A Guide to the Features of Your New HDB BTO Flat

Congratulations on collecting the keys to your new home! As you move into your HDB flat, you may have some questions about its features and how to maintain them. Get the answers in this guide!

Drywalls

The internal partition walls in your home are built of Severe Duty grade drywall system and are filled with sound insulation material for good sound-proofing. You can watch the video below to learn more.

A set of sample anchors, ranging from light to heavy duty, has been placed in your Household Shelter. You can use them for mounting fixtures such as wall cabinets and television sets. When selecting locations for installing anchors, please avoid areas with concealed electrical wiring. 

To remove stains on drywalls, use a slightly damp cloth and a small amount of mild detergent. Wipe up excess moisture or soap along the way and avoid water pooling when mopping the floor, which may damage the drywall. Remember to ventilate your rooms to dry the walls and floor after cleaning!

Download your copy of the drywall user guide. 

Flooring and Skirting

Vinyl Strip Flooring

Pre-finished in factories to look like timber, vinyl strip flooring and uPVC skirting add warmth to your home décor.

Vinyl strip flooring is constructed using an interlocking installation system, which enables the strips to be laid on the floor screed without the use of adhesives. This method is also known as the ‘floating’ installation system. Vinyl strip flooring has good slip resistance and it is moisture resistant. uPVC skirting is made from strong and lightweight plastic building material with good moisture resistance. To keep them clean, simply sweep, or use a slightly damp mop. Remember not to use too much water!

To protect your floors from scratches, consider using soft pads for the base of your furniture legs. Also, take extra care especially when moving things around — i.e. to lift, and not drag your furniture.

Tiles

Porcelain tiles are commonly used for new BTO flats. The gaps in between the tiles are filled with tile grout, which allows for slight movement of the tiles due to the natural contraction and expansion of materials when there are changes in temperature.

Doors and Door Frames

The doors and door frames within your flat are made from uPVC. uPVC is a strong and durable material with good water resistance. For the toilet bi-fold doors, remember to use the recessed handles to open or close them!

To protect the doors from damage during renovation, you can request your renovation contractor to cover your doors and handles with corrugated cardboard or bubble wrap before works begin.

Household Shelter Door

The Household Shelter (HS) door is made of steel, making it significantly heavier and sturdier than other doors in your flat. It is designed to be airtight, with rubber gaskets fitted around the edge of the HS door to achieve a complete seal when closed to protect you during emergencies. Due to this tight seal, locking or unlocking the HS door would require more strength as compared to a standard door. The HS door should never be removed or tampered with. To ensure smooth operation of the door, apply lubricant to the hinges and locks at least once a year.

Window Restrictor for Top Hung Windows

A window restrictor is installed at the top hung window between your kitchen and service yard. The window restrictor limits the swing of the window and helps prevent accidental knocks. 

If you prefer a bigger window opening, you can simply detach or disengage the windows restrictor by following these steps: 

Friction Stay for Casement Window

The friction stay is a mechanical component that holds your casement window in position when opened, preventing it from swinging freely and enabling you to control the window opening angles. As part of regular maintenance, apply suitable lubricant to the movable joints of the friction stay when their movement becomes stiff, making it difficult to open or close the window. This will help ensure the window can be operated smoothly.

Home Fire Alarm Device (HFAD)

Noticed this device in your flat? This is a Home Fire Alarm Device (HFAD) – an automatic smoke detector installed on the ceiling that triggers an alarm when smoke is detected. 

You can test whether the HFAD is in working condition, by pressing the Test/Reset button located on the front face of the device. A light will blink and an alarm will sound to indicate that the HFAD is working. To reset the device, press the Test/Reset button until the alarm stops.

During renovation, you should place a temporary cover such as a plastic sheet over the HFAD to prevent dust getting into it. Remember to remove the temporary cover after renovation.

To learn more about the HFAD, read the instruction manual in your flat, or refer to the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) website.

Sanitary Fittings and Dual-Flush Low Capacity Water Closet (WC) Suite

As part of our national water conservation efforts, HDB has installed water efficient sanitary fittings and WCs in your flat which meet the Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELs) by PUB. This scheme promotes water conservation by minimising water wastage, helping you conserve water and lower your water bill. When replacing your sanitary fittings or WC suite in future, always look for products displaying water efficiency labels to ensure optimal water conservation.

We hope you learnt more about the features in your new flat.

To help you settle into your new home, do read our other guides on Renovating Your HDB Flat and Creating a Friendlier and Livelier Neighbourhood.