A Hard Choice: Safety vs. Style
More businesses are using Safety Scare Tactics to sell.
There are so many rules when it comes to a renovation.
But the truth is..
Many don't fully follow the rules because of Style.
In lots of HDBs, many bend the rules to create a nicer finish.
1. False ceiling
False ceilings add cost and makes future maintenance hard. Most HDB homes are designed to avoid that and be budget friendly for the next owner.
Why people do it
It looks good. A false ceiling has a clean, modern, designer condo look. They hide cables, pipes and messy wires.
2. Embed wire in wall
HDB wiring is kept exposed for safety and easy maintenance. Concealing wires in walls makes faults more expensive to find and repair.
Why people do it
It looks neat. You can have a clean, smooth wall. No white casing tracks sticking out.
3. Earth bonding
Earth bonding is for double earth protection. Double because your heater is already grounded through the DB box. Earth bonding adds a second layer of safety protection in case the first fails.
Why people skip it
It looks ugly. In a false ceiling this can't be seen but for HDB, you get two curly, yellow-green wires running from the heater pipes. This is often missed out, as it falls under electricians and not plumbers. To add this is an extra $80.
4. 22mm pipes
22mm pipes are recommended if your heater supplies a few hot water points. The larger size reduces water friction.
Why people don't do it
15mm pipes work fine, even for 3 hot water points. They also look good. Thin and sleek, not like fat 22mm pipes.
With 22mm, you can't use stainless steel
22mm stainless steel pipes don't bend so you will have to switch to copper pipes. All good in a false ceiling, but in an exposed HDB, the copper colour can be an eye sore.
Rules exist for a reason
So far, I have not seen anyone get fined for having a false ceiling or concealed wires.
Still, I am glad these rules exist.
If something goes wrong, we have a gold standard to refer to.
The grey area
The problem is what happens in the grey area between the rule book and real-life renovations.
Someone spots a rule being broken. Suddenly, there’s a long list of “must-dos”, and warnings about danger and death.
While you are scared, they offer a $350 solution that may only cost $50. And because we are a bit kiasi.. we pay. Right?
Educate, don't Exploit.
There’s nothing wrong with pointing out a rule.
But I don't like when others use fear to make fast money.
Feeling Scared?
If you are worried because of something you heard...
Send over a picture,
or get 2 quotes before you decide.