Lesson 4 of 15 · Property
Renovating a landed home
Internal finishes can be straightforward. Extensions, structural changes, roof or façade work, and changes to floor area need earlier professional triage.
Rules, practice and our recommendation
- Official requirement or guidance
- URA says planning permission may be required depending on the property and work, and generally for additions or alterations that increase gross floor area. BCA advises owners to consult a Qualified Person about building and structural plan requirements.
- Common practice
- A contractor may coordinate consultants, but appointment, submission responsibility and fees should be stated clearly.
- AssureShield recommendation
- Ask a registered architect or Professional Engineer to classify uncertain structural or addition-and-alteration work before pricing is locked.
Classify the scope early
Separate finishes and fittings from structural work, extensions, earthworks, retaining structures, roofs, external changes and service alterations. The classification affects design time, professional fees and approvals.
Map the possible clearances
Planning, building control, fire safety, drainage, plumbing and electrical requirements may overlap. A government exemption in one area does not remove other applicable approvals or safety duties.
Record who is responsible
- Who is the QP and what are they appointed to submit?
- Which authority decisions are required before work?
- Which drawings are construction or approval drawings?
- Who inspects and certifies completion where required?
Before you move on
- Structural and external works separated
- QP need checked
- Planning and building approvals mapped
- Submission responsibilities written into appointments
Official sources
Source links checked 7 September 2026. Agency pages and requirements can change, so check the current page for your work before relying on it.
- Renovating private residential property (Urban Redevelopment Authority)
- Building works not requiring approval (Building and Construction Authority)
- Fire safety plan approval (Singapore Civil Defence Force)
- Engaging Licensed Electrical Workers (Energy Market Authority)
- Plumbing works and Licensed Plumbers (PUB, Singapore's National Water Agency)
General education only. Requirements depend on the property, proposed work, approvals and contract. Check the current agency guidance and use an appropriate qualified professional when the work or dispute needs one.