Before the commencement of any commercial projects, it is compulsory to send submission works to the relevant authorities for approval. Without doing this step, the commercial tenant may risk reworks and fines. Such risk factors may incur more cost and time loss for the tenant. Such additional cost is unnecessary.
Therefore, it is important to let an experienced contractor to do the permit-to-work, drawings and submission works for you. In this way, you will not add extra cost to your renovation budget, and you can have time to plan your operations and human resources for the new premise.
Once the paperwork is done, only a Qualified Person (QP) or Professional Engineer (PE) can send the documents to the relevant authorities on your behalf.
** All renovation works generally require Qualified Person (QP) to submit an application via Corenet. We will handle all the liason with QP to incorporate all the requirements and compliance.
Let us look at where your submission work will go to.
FIRE SAFETY AND SHELTER DEPARTMENT (FSSD) UNDER SINGAPORE CIVIL DEFENCE FORCE (SCDF)
Fire safety requirements are very important to abide. There are two key aspects that the authority will look into before giving you the permit. Firstly, it is important that your building materials are non-combustible. Next, the emergency path must be highly accessible and not blocked.
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE (BCA)
The QP must also submit relevant plans to the Commissioner of Building Control (under BCA) for approval. BCA will check the structural capability of your proposed renovation works. Hence, it is important to invest on good quality building materials as well as a good and honest commercial renovation contractor who deeply understands the requirement of BCA.
BUILDING MANAGEMENT (MCST)
The next authority to approve the renovation works of your commercial unit, is the building management. Different building management will have different set of approval guidelines and it is vital to abide by their rules. An experienced contractor will study the requirements of the MCST thoroughly and then submit the plans thereafter.
OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) – Construction of mezzanine floor and storage platform as well as installation of retractable awning with cantilevered projection in JTC commercial units.
Housing Development Board & Town Council – Renovation of Commercial premises, including installation of air-conditioning units, canopy, hacking work, construction of ramps for wheel chair access, etc.
National Environmental Agency (NEA) – Installation of spray-painting booth in JTC commercial units.
PUB – Addition and alteration to sanitary and Sewerage systems.
MINOR WORKS WHICH DO NOT REQUIRE APPROVAL
Renovation works such as replacement of existing windows, installation of window grills, floor finishes, wall tiles and other minor works, need not require approval from the government authorities.
However, most building management in retail malls will advise tenants’ contractors to carry out the minor works after the shopping hours. This is to prevent disruption to the shopping experience of the mall visitors.
In summary, you will save a lot of hassle and time by employing a professional design firm which understands the importance of submission works for your project.
