Written answer by Ministry of National Development on reports of HDB-approved renovation contractors breaching approval conditions on work duration

Sep 18, 2023

Questions No: 4896 and 4897

Questions by: Dr Tan Wu Meng

4896. Dr Tan Wu Meng: To ask the Minister for National Development for each year from 2021, how many reports of HDB-approved renovation contractors breaching their approval conditions by conducting renovation works outside of the approved hours have been received.     

4897. Dr Tan Wu Meng: To ask the Minister for National Development (a) for each year from 2021, how many HDB-approved renovation projects underwent extension of the renovation permit beyond the initial approved duration; and (b) whether HDB tracks such extensions for purposes of ensuring that renovation contractors provide homeowners with accurately quoted estimates of work duration.

Answer:

Flat owners are required to engage a renovation contractor listed in HDB’s Directory of Renovation Contractors (DRC) and to apply for a renovation permit to carry out renovation works that may affect the structural integrity of the HDB block (e.g. demolition of walls, removal of floor/wall finishes). Upon approval, HDB will issue a renovation permit and a Notice of Renovation to the owners/ DRC-listed contractor.

2        Since 2021, there has been a decline in the number of cases of feedback on renovation works being carried out beyond the permitted renovation timing. In 2021, 2022 and 2023 (as at 30 Jun), the number of such cases was 7,888, 5,166 and 2,437 respectively. For some of these cases, the source of the reported noise may be from minor DIY works carried out by flat owners, or works that are not regulated by HDB (e.g. carpentry, installation of fixtures and electrical works). HDB strongly urges flat owners to comply with the permitted renovation timings and be considerate to their neighbours.  

3        In 2021 and 2022, an average of 51,477 households applied for renovation permits per year. In 2023 (as at 30 Jun), 29,321 households have done so. Less than 10% of these households were given extension of the renovation period. HDB does not track such extensions as it is the responsibility of the renovation contractors to assess and communicate with their clients on the estimated duration of works.   

4        DRC contractors found to have infringed HDB’s terms of registration and renovation guidelines may be penalised with a financial penalty (ranging from $500 to $5,000) and incur demerit points (ranging from 6 to 12) depending on the nature and severity of the infringements. Contractors who have accumulated 24 demerit points within a 24-month period may be suspended or debarred from conducting any new renovations works in HDB flats for the next 12 months.

5        On average, HDB took action against 61 DRC-listed contractors each year in 2021 and 2022 for flouting HDB’s renovation conditions/guidelines, such as failure to comply with conditions of the permit, failure to display the notice of renovation works, and conducting of works beyond the permitted timing. In 2023 (as at 30 June), there were 33 such cases. So far, none of the renovation contractors has accumulated 24 demerit points within a 24-month period, which would warrant a 12-month suspension.