Suspended Renovation Works and Building Works for Landed Residential Properties (Single Dwelling Unit) to Resume from 2 June in a Safe and Controlled Manner

The Ministerial Task Force had earlier announced that there will be gradual resumption of construction works from 2 June 2020, including the following works that were suspended during the circuit breaker period:

• renovation works for residential units (that do not require building plan submission); and
• building works for single dwelling landed properties (those that require building plan submission).

All suspended renovation works in other types of buildings, new renovation works and new building works for landed residential properties will resume or start in a later phase. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) will provide regular updates on when such works can resume.

2        All companies are responsible for implementing precautionary measures to minimise the risk of COVID-19 outbreaks amongst workers. Companies intending to resume suspended renovation works (for both HDB flats and private residential units) or restart building works for landed residential properties (single dwelling unit) must apply for approval from BCA[1].

3        Companies restarting building works for landed residential properties (single dwelling unit) must comply with BCA’s COVID-Safe Restart Criteria (see Annex A), i.e. COVID-Safe Workforce, COVID-Safe Worksite and COVID-Safe Worker Accommodation and Transport. Companies restarting renovation works will need to comply with the COVID-Safe Workforce and COVID-Safe Worker Accommodation and Transport criteria. Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) Safe Management Measures  are required to be implemented at workplaces after the Circuit Breaker period as detailed in the prevailing law and MOM’s advisory at https://www.mom.gov.sg/covid-19/requirements-for-safe-management-measures.     

4        All workers who are carrying out construction-related activities are also required to attend the COVID-Safe Training for Workers to be familiarised with COVID-Safe measures before restarting work. More details are available at https://www.bcaa.edu.sg/BESafe.

5        To apply for work resumption, companies must provide documents, such as photos of renovation works that had been suspended due to the circuit breaker, as well as the contractual agreement with homeowners. Companies carrying out renovation works in HDB residential units will also need to apply to the Housing and Development Board (HDB) for the necessary permits (where applicable) after receiving approval from BCA. A copy of BCA’s approval would need to be displayed outside the premises undergoing renovation works.

6        BCA’s Chief Executive Officer Mr Hugh Lim said, “We understand that homeowners are looking forward to the completion of renovation works, and also building works for landed properties, especially those who are waiting to move into their new homes. However, works have to resume gradually in order to safeguard the health of the workforce and the safety of homeowners and the community at large. The industry is mindful that not all works can resume immediately as companies need time to implement safety measures. We seek homeowners’ understanding that suspended renovation works and building works may not be completed as quickly as they want them to be.”

7        BCA will continue to work closely with the Trade Associations and Chambers, as well as the industry, to implement the necessary safety measures for the phased restart of construction and renovation works.