By The Big Buy desk · Last verified 29 September 2026

HDB sets when renovation can happen. General works, such as plastering, laying floor screed and painting, are allowed from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday, but not on Sundays or public holidays. Noisy works, such as demolishing walls, removing wall or floor finishes and cutting tiles, are limited to 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, and aren’t allowed on weekends, public holidays or the eves of New Year’s Day, Lunar New Year, Hari Raya Puasa and Deepavali. Some works need an HDB permit, and HDB expects you to use an HDB-registered renovation contractor.

Quick facts

• General works: Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm.
• Noisy works: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
• No renovation on Sundays or public holidays.
• No noisy works on the eves of four major holidays.
• At most two approved hand-held power tools for demolition.
• Neighbours should get at least three days’ notice.

When can work happen?

Type of work	Allowed	Not allowed
General renovation: plastering, floor screed, painting	Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm	Sundays and public holidays
Noisy renovation: demolishing walls, removing wall or floor finishes, cutting tiles	Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm	Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and the eves of New Year’s Day, Lunar New Year, Hari Raya Puasa and Deepavali

What other rules apply?

• Permits: works such as hacking walls or changing bathroom layouts need HDB’s approval, applied for through your contractor. You can check the permit status on My HDBPage.
• Contractor: use one on HDB’s Directory of Renovation Contractors.
• Tools: no more than two HDB-approved hand-held power tools at once for demolition, and demolition shouldn’t run beyond three consecutive days.
• Neighbours: the contractor displays a renovation notice and should tell neighbours at least three days before work starts.
• Structure: load-bearing walls can’t be removed, and bathroom changes mustn’t affect the sanitary pipes.

The WahLiao Verdict

Plan the noisy part first, because it can only happen on weekdays and holiday weeks cut it short. Check that your contractor is on HDB’s directory and that permits are approved before anyone picks up a hammer. What a renovation costs is a separate question, covered in this desk’s renovation guide when it’s published.

Questions people ask

Can I do DIY work on a Sunday?

Renovation works aren’t allowed on Sundays. For small DIY jobs, keep noise down and check HDB’s guidance.

Who applies for the permit?

Usually your HDB-registered contractor, on your behalf.

What if my neighbour breaks the rules?

You can report it to HDB, which can take action against the flat owner and contractor.

Can I remove any wall?

No. Structural walls can’t be removed; your contractor and HDB’s rules decide which walls can go.

Sources: HDB via MyNiceHome, how to renovate your flat and Your HDB Living guide (February 2026); 99.co on power tools and demolition limits; Houzz on notice to neighbours; Megafurniture on structural and bathroom rules.

Read next: HDB Service and Conservancy Charges · Energy Labels and Climate Vouchers · Back to The Big Buy

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