Hacking Service Yard Walls in Singapore: What Every Homeowner Should Know

In many Singaporean homes, especially HDB flats and condominiums, the service yard is a compact yet essential space often used for laundry, utility, or storage purposes. With limited square footage, many homeowners consider hacking the service yard wall to enlarge the kitchen, improve ventilation, or achieve an open-concept layout.

While this renovation idea is popular and can dramatically improve your home’s functionality, it is also heavily regulated. At Blackwoods Interior, we regularly advise homeowners on what is possible—and what isn’t—when it comes to service yard wall hacking.

This guide explains everything you need to know, from HDB renovation rules to risks, costs, and design alternatives.

Why Homeowners Hack the Service Yard Wall

Renovating the service yard wall can transform how your home feels and functions. Common reasons include:

• Creating a larger kitchen for cooking and entertaining

• Improving ventilation and natural light flow

• Enhancing spatial flow between kitchen and utility areas

• Modernizing older layouts to suit today’s open-concept living

With more Singaporeans seeking spacious and efficient layouts, service yard wall hacking is often one of the first renovation ideas discussed during home makeovers.

Is Service Yard Wall Hacking Legal in Singapore?

The short answer: Yes, but only with proper approval.

Not every wall can be hacked. In HDB flats, many service yard walls are load-bearing and cannot be demolished. Unauthorized hacking can result in fines, penalties, or even safety risks.

• HDB flats: Approval must be obtained through HDB’s renovation permit process. If the wall is structural, hacking will not be allowed.

• Private properties/condominiums: Approvals are required from your MCST (Management Corporation Strata Title), and in some cases from the BCA (Building and Construction Authority).

Understanding the Different Wall Types

Before deciding, it’s crucial to know what type of wall separates your kitchen and service yard:

• Load-Bearing Wall:

  • Supports the building’s structure

  • Cannot be hacked

  • Usually thicker and denser

• Non-Load-Bearing (Partition) Wall:

  • Does not affect structural integrity

  • Thinner, sometimes hollow

  • Can be hacked with approval

👉 Tip: Always check your original floor plan or consult a qualified interior designer or structural engineer before making plans.

Approval Process for HDB Service Yard Wall Hacking

If you’re an HDB homeowner, here’s what to expect:

1. Engage an HDB-Registered Renovation Contractor – Only licensed contractors can carry out hacking.

2. Submit a Renovation Permit Application – Your contractor will handle this, including floor plans and hacking details.

3. HDB Assessment – HDB will evaluate if the wall is structural. If yes, hacking is not permitted, though partial openings may be allowed.

4. Strict Compliance – Any unauthorized hacking can lead to penalties, reinstatement orders, or voiding of resale approvals.

Approval Process for Private Properties

For condominiums and landed homes:

• Professional Engineer (PE) Report – A PE may be required to assess load-bearing risks.

• MCST Approval – Condo management must approve hacking works.

• BCA Permit – Required for structural changes in private homes.

• Qualified Contractors Only – To ensure utilities, waterproofing, and safety are not compromised.

Risks of Service Yard Wall Hacking

While the idea is attractive, there are important risks to consider:

• Structural damage to the building if a load-bearing wall is removed

• Waterproofing issues, leading to leaks and long-term damage

• Utility disruptions from hidden pipes, wiring, or gas lines

• Regulatory violations, which may result in fines or reinstatement costs

Alternatives to Full Wall Hacking

If hacking isn’t possible, there are creative design alternatives:

• Partial wall openings for better light and airflow

• Tempered glass partitions to connect spaces without removing walls

• Sliding or bi-fold doors for flexible separation

• Replacing grilles with glass panels for a brighter, open feel

Best Practices for Service Yard Renovations

• Always verify the wall type before starting

• Hire only HDB-approved renovation contractors

• Plan for utility re-routing and proper waterproofing

• Ensure licensed debris disposal after hacking

• Follow permitted working hours (weekdays 9 AM – 5 PM)

Estimated Cost of Service Yard Wall Hacking

Costs vary depending on your home type and scope of work. On average:

• Hacking works: S$200 – S$600 per wall

• Debris disposal: S$100 – S$300

• Plastering & painting: S$200 – S$500

• Utility re-routing: Based on complexity

💡 Expect total costs to range between S$500 to over S$1,500.

Final Thoughts

 can open up valuable space, brighten your kitchen, and create a modern open-concept home. But in Singapore—especially for HDB flats—it’s a process that requires careful planning, professional assessment, and official approval.

At Blackwoods Interior, we help homeowners make informed renovation decisions while ensuring every project complies with HDB and regulatory guidelines. With the right approach, your home can be transformed safely and beautifully.

✅ Need advice on hacking your service yard wall?Contact Blackwoods Interior today for a free consultation.

📍 62 Ubi Rd 1, #01-15 Oxley Bizhub 2, Singapore 408734📞 8754 3212