Hacking & Demolition: Costs and What's Involved

Hacking and demolition in Singapore usually ranges from a few hundred dollars for a small wall or countertop up to several thousand dollars for a full flat strip-out. As a rough guide, hacking a non-structural masonry wall often falls in the region of 400 to 900 dollars, while removing existing floor and wall tiles across a flat can run into the low thousands once you add debris disposal. The exact figure depends on the material, the area involved, how the debris is carted away, and whether the work needs an HDB permit.

Hacking is the demolition stage of a renovation: knocking down walls, chipping off old tiles, removing built-in cabinetry, and clearing out fixtures so the space is ready for rebuilding. It is dusty, noisy work that has to follow strict local rules, especially in HDB flats, so understanding what drives the price helps you budget properly and avoid nasty surprises.

What does hacking and demolition include?

Hacking covers everything that has to come out before the new renovation goes in. The scope is agreed upfront so both sides know exactly what is being removed and what stays.

Typical items in a hacking and demolition quote include the following.

• Removing non-structural brick or block walls
• Hacking off old floor and wall tiles down to the screed or slab
• Tearing out existing built-in wardrobes, kitchen cabinets and vanities
• Removing old sanitary ware such as toilets, basins and sinks
• Chipping out damaged screed or waterproofing before it is redone
• Carting away and disposing of all debris at an approved dump

How much does hacking cost in Singapore?

Prices vary by contractor and by how the work is measured, but the ranges below reflect what many Singapore homeowners see. Treat them as planning figures, not fixed quotes, because access, quantity and disposal all move the number.

Debris disposal is often the hidden cost. A lorry load carted to an approved dump adds a few hundred dollars, and a full flat can need several trips.

• Non-structural wall hacking: roughly 400 to 900 dollars per wall depending on size and thickness
• Floor tile hacking: commonly quoted per square foot or as a lump sum, often in the low thousands for a whole flat
• Wall tile hacking in a kitchen or bathroom: several hundred dollars per room
• Removing built-in carpentry: a few hundred dollars per unit
• Debris removal and disposal: typically 200 to 500 dollars per lorry load

What are the HDB rules for hacking?

If you live in an HDB flat, you cannot simply knock down any wall you like. Structural walls, reinforced concrete walls and columns must never be hacked, and certain works need a permit from HDB before they can start.

Your contractor should be an HDB registered renovation contractor, and permitted works must be carried out within HDB approved hours. As a general rule noisy or dusty demolition is restricted to weekdays and Saturdays during the day, with no such work allowed on Sundays and public holidays. Removing or hacking the flat's original wall finishes and floor finishes within the first three years of key collection can also be restricted, so check before you plan.

Can I hack structural walls in my home?

No. In both HDB flats and condominiums, structural walls, beams and columns hold the building up and cannot be removed or altered without proper professional approval. Hacking one is dangerous and illegal, and it can put your entire block at risk.

If you want to open up a space, a qualified person such as a Professional Engineer must assess the wall first, and any approved structural change goes through the relevant authority or the condo's management. When in doubt, assume a wall is structural until it is confirmed otherwise.

What affects the final price?

Two flats of the same size can get very different quotes because several factors push the cost up or down. Knowing them helps you compare quotes fairly.

The biggest swings usually come from quantity of debris, difficulty of access, and the condition of what lies underneath the surface.

• Total area and number of walls being hacked
• Material type, since concrete and thick masonry take longer than lightweight partitions
• Floor level and lift access, which affect how quickly debris can be removed
• Amount of debris and the number of lorry trips to the dump
• Whether old waterproofing or screed also needs to be chipped out
• Protection works to shield lifts, corridors and neighbouring units from dust

How do I get hacking and demolition done properly?

Because hacking sets the foundation for the rest of your renovation, it pays to use an experienced contractor who handles the permits, protection works and disposal as one package rather than leaving you to coordinate it. A clear itemised quote should list each wall, each area of tiling, and the disposal cost separately so you can see exactly what you are paying for.

Our hacking and demolition service covers site protection, HDB permit support where needed, safe removal of walls, tiles and old fittings, and full debris clearance, so your space is clean and ready for the next trade. Reach out for a site assessment and a transparent quote before any work begins.

Frequently asked questions

How long does hacking take? A single wall or one bathroom can be done in a day, while a full flat strip-out including tiles and carpentry usually takes two to four days depending on size and debris volume.

Do I need a permit to hack a wall in my HDB flat? You may. Non-structural changes and certain wall works require an HDB permit applied for by your registered contractor, while structural walls can never be hacked at all. Always confirm before starting.

Is debris disposal included in the quote? Not always. Some contractors quote hacking and disposal separately, so ask whether carting away and dumping fees are included to avoid a surprise charge later.

Will hacking damage my neighbour's unit? It should not if protection works are done properly. A careful contractor seals off shared areas, controls dust, and works only within approved hours to keep disruption and risk to a minimum.