Most HDB Flats Built Before 1987 Have Been Renovated Under HDB’s Home Improvement Programme

If your home was built on or in 1986, is it been HIP?

No, I’m not talking about making your home as cool as this sci-fi home.

I’m talking about the Home Improvement Project.

Most HDB Flats Built Before 1987 Have Been Renovated Under HDB’s Home Improvement Programme

According to a report by The Straits Times, the majority of 320,000 Housing Development Board (HDB) flats built up to 1986 have been upgraded under HDB’s Home Improvement Project (HIP).

About 215,000 flats already have their projects completed while work has started on 96,800 other flats.

It was added that work will be implemented progressively on the remaining flats.

Next Batch: 1987 to 1997

The upcoming batch of flats to be renovated will belong to those built between 1987 and 1997.

According to HDB, about 56,000 units have been singled out for the Extended HIP.

It wasn’t specified when it’ll be rolled out, however.

HIP

Basically, as its name indicates, HIP is focused on improvements in a unit to fix common ageing flat problems such as:

• Spalling concrete
• Structural cracks
• Replacing old pipes
• Improving electrical load

Essentially, HIP will help to make these old flats look hip again.

The programme is carried out on a block basis, and at least 75% of Singaporean households within the block have to agree in order for the HIP to be carried out.

Other than the typical HIP components, homeowners can also opt for further improvements, such as upgrading their toilets, doors, grill gates, and refuse chute hoppers for an affordable rate.

Households with elderly family members can also opt for the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme.

Under EASE, safety features such as slip-treatment on toilet floors, ramps, and grab bars will be installed.

Depending on the flat, homeowners only need to fork out between S$125 and S$480 for the improvements.

To be eligible for EASE, the family must have:

• An elderly family member above 65 years old, or
• An elderly member between 60 and 64 years old and requires assistance in at least one Activities of Daily Living (ADL)

For families staying in blocks that do not qualify for HIP, they can apply directly from HDB.

Speaking of making flats more elderly-friendly, have you heard about the latest assisted-living HDB flats offered in the recent sales exercise at Bukit Batok?

From room service to a “common” living room, here’s what you need to know about this next innovative housing in Singapore.

Feature Image: Tang Yan Song / Shutterstock.com (Image is for illustration purpose only)