website for all things related to home buying and renovation in Singapore. Check out the original article here.