Context
- This is a 20-year-old HDB resale flat requiring a complete bathroom overhaul. All sanitary fittings, waterproofing, tiling, and fixtures are to be replaced in full. HIP scheduling for this block is not yet confirmed; all works must keep concealed services accessible to accommodate future HIP works without major disruption.
Non-Negotiables
- Ventilation — Effective ventilation is essential to prevent mould. If the existing window opening is insufficient, explore enlarging it (subject to HDB approval) or supplementing with mechanical exhaust.
- Drainage and water containment — Proper floor falls and drainage throughout. No ponding anywhere in the bathroom. Water must not escape into the main bedroom under normal use or drainage fault conditions.
- Kerb-free entrance and no internal kerbs — WC1 must have a completely kerb-free entrance and no internal kerbs. Floor falls, waterproofing, and shower separation must achieve this while maintaining full water containment.
- Full waterproofing — Complete renewal of waterproofing system with proper testing before finishes are applied. Non-negotiable for a 20-year-old unit.
- Pipe inspection and replacement — Existing water, waste, and concealed pipes to be inspected. Defective or unsuitable sections must be replaced as part of the overhaul, not patched over.
- Accessible pipe boxing — All exposed pipework to be boxed up neatly. Boxing must allow access for future maintenance and HIP works without full demolition.
- Remediate existing mould before new finishes — Existing mould and moisture-damaged surfaces must be properly inspected and treated before any new finishes are applied. Not to be covered over.
- AC condensate routing — Air-conditioning condensate must be deliberately and correctly routed to an appropriate floor trap or drain. It must not spread across the floor, cause ponding, or create an audible dripping sound. The ID, bathroom contractor, plumber, and AC contractor must coordinate the route, gradient, termination, and maintenance access. The system must be tested with all relevant AC units operating before handover.
- Spacious circulation — Layout and fittings must allow comfortable movement. No oversized vanity; size must be proportionate to the room.
- Right-sized storage — Adequate storage for daily bathroom use, but not so much that it crowds the space.
- Mould prevention at all surfaces — Ceiling, flooring, grout lines, and all joints must be designed to resist mould accumulation. Minimise grout lines throughout; use large-format tiles or seamless materials where possible.
- Integrated vanity sink and countertop — Sink and countertop to be formed from the same continuous material to eliminate joints that trap moisture and dirt. Material must be durable, scratch-resistant, and stain-resistant; ceramic is the current reference preference, subject to suitable alternatives.
- Rain shower — To be included as the primary shower fitting.
Open Items
- HIP schedule for Block 893A — to be confirmed with HDB
- Whether window enlargement is feasible and approvable
- Water heater type (instant vs. storage) and coordination across WC1, WC2, and kitchen — to be discussed with ID
- AC condensate receiving drain location — to be confirmed during coordination between ID, plumber, and AC contractor
Detailed requirements and coordination
Key Themes
- ### Complete Overhaul
- Full replacement of all sanitary ware, fittings, tiling, and fixtures. This is not a cosmetic refresh. Includes pipe inspection, mould remediation, and waterproofing renewal.
- ### Ventilation and Mould Prevention
- A priority given the unit's age. Mould resistance must be considered at every surface — ceiling, floor, walls, grout lines, and vanity joints. Consider window enlargement, louvred panels, or mechanical exhaust as part of the proposed solution.
- ### Minimalist Luxury
- The overall feel should be calm, uncluttered, and quietly luxurious — like a well-designed hotel bathroom. Avoid decorative excess. Every element should earn its place.
- ### Aesthetics and Lighting
- Soft, warm mood lighting is preferred over harsh functional lighting. Lighting design should complement the minimalist and luxurious feel rather than feel clinical.
- ### Wet/Dry Zoning
- Clear, functional separation between the shower zone and the vanity/entry area. Mandatory for WC1. The dry zone must remain genuinely dry and usable.
- ### Easy Maintenance
- Minimise grout lines, exposed joints, and dirt traps across all surfaces. Integrated sink and countertop. Fittings and finishes selected with long-term ease of cleaning in mind.
- ### Fixture Quality and Ergonomics
- Fittings should be well-proportioned and practical. The basin tap must have a spout angle and reach suited to the sink dimensions to avoid water splashing onto the counter or outside the basin.
- ### Future-Proofing for HIP
- HIP date is not yet confirmed. All concealed services (pipes, valves, traps) must remain accessible. No permanent sealing behind finishes.
Scope Clarification
- Robot vacuum access into WC1 is not required.
- WC2 wet/dry zoning is optional and to be assessed separately.
- AC condensate receiving drain (WC1 vs WC2) is to be confirmed with the ID and contractors.