A&A works in Singapore: what needs approval for shops and offices
Addition and alteration (A&A) works change an existing unit’s layout or structure. For shops and offices, the question that matters is which approvals you need before work starts.
Updated 26 October 2026
In short: A&A (addition and alteration) works change an existing building or unit, such as adding partitions, removing walls or changing fire safety systems. Structural works generally need BCA approval and fire safety works need SCDF approval, both submitted by a Qualified Person. Simple lightweight partitions in shops and offices can often go through SCDF's cheaper minor A&A lodgement instead.
In this guide
What counts as A&A works
A&A works are changes to an existing building rather than new construction. In a shop or office this usually means:
- Adding or removing partitions and walls
- Creating openings in walls or slabs
- Changing exits, corridors or fire doors
- Adding, moving or removing sprinklers, smoke detectors or other fire protection systems
- Structural strengthening, or demolishing columns or beams
Which approvals you may need
| Authority | What it covers | Who submits |
|---|---|---|
| BCA | Structural and building works, unless exempt as minor works | A Qualified Person (registered architect or professional engineer) |
| SCDF | Fire safety works such as fire protection systems, compartments and means of escape | A Qualified Person, through CORENET |
| Landlord or HDB | Endorsement of works in a leased or HDB commercial unit | You or your contractor, as the lease requires |
Some minor building works are exempt from BCA plan submission. Your Qualified Person confirms which route applies to your works.
SCDF minor A&A lodgement
For typical shop and office fit-outs, SCDF has a simpler lodgement route instead of full plan approval. Based on SCDF’s published criteria, it generally applies when:
- The unit is a shop, office, or approved ancillary office in industrial premises
- The building already has a Temporary Fire Permit or Fire Safety Certificate
- New partitions use lightweight non-combustible materials
- The works don’t affect fire compartmentation or means of escape, or add a fire hazard
A registered architect or professional engineer lodges the plans through CORENET before work starts. Anything outside these conditions goes through normal plan approval.
HDB shops and offices
For units in HDB commercial buildings, HDB lists about 7 working days for lodgement works and 14 working days for A&A applications. Items involving hacking can only start after HDB’s approval.
How A&A connects to reinstatement
Whatever you add during your lease, you will usually have to remove at the end. Partitions, raised floors, extra lighting and signage all become reinstatement items. Keeping the approved A&A drawings makes the handover far easier, because they show exactly what was changed. See what reinstatement means and bare shell vs original condition.
Sources: BCA: building works not requiring approval, SCDF: minor addition and alteration works, HDB: A&A works for commercial units. Requirements change, so confirm with your Qualified Person.
Related guides
Need help with this?
We handle office reinstatement across Singapore, with a free site survey and an itemised quotation. See office reinstatement, or WhatsApp us photos of the unit.
Get a price for your unit
Send photos, the floor plan and your handover date. Site surveys are free and every quotation is itemised.
Questions we get asked
Can’t see yours? Send it on WhatsApp with a photo of the unit.
What does A&A stand for in renovation?
A&A stands for addition and alteration works: changes made to an existing building or unit, as opposed to new construction.
Do I need approval to put up partitions in my office?
Often yes, from SCDF at least. Lightweight non-combustible partitions that don’t affect escape routes can usually go through SCDF’s minor A&A lodgement instead of full plan approval.
Who submits A&A plans in Singapore?
A Qualified Person: a registered architect or professional engineer with a valid practising certificate.
Do A&A works have to be removed at the end of the lease?
Usually. Most leases require tenants to remove their additions and reinstate the unit before handover.
Want a price for your unit?
We’ll reply with an initial estimate and a time for a free site survey.