HDB Hacking Quotes: Check Removal, Approvals and Making Good

An HDB hacking quotation should identify exactly what will be removed and what must be protected or reinstated afterwards. Removing a finish, dismantling cabinetry and altering a wall are different activities. Do not accept one broad hacking allowance without understanding its scope.

Mark every removal item on the plan

List walls, floor and wall finishes, built-in cabinets, sanitary fittings and other items separately. Ask the firm to distinguish demolition from careful dismantling where you intend to retain or reuse something. Provide photographs and identify areas that must remain untouched.

If a wall alteration is proposed, confirm the applicable evaluation, approval and professional requirements before committing to the design. HDB’s renovation-permit guidance addresses evaluation for certain work such as demolition of walls. Do not infer permission from how a wall looks.

Confirm protection and access arrangements

Ask what protection is provided for retained rooms, flooring, doors, windows, common areas and fittings. Discuss whether the flat is occupied and how access will be controlled. Identify furniture or appliances that need removal or temporary storage.

Clarify deliveries, transport of debris and cleaning responsibilities. A low demolition line item may exclude protection, disposal or making good that another proposal includes. Compare the complete work needed to leave the site ready for the next trade.

Identify the work after removal

Ask how affected walls, floors and junctions will be repaired or prepared. Check whether the proposal includes new finishes, levelling, plastering or painting where required. Clarify interfaces with electrical, plumbing and carpentry work.

If an area cannot be fully assessed before opening up, have the firm identify the uncertainty and approval process. Request evidence and an appropriate professional assessment when needed, rather than agreeing in advance to an undefined charge for whatever is discovered.

Record applicable restrictions and the sequence

For bathrooms and other affected areas, check current HDB requirements before selecting the removal method. A package title does not establish that every proposed alteration is allowed for your flat.

Ask who submits applications where needed, when the work can begin and how it fits the project programme. Have the firm explain dependencies on disconnection, inspections or follow-on work. Do not book other trades against an unconfirmed demolition start date.

Review the price and variation terms

Confirm measured quantities, protection, transport, debris removal, disposal, preparation, reinstatement and applicable tax. Identify what is excluded and which items remain provisional. Agree written approval of additional work and its timing effect.

At the end of the stage, walk through the scope with the coordinator before subsequent work conceals it. Record retained-item damage or incomplete preparation promptly through the agreed process.

Frequently asked questions

Can I assume a non-structural-looking wall is removable?

No. Confirm the applicable requirements for the actual wall and proposed work with the relevant professionals and authorities.

Does hacking include all repairs afterwards?

Ask explicitly. Demolition, preparation and finishing may be separate quotation items.

Request a complete removal scope

Prepare a marked floor plan, photographs and retain list. Browse renovation company directory or request quotations at request free renovation quotes. Ask every firm to price the same removals and reinstatement.

RenoLinkUp is a marketplace, not the contractor carrying out the renovation. You agree the project contract directly with the selected business. Sources checked on 19 October 2026; confirm the requirements and written terms for your own project.