FC - RCMA - 2023-2024

123 • Download the Municipal Services Office’s OneService App to get information, such as duration of renovations taking place in your block, via the Home Renovation Notice (HRN) — this can help you plan your at-home activities ahead of time. • Works that do not affect the structure of the building do not require a renovation permit and thus neighbouring units will not be notified via the OneService App. However, it is still a good practice to be considerate and keep your neighbours informed of these works, so they can make their own arrangements. Visit https://go.gov.sg/hdb-reno (under Guidelines) to find out the types of renovations that require a permit. 1 1 Our Life Stories Wall cracks A result of natural expansion and contraction, wall cracks are a common occurrence in many homes. What to do? • Repaint the wall with a flexible sealant or elastomeric paint to seal hairline cracks. • Engage an approved contractor to repair wider cracks. Bathroom fittings Everyone uses their bathroom multiple times each day, which makes it even more important to keep it in good condition. What to do? • Keep your bathroom door and door frame dry by installing shower screens or curtains at the shower area, ventilating the bathroom properly after showering, and wiping the door and door frame dry if they get wet. • Replace your shower screen door sealant when it turns yellowish or black, and/or if water begins to leak through its joints. • Clean bathroom fittings, such as basin taps, with a mild detergent to prevent corrosion. MINIMISE NOISE WHEN YOU RENOVATE With work-from-home becoming increasingly common, it is always good to show consideration to your neighbours, who may be working from home, by keeping noise disturbances to a minimum. Take note of the following to make your renovation journey a pleasant one for everyone: • General renovation works that do not involve loud noises, such as painting or plastering, can be carried out from Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm. • Noisy works that require excessive hacking and drilling must be limited to Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. They cannot be carried out on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and the eve of New Year’s Day, Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali and Christmas. • Simple DIY reno works, such as installing of lights and shelves, can occur outside of the above-mentioned time frames. However, you should limit such works to between 7am and 10.30pm, and keep noise levels to a minimum. One way to do that is to keep your main door closed and inform your neighbours in advance. If you require professional help, you may engage a contractor on your own. In the event that you do not have any available contacts, you may scan the QR code or go t o https://go.gov.sg/hdb-minor-repairs for a list of contractors who offer various home maintenance services. Need more tips on home maintenance and basic DIY repair? Visit https://go.gov.sg/hdb-homecare-gu ide or scan the QR code to find out more. This article was first published in issue 32 of Life Storeys at go.gov.sg/hdb-lifestoreys