BCA Approval for Office Renovation

When planning an office renovation in Singapore, one of the key things to consider early is BCA approval. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) ensures that all renovation works meet safety and regulatory standards. While not every renovation requires direct approval from BCA, understanding when it does helps you avoid costly delays later.

At Pivot, we often tell clients that a successful renovation starts long before the first wall is built. It starts with knowing what kind of works need to be submitted, who is responsible, and what authorities are involved.

When You Need BCA Approval

Not all office renovations need to go through BCA. Minor changes like repainting walls, installing loose furniture, or adding soft furnishings generally do not require approval.

However, BCA approval is required when renovation works involve:

• – Structural changes to the building
• – Addition or removal of walls, especially those that may affect fire escape routes
• – Changes to mechanical or electrical systems that impact the building infrastructure
• – Works that affect the overall load of the floor or ceiling

If you are unsure, it is best to consult a Qualified Person (QP), usually an architect or engineer, who can assess whether your renovation plans fall under BCA’s purview.

The Approval Process

The process typically involves the following steps:

1. Engage a Qualified Person: They will review your proposed layout and prepare the necessary drawings and documentation for submission.
2. Submit through the CORENET system:  The submission is made via BCA’s online platform, and depending on the works, other agencies like FSSD (Fire Safety and Shelter Department) or URA (Urban Redevelopment Authority) may also be involved.
3. Wait for Approval: Review and approval timelines vary depending on the complexity of the works. For simple interior alterations, it can take a few weeks.
4. Renovation and Inspections: Once approval is obtained, your renovation can begin. Some works may require inspections upon completion to ensure compliance.

Why BCA Approval Matters

It is easy to think of approval as paperwork, but it plays a larger role in ensuring that the space remains safe and compliant for everyone who works there.

Buildings are shared ecosystems. Electrical systems, load-bearing walls, and fire routes are interconnected. Making changes without approval can cause safety issues or even invalidate insurance coverage.

We have seen cases where tenants rush into renovation without checking approval requirements and later have to redo works or face delays at handover. It is always more efficient to get it right at the start.

Our Approach at Pivot

For every commercial project we handle, we begin by checking the site’s regulatory requirements. For example, in our Context Interactive office renovation, we worked with the building management early to ensure that all works complied with BCA and FSSD standards. This allowed the design and construction to progress smoothly without interruptions.

When we design a space, we do not just think about aesthetics. We think about how it functions within the building’s rules, and how it can be built safely, efficiently, and on time.

In Summary

BCA approval is an important part of any office renovation process in Singapore. It ensures that the space you build is safe, compliant, and ready for occupation.

Plan ahead, consult professionals, and work closely with your building management. A renovation that is properly approved will not only save time but also reflect the professionalism and care that goes into how your business operates.

At Pivot, we believe that every well-designed space begins with thoughtful planning, and compliance is simply part of that foundation.