What are the most common A&A projects in Singapore?

Additions and Alterations (A&A)

Premium Addition and Alteration (A&A) works in Singapore

Welcome to Haus Atelier, your trusted partner for A&A in Singapore. We’re passionate about turning houses into homes by creating beautiful, functional spaces that truly reflect your lifestyle. Whether you need more room for your growing family, want to refresh your layout, or dream of a complete home transformation, we’re here to bring your vision to life. With our expertise in A&A works in Singapore, we ensure every project is tailored to your needs, delivering quality craftsmanship and seamless renovations.

Swimming Pools

Standalone properties with enough space and budget may add or edit the shape of swimming pool.

Staircases

Changes to the location and type of staircase ( ie. from dog leg staircase to spiral etc)
Changes to the type of stairs are also part of A&A - ie. Changing a closed riser staircase to an open riser one.

Extension of Floor Plate

A common desire is to extend the existing 2nd Storey floor plate to its maximum boundary
Such an extension, while possible, can be quite major depending on the size of the extension and dependent on whether the existing structure is able to take the load.

what is addition and alteration(a&a) works?

A&A stands for 'Additions & Alterations’ to a building. As the name suggests, it denotes derivations to the existing building involving significant changes ( but not more than 50%) to either one of the following:

Gross Floor Area
External Walls ( Facade)
Structure
Replacement of Roof without involving an additional storey
Addition of Attic ( provided GFA is less than 50%)

As a BCA licensed GB1 builder, we are fully equipped to handle the necessary applications and approvals from the necessary Authorities. Trust us to deliver the best A&A works that money can buy and create a beautiful, functional space that exceeds your expectations.

The Importance of Experience in Addition and Alteration Works

As a landed homeowner, you may be eager to get started on your renovation or addition in Singapore. However, it's important to take the time to carefully consider your plans and make informed decisions. That's where an experienced company like Haus Atelier comes in. Houses are at the forefront of our business - and we have a team that is trained in Design, Architecture and Structure coupled with the knowledge of local compliances and requirements to aid in your process.

We can help you navigate the often grey and unusual process, ask the right questions, work with the necessary experts, and explore different scenarios to ensure you are making the best possible choices for your home improvements and alterations.

a&a works vs reconstruction: what's the difference?

Additions & alterations (A&A) works involve minor modifications to an existing landed house, while reconstruction involves replacing a “substantial” portion of the house, either by increasing the gross floor area, replacing or constructing new external walls, or replacing or constructing new structural elements.

What's the Difference between A&A and Reconstruction

Generally, if the proposed works exceed 50% of any of the following factors, they will be considered reconstruction:

Gross floor area: the amount of new floor space compared to the existing space
External walls: replacing or constructing new walls
Structural elements: replacing or constructing new columns, beams, or floor slabs

In addition to these criterias, any work involving an adidtion of a new level is always considered reconstruction, regardless of the percentage of the existing structure that is being replaced.

common a&a works in singapore

A&A Works refer to Additions and Alterations made to an existing building. The scope of A&A work can range from simple modifications to extensive structural changes, depending on the complexity and scale of the project. More often than not, the extent of A&A is largely determined by the strength of the existing structure.

For example, if your living room has a double-volume space and you decide to slab over it to extend the L2 floor plate, it may qualify as a simple A&A if the existing structure can support the extension, allowing a bondek slab to be erected over the void. However, if the structure cannot withstand the additional load, new columns on footing may be required, making the process more invasive to the existing structural grid.

When it comes to A&A in Singapore, careful assessment and planning are essential. Our expert structural engineers can determine the feasibility and extent of the work required, ensuring a safe and efficient execution of your project.

FAQs

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Attics

Adding an attic can provide extra space and height to homes, depending on each home and the existing roof levels of these homes - an attic may or may not be allowed depending on whether the existing structure is already at the maximum of its building envelope.
Attic construction is also expensive and may not be possible for all homes due to structural limitations.

Addition of Lifts

Lifts usually require a lift pit and sometimes a lift overrun. The addition of a lift definitely adds mobility and flexibility for the owners but would involve a change in the structural grid of the house.
The addition of a lift can fall into the category of A&A if there is space for a lift shaft and a hydraulic lift can be added.
To add a traction lift (the lifts that we are accustomed to) often falls in the realm of reconstruction.

The duration of A&A in Singapore varies based on the scope of the project. Minor works, such as internal remodeling or non-structural enhancements, can take anywhere from ten to fourteen months. For larger-scale projects involving structural modifications, extensions, or major upgrades, the timeline typically ranges from twelve to eighteen months..

How long does it take to complete A&A works?

Do I need approval from authorities for A&A works?

Yes, approval from various government agencies is required depending on the nature of the A&A in Singapore. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) regulates zoning and land use, while the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) ensures compliance with structural safety standards. For fire safety measures, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) may need to review the project. Homeowners of HDB flats must obtain approval from HDB, while those in condominiums need permission from the Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST).

What happens if I carry out unauthorized A&A works?

Unauthorized A&A works in Singapore can lead to serious consequences, including legal penalties and enforcement actions by regulatory authorities. If renovations are carried out without proper approvals, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) or the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) may issue fines or stop-work orders. In severe cases, homeowners may be required to demolish or rectify the illegal modifications at their own expense.

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