Typical Timeline
How long does a BTO or resale HDB renovation take?
Typical Homenex timeline for a full HDB renovation, October 2026 | Stage | BTO flat | Resale HDB flat |
|---|
| Design and planning | About 2 weeks | About 2 weeks |
| Renovation on site | 6 – 10 weeks | 8 – 12 weeks |
| Key collection to move-in | About 2 – 3 months | About 3 months |
A BTO renovation is usually shorter because it needs less hacking of old walls and finishes, and HDB does not allow a new flat's existing bathroom finishes to be replaced until 3 years after the block was completed.
The timeline depends on what you want done: a smaller scope takes less time. The time on site also depends on approvals. Works that need an HDB permit can only start after the permit is granted.
HDB Rules
Which HDB renovation works need a permit?
These points summarise HDB's published renovation rules, checked in October 2026. HDB's own pages are the final reference, and the rules for your flat are confirmed when the permit application is made.
Homenex uses renovation contractors listed in HDB's Directory of Renovation Contractors.
- Use an HDB-listed contractor: all renovation work in an HDB flat must be carried out by a contractor listed in HDB's Directory of Renovation Contractors (DRC), including work that does not need a permit. (HDB)
- Walls: demolishing or hacking any wall, even partly, needs an HDB permit (HDB's written approval) before work starts. (HDB)
- Floors and walls: replacing existing floor tiles or other hard floor finishes, and replacing internal wall finishes, need a permit. Laying vinyl flooring does not, but must follow HDB's guidelines. (HDB)
- New flats: existing bathroom and toilet floor and wall finishes can only be replaced after the first 3 years from the date the block was completed, and that work needs a permit. (HDB)
- Plumbing: must be done by a PUB-licensed plumber. (HDB)
- Electrical: must be done by an EMA-licensed electrical worker, and some electrical works also need an HDB permit. (HDB)
- Windows: window work must be done by a BCA-approved window contractor. (HDB)
- Permit application: your contractor submits the renovation permit application on your behalf, and permitted works can only start after it is granted. (HDB)
- Completion period: renovation works must be completed within 3 months of the permit for newly completed blocks, and within 1 month for existing blocks. (HDB)
- Neighbours and hours: neighbours within 2 units must get written notice at least 5 days before work begins, and work may only be carried out during HDB's permitted hours. (HDB)
Sources: HDB: Application for a renovation permit ; HDB: Renovation guidelines for building works ; HDB: Important information on renovations
Not Allowed
Which renovation works does HDB not allow?
Some works are not allowed in an HDB flat at all, with or without a permit, for example because they overload the structure, affect the building's facade or public safety, create a fire hazard or nuisance, or intrude into public space. These are examples from HDB's list, checked in October 2026; HDB's page has the full list.
- Hacking or removing structural members, such as reinforced concrete walls, columns, beams and slabs, or the staircase in an executive maisonette. (HDB)
- Plastering ceilings. (HDB)
- Raising the floor level by more than 50 mm (including floor finishes) using concrete. (HDB)
- Partitions made of combustible or toxic-emission materials, such as plywood or plastics. (HDB)
- Covering over void areas to extend the floor area, for example in maisonettes or loft units. (HDB)
- Painting outside the flat, such as common corridor walls and ceilings, or installing awnings or other fixtures outside the flat. (HDB)
- Removing or tampering with safety railings or grilles originally provided by HDB or the developer, inside or outside the flat. (HDB)
- Replacing full-height, 3/4-height or bay windows, or partly or fully enclosing the air-conditioner ledge or planter box, including fitting external grilles. (HDB)
How To Apply
Who applies for an HDB renovation permit, and how?
Your renovation contractor applies for you. These are the steps HDB describes, checked in October 2026.
- Engage a contractor listed in HDB's Directory of Renovation Contractors (DRC). (HDB)
- Authorise the contractor to submit an electronic renovation application on your behalf, and sign HDB's acknowledgement form, which the contractor attaches to the application. (HDB)
- For works such as demolishing walls, the contractor also submits your flat's floor plan showing the proposed work. You can use the floor plan from your Sales Brochure, or buy one from HDB for $5. (HDB)
- For a new flat, open a utilities account (water and electricity) with SP Services before the permit can be granted. (HDB)
- HDB sends you an SMS when it receives the application. Works that need a permit start only after the permit is granted. (HDB)
- For electrical and air-conditioner works that need a permit, your licensed electrical worker may apply for the permit on your behalf. (HDB)
Checking
How can I check that my permit and contractor are approved?
A few simple checks before and during the works help keep the renovation authorised.
- Contractor: search HDB's e-Service for the Directory of Renovation Contractors (DRC) before you sign. BCA Approved Window Contractors can be found in the same e-Service. (HDB)
- Permit: HDB lets you view and check your renovation permit once it has been granted. (HDB)
- Rules for your flat: some precincts have their own renovation guidelines, which you can check on MyHDB Page. (HDB)
- During the works: your contractor should put up the Notice of Renovation outside your flat early and keep it up throughout the renovation. (HDB)
- Why it matters: not using a DRC contractor, or breaking HDB's renovation rules, can lead to a fine of up to $5,000 and other penalties on conviction. (HDB)
Working Hours
What are HDB's renovation working hours?
HDB renovation working hours, checked October 2026 | Type of work | When it is allowed |
|---|
| General renovation | 9:00am – 6:00pm, weekdays and Saturdays |
| Restricted works, such as demolishing walls, removing wall or floor finishes, cutting tiles and heavy drilling | 9:00am – 5:00pm, weekdays only |
| Sundays and public holidays | No renovation works |
| Eves of New Year's Day, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa and Christmas Day | No restricted works |
| DIY works by the flat owner | 7:00am – 10:30pm, keeping noise to a minimum |
Neighbours within 2 units must receive written notice at least 5 days before works begin. Only 2 HDB-approved handheld power tools, or their equivalent, may be used at a time, and demolishing walls or removing wall and floor finishes must not take more than 3 consecutive days.
Sources: HDB: Important information on renovations
Planning Time
Design and procurement time should be part of the schedule.
Homeowners often count only the renovation period, but the full schedule starts earlier. Floor-plan review, design direction, quotation, material selection, appliance sizing, carpentry drawings and permit submission all need time.
When these decisions are delayed, the site phase becomes more stressful because unresolved choices turn into urgent decisions.
Site Coordination
Different work types affect one another.
Electrical points, lighting, cabinetry, appliances, plumbing, countertop dimensions and tiling decisions are connected. A change in one area can affect the next trade or installation sequence.
Good coordination keeps these dependencies visible before work reaches site.
Handover
Leave time for review before moving in.
A completed renovation should be reviewed before the homeowner fully moves in. This gives time to check finishes, cabinet operation, fittings, lighting, touch-ups and cleaning.
The handover period protects the final experience because the home is judged by how it works in daily use, not only by how it looks in photos.
