HDB improvement program - for home owners

These are some tips based on our experience:

1. If you're very particular about quality and aesthetics of things, watch the progress like a hawk. This is especially on first few days and the last few days. First few days are to establish the ground work, where and which to hack. And last few days are the finishing. Especially at the finishing part, it progresses super fast! If you have patterned tile or wall, catch the tiler before he starts to tell him where and how you want the pattern to be. Most importantly, when they are installing the accessories, be there and supervise. Paiseh aside, you're the one who will live in it. It's unbelievable. One household got its shower head installed on top of the wash basin. So unless you're quirky enough, be the naggy Aunty there.

2. Be very clear of what can and what cannot. To use own toilet, wash basin, and tiles, there are extra charge for... Labour. We couldn't see the logic in it, but indeed it's official. If you supply your own material, you will need to pay for the labour ON TOP of the full fee. It got something to do about claiming the subsidy from HDB. For PRs, who receive no subsidy anyway, it really defies logic. But well, a rule is a rule.

3. Talk talk talk to neighbors! You wouldn't believe how much information you can get through this avenue. The construction supervisors quality and policy varies. If one allows raised platform in the toilet, the other may not. Take a pic of those can, and insist (Hey, you'll use it minimum twice a day. Make sure you're happy with it). Mind you, they'll only allow  reverting back to original structure. No change is allowed. Well, considering the sheer quantity that they need to churn out, understandable.

4. Relax, don't get worked out. Seems like the contract bidding is aimed to get an expensive but fast builders. So the MO will be that they'll just do it, they'll not wait for you. If you're not happy with it, they'll just redo the whole thing. Redoing things are not unusual. So don't hesitate. If you're like me, not keen on redoing over and over again (oh yes that's real), take note of point number 1.

5. Everyday you will meet different people. Even the supervisor is not dedicated to your unit (supposedly yes, but well... ). Arguments, disputes, quality of work varies. When you discuss with one, be sure to remember the name. Best, always go through the office as your point of contact.

So to end it, am I happy with the whole thing? Well, it's surely done fast. My bathroom walls are very slightly curved (it was so grossly bent, but we requested redoing). Lucky for us that our finishing plumber is good. He's neat, considerate and very patient. For the material supplied, I think they fall on the average quality wise. So we're prepared to change in a few years time.

All the best!