Common Reasons BCA Rejects Temporary ERSS Submissions (And How to Avoid Them)
Key Takeaways Temporary ERSS submissions are commonly returned when the technical evidence, drawings, design assumptions, and authority responses do not form one clear and verifiable package. Confirm that every required form, report, calculation, drawing, and supporting record is included. Base the ERSS design on current site investigation, groundwater, utility, and neighbouring-structure information. Show the design […]
The Cost of ERSS Submissions in Singapore: Breakdown of Consultant Fees, Checking Fees, and Testing
Key Takeaways ERSS costs depend on the excavation, ground conditions, design responsibility, checking requirements, and the level of construction-stage support needed. A useful budget separates professional fees from testing, monitoring, authority coordination, and risk allowances. ERSS is a temporary earth-retaining system used to support excavations and control ground movement. Consultant fees rise with excavation depth, […]
Temporary King Post and Strutting Systems: Structural Detailing for BCA Approval
Key Takeaways A temporary king post and strutting system is only as reliable as its design basis, connections, construction sequence, and site control. BCA approval depends on a coordinated package that explains both the engineering and how the system will be built. Define the ground, loading, geometry, and construction stages before detailing steel. Check member […]
Roof extension regulations in Singapore: Structural limits you must know
Key Takeaways Adhering to Singapore’s strict building codes is essential for any roof extension project, requiring careful planning and professional oversight to remain compliant. BCA approval remains the primary requirement for all structural additions. Proper calculation of dead and live loads ensures long-term safety. Professional Engineers must endorse all structural analysis documentation and plans. Climate […]
Essential structural guidelines for building a swimming pool in your landed home
Key Takeaways Designing a swimming pool for a landed property involves navigating a complex landscape of regulatory, geotechnical, and engineering requirements to ensure long-term stability and safety. Adhere to site-specific setbacks and zoning rules mandated by planning authorities. Prioritize professional soil investigations to determine appropriate foundation design. Model structural integrity through advanced analysis before starting […]
Rebuilding vs. A&A: A structural engineer’s perspective on Singapore homes
Key Takeaways Deciding between renovation and complete reconstruction requires a deep understanding of your property’s current state and your long-term spatial goals. Homeowners must balance regulatory constraints with engineering realities to create safe, valuable assets for the future. Categorize projects based on structural impact to avoid unnecessary regulatory delays. Understand the specific site constraints, such […]
Can I add another storey to my intermediate terrace house in Singapore? A practical guide
Key Takeaways Adding a new storey to an intermediate terrace house requires careful navigation of URA zoning and height restrictions. Professional structural assessments are mandatory to ensure the existing foundation can support increased load. A Qualified Person must lead multidisciplinary submissions to agencies like BCA and SCDF. Unauthorized vertical additions pose significant legal risks, including […]
When exactly do you need a structural PE for HDB renovations? A homeowner’s guide
Key Takeaways Understanding structural safety guidelines is essential for any homeowner planning a home upgrade. Here are the core principles you need to know: Structural modifications often require professional certification to ensure building stability. HDB permits are mandatory for specific hacking works to protect block integrity. Identifying the difference between load-bearing and non-structural walls prevents […]
Wall hacking in Singapore homes: Understanding structural risks and PE endorsement requirements
Key Takeaways Renovating a home in Singapore requires a deep understanding of the regulatory landscape and the physical constraints of your property’s structural system to ensure long-term safety and legal compliance. Structural walls in Singapore properties cannot be removed without rigorous engineering verification. Engaging a Professional Engineer is a mandatory step for load-bearing wall modifications […]
Boosting Construction Safety: Insights from Tung Ching Yew
Workplace safety in Singapore has seen some positive movement, with a notable drop in fatalities in the first half of the year compared to last year. This improvement is partly thanks to a "Heightened Safety Period." While this is good news, the Manpower Ministry points out that there’s still work to do, especially in the […]