If I want to alter the partition or the use of my flat / shop (such as changing the bathroom into a study), do I need to obtain approval from the Buildings Department?

Contents

• Alteration and addition to structural walls
• Alteration and addition to non-structural walls
• Alteration and addition to a kitchen
• Alteration and addition to toilet/bathroom

All alteration and addition building works, including those involving structural walls, non-structural walls, kitchens, and toilets/bathrooms, must comply with the Buildings Ordinance (BO)to ensure adherence to building load, fire safety, and other relevant standards. For minor works, such as designated erection or alteration of non-structural walls or drainage works, Buildings Department (BD)should be notified before the commencement of the works and/or after the completion of the works in accordance with the Minor Works Control System, and there is no need to obtain prior approval or consent from BD. Depending on the nature, scale, complexity of the minor works concerned and the risks they pose to safety, prescribed building professionals and/or prescribed registered contractors should be appointed to carry out the works.Please click for the details of Types of Minor Works and Procedures for carrying out the Minor Works under simplified requirements.

If a property owner is in doubt whether the proposed works require approval from BD, he/she can consult Authorised Persons (AP)  ( Please click here for the list). AP can make careful considerations based on the design of works together with the condition of the existing building structure and provide professional advice. If the proposed works requires prior approval from BD, property owner must appoint AP to prepare and submit related plans for the approval from BD. The related works should be commenced after the approval from BD is obtained.

Alteration and addition to structural walls

According to the provisions of the BO, for alteration and addition works carried out in a building, if the building structure is involved, e.g. the removal or alteration of structural wall, beams or columns, the owner is required to appoint an authorized person (AP) and a registered structural engineer (RSE) to assess the feasibility of the works and submit building plans to the BD. The works should be carried out by a registered contractor after obtaining approval and consent from BD.

Alteration and addition to non-structural walls

Building works involving the removal of non-structural walls in a domestic flat are classified as exempted building works. These works can be carried out without obtaining prior approval and consent from BD or the appointment of registered building professionals or registered contractors.

If the building works involve the erection or alteration of non-structural walls in a flat and fall within the scope of minor works, BD should be notified before the commencement of the works and/or after the completion of the works in accordance with the Minor Works Control System, and there is no need to obtain prior approval or consent from BD. Depending on the nature, scale, complexity of the minor works concerned and the risks they pose to safety, prescribed building professionals and/or prescribed registered contractors should be appointed to carry out the works.

Alteration and addition to a kitchen

The removal of walls or doors enclosing the kitchen may affect structural safety and could allow a fire to spread beyond the kitchen, thereby compromising escape routes. Any person who intends to convert a kitchen into an open kitchen should first check the approved plan of the flat concerned to see whether the walls and/or the door enclosing the kitchen are structural walls and whether they are fire resisting. If the kitchen is to be converted into an open kitchen, the owner should first seek advice from a building professional to ensure that the alteration works comply with the provisions of the BO and relevant fire safety requirements. If the alteration involves changes to the building structure or affects the fire resisting construction or means of escape, owners should appoint an AP (and an RSE if the alteration involves structure of the building) under the BO. Building plans should be submitted to BD and approval and consent must be obtained before commencement of the works.

If the walls and/or door enclosing the kitchen shown on the approved plans are not fire resisting, they may be removed provided that the location and size of the kitchen are not changed. If changes to the location or size of the kitchen are to be made, owner should first seek advice from a building professional on the feasibility of the works.

Alteration and addition to toilet/bathroom

Windowless toilet/bathroom

According to the Building (Planning) Regulations, toilets/bathrooms should be provided with windows for natural lighting and ventilation but an exemption may be granted under Practice Note issued by BD for Authorized Persons, Registered Structural Engineers and Registered Geotechnical Engineers (PNAP) APP-98 upon application. An AP should be appointed by the owner for advice on the feasibility of the works. Building plans showing the required information should be submitted to BD together with the supporting documents for the exemption application. The works should be carried out by a registered contractor after obtaining approval and consent from BD.

Drainage Pipes and Waterproofing

For associated drainage works, prescribed registered contractors should be appointed to carry out the works and BD should be notified before the commencement of the works and/or after the completion of the works, in accordance with the Minor Works Control System. In addition, the waterproofing layer should be properly laid to prevent water seepage and nuisance to the unit below.