The Independent Checking Unit (ICU) exercises building control to properties developed and divested by the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA), under the delegated authority from the Building Authority (BA) similar to the building control on private properties by the Buildings Department (BD). In general, household renovation and simple works carried out in a domestic flat, e.g. plastering, laying tiles, repair or replacement of sanitary fitments, are exempted building works under the Buildings Ordinance (BO), which do not require prior submission to the ICU for approval but such works still have to comply with the relevant building regulations, including standards of fire safety, structural safety, drainage works, etc. However, if the renovation works involve structure of the building or would affect the original building elements required by various building regulations, such as the provision of lighting and ventilation; fire resistance properties or means of escape for the premises concerned, which are not considered as minor works (MW) or exempted building works under the BO, the owners have to appoint prescribed building professionals to assess the design and the related legislative requirements and submit plans to the ICU for approval before carrying out such works. For some work items that may be carried out under the Minor Works Control System (e.g. erection of non-load bearing brick walls, erection and alteration of supporting frames for air-conditioning unit and drying rack projecting from external walls), MW submissions can be lodged to ICU in accordance with the stipulated procedures (for details about classification of minor works please visit: https://www.bd.gov.hk/en/building-works/minor-works/index.html).
The BD provides general guidelines to alteration and addition works in domestic premises in their web site (for details please visit: https://www.bd.gov.hk/doc/en/resources/pamphlets-and-videos/SGAAWDP.pdf). The Housing Electronic Building Records Online System (HeBROS) of the ICU also provides building and structural drawings for public access (web site: https://eservices.housingauthority.gov.hk/hebros/).
In case of queries on home renovation works in the properties developed and divested by the HA, please call telephone no. 3162 0597 for assistance.