I REFER to the letter 'HDB resale inspection brings on a headache' by Ms Yuen Woon Har (ST, May 13).
Flat-owners must ensure that their contractors carry out the work according to the terms and conditions of the renovation permit.
The HDB conducts random checks on renovation work, which can take place while it is being done, or upon its completion.
As flat-owners may carry out further renovations, the checks are still needed during the resale inspection to detect any unauthorised work.
In the case mentioned by Ms Yuen, the flat-owners had engaged their own contractor to carry out renovation work, including laying ceramic tiles on the kitchen floor.
The maximum thickness of the tiles and the screed must not exceed 50mm to avoid excessive loading of the floor slab. This requirement is clearly stated in the renovation permit.
When the HDB conducted an inspection of the flat during the resale process, we noted that the kitchen floor level was unusually high, as evidenced by the obvious difference in height between the living room and kitchen floor.
Measurements taken at the kitchen floor revealed that the thickness of the tiles and the screed to be around 100mm, which is double the limit allowed.
We had explained the situation to the flat-owners, who engaged their own contractor and rectified the overtopping.
The contractor who had carried out the earlier renovation works had ceased to be a Registered Renovation Contractor since 2000.
Nevertheless, the HDB has blacklisted the contractor from future registration as an HDB-Registered Renovation Contractor.
Thong Keng Wai
Head, Jurong West Branch Office
Housing & Development Board
