Can I Hack This Wall?
Pick your flat, the wall and the work. See whether it can come down, what needs a permit and what HDB never allows.
- Any wall hacking in an HDB flat needs HDB’s written approval, applied for by an HDB-registered contractor.
- Household shelter walls, floors and ceilings can never be hacked or drilled, and structural walls cannot be removed.
- New flats cannot remove toilet finishes for 3 years from block completion, but overlaying tiles is fine.
Why book with Homey
- Quote first. Send photos on WhatsApp and get the price before anyone comes down.
- Our own team. Installers from our Mandai workshop, not a marketplace.
- Islandwide. HDB, condo, landed homes and offices.
- Warranty. Workmanship covered after the job.
How the checker works
The answers follow HDB's renovation guidelines and Home Care Guide: wall hacking in an HDB flat needs HDB's written approval through an HDB-registered (DRC) contractor, household shelter walls must not be hacked or drilled, structural walls cannot be removed, and new flats have a 3-year restriction on removing toilet finishes. Read the full HDB renovation rules guide or see hacking and demolition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to hack a wall in an HDB flat?
Yes. Any wall hacking, partial or full, needs HDB’s written approval first, and your HDB-registered renovation contractor applies for it with your floor plan.
Can I hack the household shelter wall?
No. HDB says the walls, floor and ceiling of the household shelter must not be hacked or drilled.
Can I change the toilet tiles in a new BTO?
Not for the first 3 years from the block’s completion. You can overlay new tiles on the original ones in the meantime.