Renovations in Singapore can get pricey, even if you’re just looking to give your dated bathroom a sprucing up. Fortunately, HDB has the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) that’s meant to refurbish existing HDB flats at a highly subsidised cost. So how can you take advantage of this scheme?
In this guide, we’ll take you through what you can upgrade with the HIP, how much it costs, and what are some things that HDB doesn’t tell you.
What is the HDB Home Improvement Programme (HIP)?
A bathroom before and after going through the HIP.
Image credit: Kristen Kua
If you live in an HDB flat that was built before 1997, the chances are good that you’d have heard of the HDB Home Improvement Programme (HIP). The initiative was started by HDB in 2007 to do maintenance and upgrading work on older HDB flats.
When a block gets selected for HIP, all the residents living in the block will vote whether they are in favour of the upgrading works or not. If more than 75% of residents say yes, then the HIP will go ahead.
Ramps can be installed for wheelchair users as part of the EASE improvements.
Image credit: MyNiceHome
The HIP includes 3 types of improvements: Essential, Optional, and Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE). As their names suggest, the essential upgrades are compulsory, the optional upgrades are optional, and the EASE upgrades optional for households with seniors that require accessibility additions to their home.
What are some of the HIP upgrades?
| Category | Improvements |
| Essential |
|
| Optional |
|
| EASE |
|
One thing to note about the EASE improvements is that you can obtain them before the HIP happens, or if your block does not qualify for the upgrading programme.
How much does the HIP cost?
The big question when it comes to the HIP is its cost. Thankfully, Singapore Citizen households will have their Essential improvements fully subsidised, and they’ll have the Optional improvements partially subsidised.
Here is the cost breakdown of the Optional improvements for Singapore Citizen households:
| Flat Type | 1-, 2-, 3-room | 4-room | 5-room | Executive |
| Cost-sharing Ratio | 5% | 7.5% | 10% | 12.5% |
| Including full Optional improvements with a fire-rated main door & home fire alarm device | $599.50 | $899.25 | $1,199.00 | $1,498.75 |
| Including full Optional improvements with non-fire-rated main door | $594.05 | $891.05 | $1,188.10 | $1,485.10 |
Based on these calculations, it’s definitely worth shelling out the extra few dollars to get the fire-rated main door and home fire alarm device.
EASE improvements have a separate cost breakdown, but it’s also highly subsidised by the government so there’s less strain on your wallet.
| Flat Type | 1, 2, 3-Room | 4-Room | 5-Room | Executive | Executive Maisonette |
| Cost-sharing ratio | 5% | 7.5% | 10% | 12.5% | 12.5% |
| Full EASE package with single-step ramp | $286.65 | $430.00 | $573.30 | $716.65 | $731.65 |
| Full EASE package with a portable ramp | $310.65 | $465.95 | $621.30 | $776.60 | $791.60 |
| Full EASE package with a customised ramp for 2-3 steps at the main entrance | $359.70 | $539.55 | $719.40 | $899.25 | $914.20 |
| Full EASE package with a customised ramp for more than 3 steps at the main entrance | $490.50 | $735.75 | $981.00 | $1,226.25 | $1,241.20 |
| Full EASE package with a wheelchair lifter | $572.25 | $858.35 | $1,144.50 | $1,430.60 | $1,445.60 |
Unfortunately, Singapore Permanent Resident households would have to pay the full upgrading cost. However, they would not have to pay for Optional and EASE improvements if they opt out of it.
Hidden costs of the HIP
Despite everything that’s listed above, the HIP might also involve certain hidden costs, especially if you choose some of the Optional and EASE improvements. One Lemon8 user, @TheChaoticWriter, went through the HIP and revealed that she had to pay extra to replace her toilet accessories like the mirror and the bidet. She also paid $20-$30 per new switch, and $40 to change the main switchboard. Her post included a list of private works that can be done:
Image credit: TheChaoticWriter
How long will the HIP take?
One saving grace of the Home Improvement Programme is that unlike typical renovations that might take 3-6 months, it’s usually complete in around 10 working days, depending on the improvements that were picked.
For the entire estate to have the HIP completed, it would take around 1.5-2 years. So do expect to see plenty of scaffolding and construction materials at your void deck for quite some time.
Where do I go when my flat is undergoing HIP?
With all that said and done, what happens to you and your family when your HDB flat is going through the HIP?
Image credit: TheSmartLocal
Since your bathroom will be out of use for nearly 2 weeks, HDB will install a portable toilet and tap in your kitchen. There will also be a common toilet installed in the void deck of your block if you don’t mind bringing your towel and a change of clothes down to the public space.
But there’s also the problem of the renovation works, especially for those who have to work from home, or for retired seniors. “We tried our best to stay out of the house most of the time as it was dusty and noisy,” Kristen Kua said of her HIP experience. “We didn’t eat dinner at home, and I went to a relative’s house to shower.”
Another HDB resident who went through the HIP also did not make any alternative living arrangements for the 10 days and recommends finding things to do during the day. “The renovation process was definitely noisy, so it could be helpful to plan some activities or seek alternative respite outside the home,” Alicia said of her experience with the HIP.
Homeowners with deeper pockets can also opt to book a staycation at a hotel, hostel, or serviced apartment for the duration of the HIP.
Are there any risks of undergoing the HIP?
It’s totally understandable if you’re cautious about the HIP as it might seem too rushed or too good to be true. While it’s relatively risk-free, you should also go into it with managed expectations.
@TheChaoticWriter on Lemon8 forewarned that the HIP was an “exhausting process that will take a toll on your mental and physical health.” The level of dust that will run rampant through your home is something you shouldn’t take lightly.
You might also have to supervise the HIP works occasionally as after all, the contractors are making permanent changes to your home.
How should I prepare my home for the HIP?
Image credit: Elaine’s Tiny World
One of the tasks anyone has to do before the HIP starts is to seal off all rooms, cabinets, and storage compartments from the aforementioned dust. HDB would provide some materials and sheets to do so, but it’s recommended to also seal the cracks under your doors with damp towels so that debris will not get in.
You can also wrap up your appliances and seal off power points to ensure that they won’t be riddled with dust or damaged during the 10 days of the HIP. FYI, the contractors are not allowed to use your power points for any of the renovations.
What should I do after the HIP is complete?
Image credit: Elaine’s Tiny World
After 10 days, the HIP on your unit should ideally be completed. Like all renovations, you should then begin to check for any defects in the contractor’s work. Things to look out for include paint stains, uneven installation of bathroom fixtures, holes in the caulk, and cracked tiles.
It’s super important to not acknowledge that the HIP has been completed on your unit until all the defects have been rectified.
Guide to HDB’s Home Improvement Programme
If your HDB block hasn’t been selected for the HIP yet, you might have something to look forward to in the coming years. However, you should know that it’s not compulsory for you to go through with the HIP, especially if you plan on renovating your home in the near future.
Read other HDB guides:
- How are BTO flats built today?
- Is it worth marble gum grouting your HDB?
- How to downsize your home in Singapore
Cover image adapted from: HDB, @en.snak. cz
Drop us your email so you won't miss the latest news.
