Singapore Handyman Services: What Requires a Licensed Professional?

In Singapore, home improvement and repair work is regulated. Some tasks can be handled by any competent handyman; others legally require licensed professionals. Getting this wrong can invalidate insurance, void warranties, and in HDB flats, result in fines or reinstatement orders.

What Any Handyman Can Do

These tasks do not require any specific licence and can be performed by a general handyman:

• Furniture assembly (IKEA, flat-pack, wardrobes)
• TV wall mounting (including cable management)
• Curtain rod and blind installation
• Shelf and wall bracket installation (into concrete, brick, or stud walls)
• Door alignment and adjustment (hinges, door gap correction)
• Lock and doorknob replacement (like-for-like)
• Grab bar and safety rail installation
• Grouting and silicone re-sealing (around bathtubs, sinks, tiles)
• Wall patching and plastering (filling holes, repairing minor cracks)
• Touch-up painting (same colour, non-load-bearing surfaces)
• Light fitting replacement (like-for-like, same fitting, no new wiring)
• Ceiling fan installation (replacing an existing ceiling fan at an existing point)
• Toilet seat replacement
• Tap and faucet replacement (like-for-like at existing connections)
• Shower head replacement

For all of the above, a competent handyman should suffice. Typical call-out rates in Singapore: $60–$100/hour, minimum 1 hour, with materials charged separately.

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What Requires a Licensed Electrician (EMA-Licensed)

The Energy Market Authority (EMA) licenses electricians in Singapore. Under the Electricity Act, any electrical installation work beyond simple like-for-like replacement must be done by an EMA-licensed electrical worker.

Requires a licensed electrician:

• Installing new power points (13A sockets, USB outlets)
• Adding new lighting circuits or extending existing ones
• Installing a new distribution board (DB box) or upgrading the main circuit breaker
• Connecting new appliances directly to the electrical system (e.g., built-in oven, water heater)
• Any work involving opening up walls to access electrical conduits
• Replacing a DB box or circuit breakers with higher capacity
• Installing EV charging points in car porches or garages (landed property)

Risks of using an unlicensed electrician:

• Fire or electrocution risk from incorrect wiring
• Home insurance may refuse claims for fires caused by unlicensed electrical work
• HDB/MCST may require expensive reinstatement if discovered during inspection
• Fines of up to $10,000 under the Electricity Act

Licensed electrician rates: $80–$150/hour + materials.

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What Requires a Licensed Plumber (PUB-Licensed)

PUB (Singapore's national water authority) requires a licensed plumber for any work involving modifications to the water supply system.

Requires a licensed plumber:

• Installing new water supply pipes or rerouting existing pipes
• Any work that hacks into walls to access concealed pipes
• Installing a new toilet bowl with new supply connection (simple replacement is OK for a handyman)
• Water heater installation with new water supply connection
• Concealed pipe leak repair (requires detection and hacking)
• Installing filtration or water softener systems connected to the main supply

Simple replacements that a competent handyman can do:

• Replacing a like-for-like tap or faucet at the same connection point
• Replacing a flexible hose (under-sink connections)
• Replacing a shower head
• Clearing a blocked drain (no pipe modification)
• Replacing toilet cistern internals

Licensed plumber rates: $80–$150/hour + materials + call-out fee.

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What Requires a Licensed Gas Service Worker (EMA-Licensed)

Gas work — whether piped gas (town gas) or LPG cylinder connections — is regulated by EMA.

Requires a licensed gas service worker:

• Installing or relocating a gas hob or gas appliance
• Any work on gas pipes (including tightening or replacing joints in the concealed gas supply system)
• Connecting gas appliances to the piped gas supply

This is rarely relevant for tenants (who typically should not modify gas systems at all), but relevant for landlords upgrading kitchens.

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What Requires HDB Permission (For HDB Flats)

HDB has its own rules for renovations in HDB flats, separate from professional licensing requirements.

Work that requires HDB permission (via the APEX portal):

• Hacking of any concrete or structural walls
• Installing a new window or enlarging an existing window opening
• Structural modifications (removing or altering load-bearing elements)
• Installing a reinforced door with a full frame
• Adding a room partition that creates an enclosed space
• Any changes to the toilet, bathroom, or kitchen layout involving moving drainage or supply points

Work that does NOT require HDB permission:

• Like-for-like replacement of fixtures (tiles, toilets, taps, lights)
• Painting
• Installing built-in furniture or wardrobes (not structural)
• Flooring over existing floors (without hacking)
• Installation of retractable roof (approved types)

For landlords planning renovations between tenancies, always check HDB's e-Service portal or call HDB's renovation helpline before starting any structural work.

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Condo-Specific Rules (MCST)

Condominiums have MCST (Management Corporation Strata Title) rules that overlay on top of the above:

• Renovation work must be approved by MCST in advance (typically takes 3–7 working days)
• Work hours are generally restricted to Monday–Saturday, 9am–6pm
• Workers must sign in at security and show work permit/IC
• Some MCSTs require a refundable deposit ($300–$1,000) against potential common area damage
• Hacking and heavy works may be further restricted (e.g., only on weekdays)

As a tenant, any renovation beyond simple maintenance requires the landlord's written permission first, and then MCST approval.

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Where to Find Licensed Professionals in Singapore

For general handyman services, Singapore has no formal licensing — reputation, reviews, and references are the key filters. Platforms like SGLinkUp, Kaodim, and Helpling aggregate vetted providers with review histories.