Questions Every First-Timer Has About BTO Flat Renovations, Answered

Don’t go in blind!

There’s a first time for everything. But when it comes to a project that’s as massive (and at times technical) as renovating your first home, you’re probably going to need all the help you can get! And that’s where we come in.

Here’s a list of the most commonly asked questions, along with links to useful resources that will put you in good stead as you kickstart your BTO flat renovation.

On HDB floor plans

How do I read my HDB floor plan?

The main things to look out for are symbols representing the different types of walls, doors and windows, as well as what each number on your floor plan refers to. Read this guide for a crash course on how to read and interpret your HDB floor plan.

Can I hack the walls in my Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) flat?

The same regulations that apply to their non-PPVC counterparts apply to PPVC flats. Where hacking of walls is concerned:

• Structural walls (indicated in your floor plan by a thick black line) must not be hacked or tampered with
• Non-structural walls (indicated in your floor plan by a thin black line) may be hacked, but doing so requires a renovation permit

How do I tell if my BTO flat comes with an open-concept kitchen?

As a matter of fact, all new BTO kitchens are now open-concept by default (except for some flats where this is not feasible due to layout constraints).

Explore: 11 Fab and Functional Kitchen Island Ideas for Your New Home

How do I know how tall my unit’s ceiling height is?

Most BTO flats range from 2575 to 2600mm in height. This may differ, however, if you’re living on the first or top floor.

Do also look out for the word ‘DROP’ on your floor plan. This would be accompanied by a number that indicates in millimetres the difference in height between one part of your HDB flat to another, such as from your living area to the kitchen.

On HDB’s Optional Component Scheme (OCS)

What are the items under HDB’s Optional Component Scheme (OCS)?

For the most updated list of OCS offerings, do refer to the official HDB’s OCS webpage here.

Qanvast’s note: OCS can most certainly help to save on your renovation costs. That said, aesthetic preferences and practical needs should also play a part in deciding if you should opt in. Read this article to help you make a more informed decision.

I didn’t opt in for OCS when I purchased my BTO flat. Is it too late to do so now?

As HDB’s contractors would have already procured and/or started working on the fittings/finishes, you will not be able to change your mind if you did not opt in for OCS when you booked your BTO flat.

I can’t remember which items I opted for under HDB’s OCS. Is there any way to check this?

If you’ve misplaced your OCS Option Form, you’ll need to reach out to HDB at this link to find out which items you opted in for.

On BTO flat features and fittings

What features and fittings come with my BTO flat?

Good news! If your BTO estate was launched in 2019 or later, expect modern high-quality fittings that are a step up from previous BTO launches.

These include a sleek steel front gate, water-efficient sanitary fittings and more.

Is the flooring that HDB provides durable?

New BTO flats come with larger-format porcelain glazed tiles that are not only more resistant to wear and tear, but also contain fewer grout lines than their ceramic predecessors. In other words, what you get is extra durability, a more seamless look and an easier time cleaning!

If you’ve opted in for OCS with vinyl flooring, rest assured that you can count on its quality as well. Just be sure to avoid using abrasive cleaning agents as they might damage the flooring.

Budgeting pro-tip: Retaining or overlaying HDB flooring cuts down on masonry cost, which can help you to save on your renovation cost significantly!

On BTO flats’ doors, gates and windows

How do I know the height and types of windows provided in my BTO flat?

The sales brochure of your BTO flat would have provided a general description as well as the specifications of windows in your block.

Can I change my BTO flat’s windows?

This depends on the guidelines specific to your BTO precinct. To ensure a consistent facade, the windows you choose must be similar to the original windows provided by the HDB.

Regardless, all window works may only be carried out by a BCA-approved Window Contractor.

Can I change my BTO flat’s gate?

You are free to do so without any permit, provided the gate you’re looking to install meets HDB’s replacement guidelines.

Do also check out our brand directory for Qanvast-exclusive deals for gates and doors here.

On BTO flats’ service yard and bathrooms

Can I conceal pipes in my service yard?

Concealing of pipes in your HDB flat’s service yard is allowed, but there must be a minimum removable access area of 600mm x 600mm for inspection and maintenance purposes.

Can I opt out of HDB’s floor/wall finishings for my bathroom?

The short answer: no. Floor and wall finishes provided by the HDB in BTO flat bathrooms are designed to protect the waterproofing membrane.

Important note: Any tampering – including removal/replacement of tiles – of these finishes within the first 3 years from the Temporary Occupancy Period will void HDB’s warranty on waterproofing.

Can I opt out of HDB’s water closets (WCs) for my bathroom?

Nope, you can’t! As part of Singapore’s water conservation efforts and government regulations, HDB installs water-efficient WCs.

That said, you can replace the WCs. More on that next.

Can I replace the WC and wash basin in my bathroom and/or shift their positions around?

Yes on both counts! Just be sure that:

• The existing floor slabs are not tampered with (as above on waterproofing warranty)
• The WC and basin remain connected to sanitary pipes provided by the HDB
• Plumbing works are carried out by a PUB-licensed plumber

Can I hack my bathroom door frame?

Yes, bathroom door frames are not part of structural walls, so they can be hacked away. Following which, a waterproofing membrane must be added to the affected floor area.

On your BTO flat’s electrical wiring, plumbing and gas

Where can I find my BTO flat’s electrical and water piping plans?

These plans can be found in the distribution board (DB) box in your flat.

Do all BTO flats support fibre broadband?

Most certainly! Every room in your flat comes with a fibre optic point, located next to the TV point.

How many data and power points come with my BTO flat?

Each BTO flat comes with one data point per room, including the living room. The number of power points depends on your flat type.

Can I change the location of power points in my BTO flat?

You may only do so for those located on non-structural walls.

Does my BTO flat come with gas pipes?

Yes, all BTO flats do!

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.

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