Hacking & Demolition Guide for Homeowners and Business Owners in Singapore (2024)

Hacking & Demolition Guide for Homeowners and Business Owners in Singapore (2024)

Thinking about tearing down a wall or removing floor tiles as part of your renovation? In Singapore, hacking and demolition works are highly regulated — whether it’s for a residential HDB flat or a commercial office.

This guide explains:

1. What hacking and demolition include
2. What’s allowed under HDB or MCST rules
3. How to apply for hacking permits
4. What to expect from a licensed contractor

What is Hacking or Demolition Work?

Hacking refers to the controlled removal of existing built-in features, walls, flooring, ceilings, or fittings during renovation.

Demolition typically applies to larger-scale removal of structural elements or entire interiors — common in offices, industrial units, or full-home makeovers.

Types of Hacking & Demolition Services in Singapore

Residential

1. HDB wall and floor tile hacking
2. Toilet and kitchen removal
3. Ceiling and partition removal
4. Cabinet dismantling and flooring stripping

Commercial & Retail

1. Partition and false ceiling dismantling
2. Glass panel and door removal
3. Raised flooring, power point & trunking removal
4. Full reinstatement for end-of-lease handover

Industrial

1. Concrete slab and beam hacking
2. Warehouse clearance and machine base removal

What Can Be Hacked Legally in HDB Flats?

You can hack:

1. Non-load bearing partition walls
2. Floor and wall tiles
3. Bathroom fittings (with waterproofing reinstated)

You cannot hack:

1. Structural walls
2. Columns, beams, or slabs
3. Gas risers or main electrical ducts

All HDB hacking requires written approval from HDB. Unauthorized hacking may result in fines or reinstatement orders.

How to Apply for HDB Hacking Permit

1. Submit your proposed floor plan and scope of work via your contractor
2. Wait for HDB review and written approval (usually 5–10 working days)
3. Display the permit on-site during works

Your contractor must be HDB-registered to carry out hacking.

Why Hire a Licensed Hacking & Demolition Contractor?

1. Complies with HDB, MCST, or BCA regulations
2. Submits all necessary permits on your behalf
3. Uses dust- and noise-controlled equipment
4. Provides protection for lifts, corridors, and neighbours
5. Ensures licensed debris disposal with NEA-approved haulers

Typical Timeline & Process

1. Site Visit & Floor Plan Review
2. Permit Submission (if required)
3. Hacking Works Start (usually within 1–2 weeks)
4. Debris Removal & Site Cleaning

Final Tips Before You Hack

1. Always confirm which walls are structural
2. Get hacking plans approved before starting
3. Coordinate with your renovation contractor to avoid overlap
4. Ask if reinstatement will be required (especially for rental units)

Need Professional Hacking or Demolition Help?

We’ve completed hundreds of compliant and efficient hacking projects across Singapore — from HDB flats in Bedok to office reinstatements in Orchard.

Get in touch with us for:

1. Residential wall and tile hacking
2. Commercial and industrial demolition
3. Office reinstatement before handover