The Home Improvement Programme (HIP), a new programme announced by HDB, during the National Day Rally in August 2007, is set to replace the Main Upgrading Programme (MUP). The HIP offers lessees a choice on the works they want to be included in the upgrading of their flats. It also helps lessees deal with common maintenance problems in ageing flats, such as spalling concrete and ceiling leaks, in a systematic and comprehensive manner. Flats built up to 1986 which have not undergone the Main Upgrading Programme are eligible for HIP.
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Essential Improvements
These are improvements deemed necessary for public health, safety or technical reasons. They are compulsory if HIP is polled successfully.
Optional Improvements
Owners may opt out of any or all of these improvements, with a corresponding reduction in co-payment. However, to opt out of toilet upgrading, the toilets will have to pass a water test for leaks. This is to prevent ceiling leaks at the flat below.
It was also announced in Parliament on 5 March 2012, that HDB will introduce more elderly friendly options under the HIP. These improvements come under the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) and aims to create a safer and more comfortable living environment for them.
HIP Ramp Up
HDB will ramp up the HIP, to select and offer HIP to another 100,000 flats in 2015, for implementation within the next two years. The pace of HIP will be stepped up from 35,000 to 50,000 flats a year to allow more homes to benefit from HIP earlier. The selection of all eligible flats is expected to be completed by 2018.
In 2015, HDB will also select flats for HIP for both 2015 and 2016 for implementation within the next two years. The early selection will help residents who plan to renovate their flats to better decide whether to wait for HIP or proceed with their own renovations first.
With the ramp up in HIP, Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE), which is implemented with HIP, will also be stepped up. Elderly residents will benefit from EASE earlier, and enjoy grab-bars, ramps and slip-resistant treatment to floor tiles to help make their homes elderly-friendly.
Construction
The construction period for a typical precinct comprising eight to ten blocks will take about one and a half to two years. Works in each flat will take 10 days or less, depending on the improvements chosen.