Question 1

Why is resale renovation more expensive than BTO?

Accepted Answer

Three reasons. (1) Hacking + disposal — strip-out alone runs $4-8k for a 4-room. (2) Rewiring — old HDBs (pre-2000) have 5-amp circuits that can't run modern aircon + induction + water heater simultaneously; we upgrade the DB box and rewire to current code. (3) Waterproofing — old bathrooms leak; we have to hack to the slab and rebuild the entire waterproof system. Net: a resale reno is 30-50% more than the BTO equivalent.

Question 2

Do you need an HDB hacking permit, and who files it?

Accepted Answer

Yes — any wall or floor demolition needs a permit, and only an HDB Licensed Contractor (us: HB-10-5499Z) can file it. Typical processing: 2-3 weeks. We submit on your behalf with the floor plan + hacking layout. Permit cost ($50-$200 depending on scope) is passed through at cost.

Question 3

What about asbestos or lead in old HDB units?

Accepted Answer

HDB stopped using asbestos in residential construction by the late 1980s, but units from 1970-85 can have asbestos in old vinyl floor tiles or some ceiling boards. If we suspect it (visual signs + flat age), we send a sample to an SAC-accredited lab. If positive, we engage a licensed asbestos removal contractor — adds $2-5k but it's non-negotiable for safety. Lead paint is rare in HDB but we test on request.

Question 4

Can we keep some original features (parquet floors, kitchen cabinets)?

Accepted Answer

Yes if they're sound. Parquet that's been well-maintained can be sanded + refinished for $40-60/m² (cheaper than new). Old solid-wood cabinets are sometimes worth re-spraying. We'll inspect honestly — if something is termite-eaten, water-damaged, or just past it, we'll tell you to bin it rather than waste money refurbishing.

Question 5

How do you handle dust, noise, and unhappy neighbours?

Accepted Answer

Dust: full plastic sheeting at the door, HEPA vacuums on every hack day, mid-day + end-of-day sweep. Noise: strict HDB hours (9am-5pm Mon-Sat, no Sundays or PHs for noisy works) — we plan loud works in the first 2 weeks so neighbours know the worst is finite. Neighbours: we drop notices on every door on your floor + above + below before we start. About 1 in 10 jobs gets a complaint — we deal with the Town Council directly so you don't have to.

Question 6

Why upgrade the electrical even if the old wiring still works?

Accepted Answer

Because 30-year-old PVC insulation gets brittle, old DB boxes don't have ELCB (earth-leakage protection — the thing that saves you from electrocution), and the original 5-amp circuits trip every time you run aircon + microwave together. We upgrade to a 60A or 100A main, 32A ELCB-protected sub-circuits, and split kitchen + aircon + general onto separate breakers. ME05 L1 sign-off goes to your unit's electrical file.

Question 7

What's the typical timeline once we sign?

Accepted Answer

Week 1-3: design + permits (in parallel — you can be deciding on tile colours while HDB reviews). Week 4-5: hack phase (loud + visible). Week 6-7: rough-in (electrical, plumbing, waterproofing — slower, quieter). Week 8-9: tiling + carpentry + paint. Week 10: snag + handover. Total: 6-10 weeks for a 4-5-room depending on scope.

Question 8

Can we save by buying our own tiles or fittings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and many do — Taobao, Hoe Kee, Goodrich. We charge install-only rates on customer-supplied items. Caveat: we won't warranty the item itself (if your $200 Taobao tap fails in month 4, that's between you and the supplier). Workmanship warranty on our install still stands. Rough rule: if you're sourcing more than 30% of materials, factor in 1-2 weeks of extra timeline for delivery coordination.

Old HDB, like-new again.

Resale pricing is honest.

Eight things included.

Four phases, in order.

Inspection + scope

Design + permits

Hack phase

Rebuild + handover

Old-HDB questions.

Just collected your resale keys?