Separate a new-flat brief from a resale brief
For a new flat, begin with the finishes actually handed over and record issues through the relevant defect process before covering them. For a resale flat, identify previous overlays, damaged areas, loose finishes and any moisture history. Photographs and a measured plan help an installer understand the starting point.
Room names alone do not establish that a floor is suitable. Separate ordinary dry living spaces from bathrooms, service areas and exposed balconies when preparing the brief.
Check current HDB guidance for the work
HDB publishes renovation guidelines covering floor finishes and other building works, including restrictions that may apply to wet-area work in new flats. Check the current guidance for the exact proposal and ask the contractor to explain any required approval before booking removal or replacement.
This page is a planning guide, not permission to carry out a particular alteration. The proposed material, preparation and changes to existing construction need to be assessed together.
Assess overlay rather than assuming it
Keeping an existing floor may change disruption and preparation, but an overlay still requires product-specific assessment. Ask about the condition and flatness of the existing finish, moisture, door clearance, transitions and the final floor height. An unsuitable base does not become suitable because it is hidden.
Request separate scopes for an assessed overlay and removal where both are feasible. Compare what each proposal includes instead of treating “no hacking” as a complete specification.
Build the household shortlist
Compare the material families against cleaning habits, furniture, children, pets and the rooms involved. Examine full-size samples under the lighting planned for the flat. Write down the exact collection and permitted cleaning method rather than relying on a broad description such as wood-look or waterproof.
Prepare the quotation brief
- Flat type, floor plan, measured rooms and photos.
- Existing finish, previous overlays and known defects.
- Removal or overlay proposal and approval responsibility.
- Preparation, door details, trims and disposal scope.
- Installation sequence, access and handover documents.
Use the quotation checklist to compare equivalent proposals.
Sources and further reading
Consult the current instructions for the exact product and project. Manufacturer examples explain their own systems; they do not certify every material sold in Singapore.
Continue with a specialist guide
Use these guides to resolve the next questions in your project brief.