Cabinet Hacking and Make Good for Residential HDB at Yishun Ring Road

Project Overview

The client, an owner of a typical HDB flat in Singapore, engaged us to completely remove a full‑height built‑in cabinet that occupied an entire wall bay. The objective was to clear the space for a new interior layout while ensuring the surrounding wall and ceiling surfaces were left in a pristine, ready‑to‑paint condition.

Our team carried out the full‑height cabinet hacking, responsibly dismantled and removed all carpentry components, and then performed a seamless make‑good of the exposed wall and ceiling. The final step was a touch‑up using Nippon anti‑mould paint to protect the newly patched surfaces against Singapore’s humid climate.

Technical Challenges

Challenge	How We Addressed It
Full‑height cabinet removal in a confined HDB unit – The cabinet spanned from floor to ceiling, meaning the demolition had to be executed without compromising the structural integrity of the surrounding wall.	We employed precision hand tools and a step‑by‑step dismantling sequence, starting with the upper shelving and working downward. This minimized load on the remaining wall and prevented accidental damage to the ceiling plaster.
Preserving adjacent finishes – The cabinet was directly adjacent to a living‑room window and wall finishes that the homeowner wanted to keep intact.	Protective sheeting and edge guards were installed around the work zone. We used dust‑free extraction units to contain debris, ensuring no particles settled on the nearby window curtains or wall surfaces.
Achieving a seamless patch on both wall and ceiling – After cabinet removal, the exposed recess left uneven plaster edges that required meticulous filling and sanding.	Our plastering crew applied a two‑layer filler system, first a high‑adhesion bonding compound followed by a lightweight skim coat. Each layer was sanded to a feather‑edged finish that blended flawlessly with the existing surfaces.
Anti‑mould protection in a high‑humidity environment – HDB flats are prone to moisture buildup, especially on newly exposed plaster.	We selected Nippon’s anti‑mould paint, known for its mould‑resistant properties, and applied a primer‑plus‑topcoat system. The coating was rolled on with a low‑sheen finish to allow the wall to breathe while still forming a durable barrier.

Project Considerations

Resident comfort and minimal disruption – We coordinated all activities through a dedicated WhatsApp group with the homeowner and the interior designer, providing real‑time updates and obtaining quick approvals for any on‑site decisions.
Dust control and containment – Even though the demolition zone was limited to the cabinet bay, we deployed portable HEPA filtration units and sealed the perimeter with disposable drop cloths to protect the rest of the flat.
Safety of neighboring units – HDB blocks have shared walls and ventilation shafts. Our team conducted a pre‑work risk assessment, ensuring that vibration and noise levels stayed within the building’s permissible limits.
Quality of finish – After making good the wall and ceiling, we performed a meticulous sanding and dust‑wiping routine before the paint application. This ensured the anti‑mould coating adhered perfectly and delivered a uniform appearance.
Environmental responsibility – All dismantled cabinet components were sorted for recycling where possible, and any waste was disposed of in accordance with Singapore’s construction waste regulations.

Results

Clean, ready‑to‑finish space – The full‑height cabinet was fully removed, and the previously exposed wall and ceiling now exhibit a smooth, even surface indistinguishable from the original finishes.
Mould‑resistant protection – The Nippon anti‑mould paint provides long‑term moisture defence, giving the homeowner peace of mind in Singapore’s tropical climate.
Timely delivery – The entire scope—from hacking to make‑good and paint touch‑up—was completed within the agreed schedule, minimizing inconvenience to the resident.
**High client