Permit : Update

This is an important clarification so I will post my reply online. The $300 - I mentioned earlier in the reno permit post is the average price for hacking a wall only.

For requirements for PE (Professional Engineer) endorsement, I am not so sure for HDB. It is better that you personally call the HBD officer to check. Your ID may not know everything so to play safe, they simply ask you to do a PE endorsement.

On the PE endorsement, so far, I have heard 2 variations of story --- I do not know which is true.

Variation 1 : from HDB officers who inspected friends' HDB

HDB does not need PE endorsement all the time;
They will let you know if they can permit the hacking or not, based on the structural soundness or blueprint that they already have. You can not hack/demolish load bearing walls even if you have a crazy PE endorsement.

My logic thinking is --- Since you are only allowed to hack/demolish non-load bearing reinforced concrete walls, their blueprint will tell them immediately which wall is non-load bearing or not. They do not need a PE to tell them that, right?

If they are not so sure any more if that wall is load bearing wall or not (perhaps due to the age of the HDB), then they will need a PE endorsement, and at that time, you will have to get it for them. That means you only have to get PE endorsement if they ask you to.


Variation 2 : from IDs
Yes, you need to apply for a permit from HDB (free) which must be endorsed by a Qualified Person (QP) or Professional Engineer (PE) (must pay) for any HDB renovation.

I know for sure that that is not true. Not all reno needs a permit from HDB.
For example, if you want to construct a cement mortar base that does not exceed 50mm, inclusive of finishes, for your kitchen cabinet, you do not need a permit.

So, do not believe everything your ID project co-ordinator tells you. Check it out yourself and save more money!

Caution :
When you buy your HDB flat, check for unauthorised works in the flat.

When you purchased the flat, you agreed to the “willing buyer willing seller" (caveat emptor) clause. In other words, you agreed to buy the flat in the condition that it is in. When there are unauthorised works, you may ask the seller to remove or rectify them first.

If Not, later, you are responsible to remove and / or rectify the unauthorised works when you sell the flat. You can not run after your seller for damages.


Okay, folks, that is all. Have a good weekend.