Singapore Property Scene Discussion

[Windwaver]

https://stomp.straitstimes.com/singapore-seen/hdb-bomb-shelter-turned-into-room-for-maid-livable

HDB bomb shelter turned into room for maid: Livable?

A video showing a converted bomb shelter used as a maid's room has ignited a heated online debate.

The footage, originally uploaded to TikTok by a local retailer, shows a bunk bed installed in the shelter, with the maid's bed on the upper level.

A small shelf, a ventilation gap and a louvred sliding door complete the makeshift room. There are also ventilation holes above the bed.

A netizen reposted the video on Reddit and questioned whether it was "livable".

Many netizens condemned the homeowner for creating such a cramped and poorly ventilated living space. 

Some suggested that the homeowner should experience living in the converted shelter themselves for three months.

When contacted by Shin Min Daily News, the bunk bed retailer revealed that the total cost of the customised furniture, including the bunk bed, bookshelf and sliding door, was around $2,900. 

The business mentioned that many homeowners requested similar conversions, but often faced challenges with ventilation. 

The homeowner in this case opted for a more customised solution to improve air circulation.

The retailer expressed a positive view of the homeowner's decision, suggesting that it demonstrated a willingness to provide better living conditions for domestic workers.

Local real estate agents have weighed in on the matter, emphasising the regulations surrounding bomb shelters. 

Mr Xiao Wenyu, a 48-year-old agent of over a decade, explained that while using bomb shelters as maid's rooms is common, it's crucial to understand the legal implications.

"Homeowners cannot rent out bomb shelters as separate rooms," he said. "Additionally, if the original bomb-proof door is removed, it must be reinstalled before the property is sold. The door is specially designed and must be retained."

Another real estate agent, 62-year-old Richard, agreed that while using bomb shelters for maids is a more humane approach compared to providing makeshift sleeping arrangements in other parts of the flat, it's essential to comply with regulations.

"While it's not illegal, the Singapore Civil Defence Force may recommend reinstating the original door during inspections," he said.

[Wt_know]

well ... what do you expect to come out from an agent mouth ... 

if balcony can be turned into a room for rental ... it will be ... more humane ehh ... nice view and windy ... 

Quote

Another real estate agent, 62-year-old Richard, agreed that while using bomb shelters for maids is a more humane approach compared to providing makeshift sleeping arrangements in other parts of the flat, it's essential to comply with regulations.

Edited July 31, 2024 by Wt_know

[Throttle2]

i dont understand how bomb shelters are relevant in Singapore.    muayhahhahhhahahhahha.  

[Dafansu]

On 7/31/2024 at 3:39 PM, Throttle2 said:

i dont understand how bomb shelters are relevant in Singapore.    muayhahhahhhahahhahha.  

no war yet, so not relevant yet. 

[Windwaver]

On 7/27/2024 at 3:29 PM, macrosszero said:

Half year more before hit MOP

Punggol Northshore

1,200 sq ft 5 room flat

Low floor

No view

You guess how much?

https://www.propertyguru.com.sg/listing/hdb-for-sale-822415-25270803

A lot of pollution from Pasir Gudang there.

Although not all year round but residents there have been complaining about weird smell in the air all the time.

[Khng8]

Many would argue that Singapore is so small and it doesn’t make a difference if you stay facing Pasir Gudang or not.

Common sense will tell one that (any) distance does play a part. So why should anyone take the risk to be more exposed?

[inlinesix]

Turf City HDB is the best.

Surrounded by trees.

[13177]

On 8/1/2024 at 7:49 AM, Windwaver said:

A lot of pollution from Pasir Gudang there.

Although not all year round but residents there have been complaining about weird smell in the air all the time.

But many people say the view there is nice cause can see 'sea view', and yet many people avoid mentioning the opposite is Pasir Gudang industrial. I went there to see look see look, surprisingly the Pasir Gudang industrial is consider quite near to Punggol than i expected. I thought quite a far distance away.

However when i was there a few times, i no smell of any weird smell from Pasir Gudang side le. Don't know when the smell will starts?

Edited August 1, 2024 by 13177

[13177]

On 8/1/2024 at 8:14 AM, Khng8 said:

Many would argue that Singapore is so small and it doesn’t make a difference if you stay facing Pasir Gudang or not.

Common sense will tell one that (any) distance does play a part. So why should anyone take the risk to be more exposed?

Same as people say stay in Jurong no good, cause many industries there. Air also no good and always can smell some weird smell from the industries there. And yet people staying in Jurong for many decades liao. Lol.

Edited August 1, 2024 by 13177

[Volvobrick]

On 8/1/2024 at 9:08 AM, 13177 said:

Same as people say stay in Jurong no good, cause many industries there. Air also no good and always can smell some weird smell from the industries there. And yet people staying in Jurong for many decades liao. Lol.

Jurong indeed in not good esp near the pharmaceutical plants. Got aspirin smell. 

[Windwaver]

On 8/1/2024 at 9:07 AM, 13177 said:

But many people say the view there is nice cause can see 'sea view', and yet many people avoid mentioning the opposite is Pasir Gudang industrial. I went there to see look see look, surprisingly the Pasir Gudang industrial is consider quite near to Punggol than i expected. I thought quite a far distance away.

However when i was there a few times, i no smell of any weird smell from Pasir Gudang side le. Don't know when the smell will starts?

I was told on good days it usually starts after 12 midnight and last till early morning like 5 or 6am so most visitors will not get the chance to experience it 

Spoke to a young couple staying there few years ago, they told me they just shut their windows and turn on aircon.

[Windwaver]

On 8/1/2024 at 8:14 AM, Khng8 said:

Many would argue that Singapore is so small and it doesn’t make a difference if you stay facing Pasir Gudang or not.

Common sense will tell one that (any) distance does play a part. So why should anyone take the risk to be more exposed?

Agree lol but to be fair many of those people selected their flats in Northshore not knowing the effects.

Although the questionable air quality issue of Pasir Gudang has been floating around for many years, people will not understand until they stay there 24x7.

Some blocks going to MOP soon 

[Windwaver]

Think this was shot by somebody from the roof garden. A lot of juicy stuff online 

[Windwaver]

[Throttle2]

As I said so many times.  Malaysia Property dont buy.

Property too near Malaysia also dont buy....

 

wahahhahhahahah

[13177]

On 8/1/2024 at 3:00 PM, Windwaver said:

This one is bad if it happens frequently.  😅

[13177]

On 8/1/2024 at 2:41 PM, Windwaver said:

I was told on good days it usually starts after 12 midnight and last till early morning like 5 or 6am so most visitors will not get the chance to experience it 

Spoke to a young couple staying there few years ago, they told me they just shut their windows and turn on aircon.

If everyday also on aircon to sleep, then not a problem at all. For those who open window to sleep, then good luck liao.

[13177]

On 8/1/2024 at 10:48 AM, Volvobrick said:

Jurong indeed in not good esp near the pharmaceutical plants. Got aspirin smell. 

Think aspirin smell is better than the petrochemical smell? Lol.