Bathtub Removal and Waterproofing for Residential Condo at Simei Street 4

Project Overview

The client, a condominium owner in Singapore, engaged us to undertake a comprehensive wet‑area renovation that required the complete removal of an aging bathtub, full waterproofing of the exposed wall and floor, and a fresh re‑tiling finish throughout the affected zones. In addition, a queen‑size bedroom bedframe needed to be dismantled and responsibly disposed of as part of the broader interior refresh.

Our team approached the project with the precision and care that HackingSG is known for in residential renovations. By coordinating closely with the homeowner and the interior designer via WhatsApp, we ensured that every step—from demolition to the final make‑good—was documented and communicated in real time, minimizing uncertainty and keeping the project on schedule.

Technical Challenges

1. Limited Working Envelope in a Condo Unit
   The bathroom’s confined footprint left little room for equipment and material staging. We had to execute bathtub removal and tile hacking while preserving the integrity of surrounding tiles, fixtures, and the adjacent toilet. This required meticulous planning of tool placement and a phased demolition sequence to avoid accidental damage to the unaffected areas.

2. Ensuring Continuous Waterproofing Integrity
   Removing the bathtub exposed the underlying waterproofing membrane and substrate. The challenge was to fully assess any compromised sections, repair or replace the membrane, and guarantee a seamless seal before new tiles were installed. Any lapse in this process could lead to future moisture ingress, which is especially critical in high‑rise condo environments where water can affect vertical neighbours.

3. Dust and Debris Containment in a High‑Rise Setting
   Condo residents are highly sensitive to dust and noise. We needed to implement effective dust‑control measures without the benefit of full‑room sheeting. By laying protective floor sheets, using localized containment barriers around the demolition zone, and employing industrial vacuums, we kept particulate matter confined to the work area and prevented cross‑contamination of neighbouring units.

4. Safe Dismantling and Disposal of a Heavy Bedframe
   The queen‑size bedframe required careful disassembly to avoid damage to the bedroom’s finish and to protect the structural ceiling below. Coordinating the removal through the same protected corridor used for bathroom works demanded precise sequencing and secure handling to ensure safe transport out of the unit.

Project Considerations

• Protection of Non‑Demolition Areas: Prior to any hacking, we installed full‑coverage protective sheets on the hallway floor and used edge‑banding tape to seal the perimeter of the bathroom work zone. This prevented debris from migrating into living spaces and safeguarded the existing tilework that was not part of the renovation.

• Minimal Disruption to Neighbours: Work hours were aligned with the building’s quiet‑time policy, and all noisy activities—such as tile removal and demolition—were confined to a narrow window each day. We also communicated the schedule in advance to adjacent unit owners, reducing complaints and fostering goodwill.

• Dust Control & Air Quality: In addition to floor protection, we employed portable dust extractors equipped with HEPA filters and kept the bathroom door closed with a temporary seal. Regular cleaning of the work area ensured that dust levels remained well below the thresholds set by the condo management.

• Safety & Structural Integrity: Throughout the bathtub removal, we monitored the surrounding wall studs and floor joists to confirm that no load‑bearing elements were compromised. All removed materials, including broken tiles, old waterproofing, and the bedframe, were sorted and disposed of in compliance with Singapore’s construction waste regulations.

• Clear Communication & Documentation: Daily progress photos and status updates were shared on WhatsApp, allowing the homeowner and interior designer to approve each phase before proceeding. This transparent approach eliminated re‑work and kept the project timeline tight.

Results

The bathroom now boasts a brand‑new, flawlessly tiled wet area with a fully restored waterproofing system that meets Singapore’s stringent building standards. The new tile layout aligns perfectly with the surrounding existing tiles, creating a seamless visual transition that enhances the unit’s aesthetic appeal.

The queen‑size bedframe was safely dismantled, removed, and disposed of without leaving any trace of