Kitchen Cabinet Glass Removal for Residential HDB at Pasir Ris

Project Overview

The client, an owner of a Singapore HDB flat, engaged us to remodel a key portion of their kitchen. The brief called for the removal of the lower kitchen cabinet that incorporated a glass panel, followed by a seamless make‑good of the exposed wall and the installation of new wall tiles. This focused intervention required precise built‑in carpentry work, careful dismantling of the existing cabinet, and meticulous preparation of the wall surface to ensure a flawless final finish. Leveraging our specialised expertise in residential demolition and renovation, we executed the project with minimal disruption to the surrounding living spaces and adhered to the strict standards expected in HDB environments.

Technical Challenges

1. Integrated Glass Panel Removal
   The cabinet’s glass front was set within a timber carcass and anchored to the wall. Extracting it without cracking the glass or damaging the adjacent wall required a staged approach: we first detached the glass, then loosened the cabinet frame, and finally removed the base unit while supporting the surrounding structure.

2. Preservation of Hidden Services
   Beneath the cabinet lay essential plumbing and electrical conduits. During the hacking process we needed to expose these services for inspection and protection, ensuring no accidental cuts or leaks. This necessitated careful coordination with the client’s interior designer to map service locations and temporarily shield them while the wall was patched.

3. Wall Surface Restoration in a High‑Traffic Area
   The HDB kitchen wall is subject to frequent cleaning and moisture exposure. After cabinet removal, the exposed section displayed uneven cuts and residual mortar. Achieving a uniformly smooth substrate required multiple layers of plaster patching, sanding, and priming before the new tiles could be laid, all while maintaining a dust‑free environment for the adjacent occupied zones.

4. Dust and Debris Containment within a Compact Unit
   HDB flats have limited floor space, making dust control critical for both resident comfort and compliance with building regulations. We implemented a sealed containment system using heavy‑duty plastic sheeting, taped floor edges, and a portable extraction unit to capture particulate matter throughout the demolition and make‑good phases.

Project Considerations

• Protection of Non‑Demolition Areas – Prior to any cutting, we covered countertops, upper cabinets, and flooring with protective sheets and edge guards. This prevented cross‑contamination and safeguarded the client’s existing finishes.

• Neighbouring Unit Minimisation – All work was scheduled during the homeowner’s preferred hours, and we maintained quiet operation protocols to limit noise impact on adjacent units.

• Safety and Compliance – The HDB’s fire‑safety and structural guidelines were adhered to throughout. Electrical cables were de‑energised and capped, while plumbing connections were isolated and capped to avoid water ingress.

• Clear Communication – Progress updates, photographs, and next‑step confirmations were shared daily via WhatsApp with the homeowner and the interior designer, ensuring transparency and swift decision‑making.

• Quality of Finish – The make‑good process incorporated a high‑strength bonding plaster compatible with the existing wall substrate, followed by a premium tile adhesive and grout to guarantee long‑term durability and aesthetic consistency with the rest of the kitchen backsplash.

Results

The bottom cabinet and its glass panel were removed cleanly, and the exposed wall was expertly patched, sanded, and primed. New wall tiles were installed with precise alignment to the existing backsplash, delivering a seamless visual transition. The protective measures kept the surrounding kitchen immaculate, and the client reported no dust or debris intrusion into other areas of the flat.

Our built‑in carpentry and cabinet dismantling expertise enabled the project to be completed on schedule, within budget, and without any damage to the surrounding structure or services. The homeowner expressed high satisfaction with the workmanship and the professional communication throughout the job. By restoring the wall to a superior finish, we not only met the functional requirement but also enhanced the overall aesthetic and resale value of the HDB unit.