Reading time is approximately 8 minutes.
Can the wall trim of a public housing unit be modified during renovation?
Before demolishing walls, installing sliding doors, false walls, and open-plan designs, you must read this.
Main wall vs. prefabricated partition wall vs. lightweight brick wall!
Three steps to understand structural walls, fire protection regulations, and the boundaries of projects exempt from approval.
▲ TL Home Reference Image
Design is about warmth; living is about attitude.
30-second summary of key points
The structural wall (main wall) must never be altered. Demolishing the structural wall not only violates the law and faces prosecution, but also endangers the structural safety of the entire building.
In homeowners' housing and public housing that use prefabricated modular components (prefabricated kitchens and toilets), the walls that are directly connected to the building's exterior walls or corridors are all part of the building's structure.
TL Home advocates "high-transmittance space magic without demolishing structural walls," using frosted glass sliding doors, integrated storage walls, and hidden doors to create open and spacious spaces without damaging the structure.
Core Decisions and Anti-Ambush Checklist
Engineering Category
Specific changes
Regulations and approval requirements
Alternative solutions recommended
Modifications are strictly prohibited (red light).
Structural walls/main walls, building shear walls, and exterior wall chiseling.
Absolutely prohibited. Violators will be ordered to restore the original and may be prosecuted.
By using geometric lines, panel finishes, or color extensions, the visual heaviness of the main wall can be softened.
Approval is required (yellow light)
Non-structural brick wall alterations, modifications to ventilation and lighting windows
The plans must be reviewed and submitted for approval to the Independent Review Panel/Village Office in accordance with the minor works regulations.
Lightweight double-sided storage cabinets are used instead of solid brick walls, saving space and legalizing the process.
Renovation without approval (green light)
Interior plastering and painting, floor tiling, and installation of non-fixed furniture.
It is an exempted project under the Buildings Ordinance, but it still needs to comply with fire and health regulations.
Custom-made floor-to-ceiling C-shaped cabinets and multi-functional platforms double the storage capacity.
High-risk facilities
Remove legally mandated fire doors from kitchens and convert them into open-plan kitchens.
If the original drawings require a specific fire resistance period, unauthorized dismantling is a violation.
Retains fire-resistant door frames, paired with retractable transparent fire-resistant glass door panels.
Follow along step by step: Standard operating procedure
01
View building plans (e-BROS)
Confirm the location of the structural wall by obtaining the official approved plan from the Housing Authority's Public Housing e-BROS or the management office.
Tip: Thick black lines usually indicate reinforced concrete load-bearing structures.
02
On-site detection of wall material and thickness
Structural walls are typically 150-200mm thick and produce a solid sound when struck; non-structural partition brick walls produce an echo when struck.
Tip: Do not rely solely on experience or guesswork; always refer to official charts.
03
Assessment of pipe wells and hidden pipes in water and electricity systems
There may be hidden public water pipes or electrical wiring channels inside the wall; the routing of the pipes must be confirmed before any alterations are made.
Tip: Kitchens and toilets that are backed by a wall usually have vertical exhaust and water supply pipes.
04
Choose a space replacement method that does not require demolition
Natural light is introduced through fluted glass sliding doors, and double-sided cabinets serve as room dividers, satisfying both storage and sound insulation needs.
Tip: Shorten the construction period by 2-3 weeks, and save on demolition and cleaning costs.
05
Any modifications must be reported according to the minor works regulations.
Non-structural masonry alterations must be submitted to the authorities by a registered minor works contractor by completing the relevant forms.
Tip: Adhere to building regulations to ensure homeowners can live with peace of mind.
TL Home Space Magic Perspective
How can designers simplify complex designs?
Penetrating Isolation Philosophy
A thin-framed frosted glass panel with metal trim serves as a flexible boundary between the sleeping area and the living room, allowing for unobstructed light when the door is open and maintaining privacy when it is closed.
Double-sided cabinet partition technology
On one side is a living room TV storage wall, and on the other side is a full-height wardrobe, saving 100mm of brick wall thickness and gaining an extra 15 feet of usable space.
This FAQ is a quick and easy guide.
Q: How can I quickly know whether the main wall in a house is the main wall?
A: The safest method is to log in to the Housing Bureau's Public Housing e-BROS system and view the unit's structural plans. Walls marked with thick solid lines, diagonal grids, or special black markings are mostly load-bearing structural walls and must absolutely not be demolished.
Q: Once you buy a subsidized housing unit, can you freely demolish the house and kitchen?
A: No. Although homeowners own the property title, they are still bound by the Buildings Ordinance and the Deed of Mutual. Structural walls, exterior walls, and fire-resistant doors and windows that affect fire safety cannot be altered without authorization; otherwise, the Housing Bureau's Independent Review Team has the right to issue a statutory restoration order.
Q: Public housing tenants have demolished interior walls. What will the Housing Department do when they find out?
A: Public housing is owned by the Housing Authority. Unauthorized demolition of walls is a serious violation, and the Housing Authority will order the tenant to restore the property at their own expense within a specified period. If the tenant refuses to cooperate or seriously damages the building structure, the tenancy agreement can be terminated immediately and the unit can be reclaimed.
The above information is for reference only, and our company assumes no legal responsibility whatsoever.
Related Lazy Person's Guide
-
Public housing front door, kitchen door and fire safety: What to check before replacing or repairing a door.
-
300 sq ft Public Housing/Home Ownership Scheme Floor Plan Guide: 3 Zoning Schemes for Two-Person, Three-Person Families, and Three-Generation Families
-
How to fill out the new public housing renovation application form? A complete guide to contractor information, project specifications, and pre-construction documents.