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 water 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 — lift, and not drag your furniture.

Tiles

Larger glazed porcelain tiles are commonly used for new BTO flats. The gaps in between the tiles are filled with tile grout which allow for slight movement of the tiles 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.

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: 

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 at www.scdf.gov.sg/HFAD.

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. The flushing effectiveness and volume have been tested in accordance with PUB’s standards and requirements. These fittings will help you to conserve water and lower your water bill.

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.