Summary
Whoever wins the renovation contract, several jobs in a Singapore home must be done by a licensed worker. The Energy Market Authority (EMA) says electrical work at home should be carried out or supervised by a Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW), and that work on gas pipes and appliances must be done by a Licensed Gas Service Worker (LGSW). PUB, Singapore's national water agency, says regulated water service and sanitary works can only be carried out by PUB Licensed Plumbers, and since 1 April 2018 it has been an offence to engage a plumber PUB has not licensed.
Each licence can be checked before work starts: EMA's on its e-Licence Information Services (ELISE) portal, PUB's through its online listing of licensed plumbers, and builders' in the Building and Construction Authority's (BCA) e-directory. In HDB flats, the contractor must also be listed in HDB's Directory of Renovation Contractors (DRC).
What this means for Singapore homeowners and contractors
Who does what
| Work | Who may do it | Regulator | Where to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wiring, power points, circuit breakers | Licensed Electrical Worker | EMA | ELISE portal |
| Gas pipes and gas appliances | Licensed Gas Service Worker | EMA | ELISE portal |
| Water pipes, storage water heaters, leak repairs | PUB Licensed Plumber | PUB | PUB's Online LP Listings |
| Building works whose plans need approval | Licensed builder | BCA | BCA e-directory |
| Renovation in an HDB flat | Contractor in HDB's DRC | HDB | Directory of Renovation Contractors |
Sources: EMA (pages updated 11 Aug 2023, 12 Apr 2024 and 8 Oct 2025); PUB (updated 1 Aug 2025); BCA (updated 27 Mar 2026); HDB (accessed 28 Oct 2026).
Electrical work
EMA lists wiring installation or repair, adding or replacing power points, and repairing or replacing control units or circuit breakers as work that should be carried out or supervised by an LEW, at home or in an office. The licence comes in three classes, and the class needed depends on the size of the installation:
- electrical technician: up to 150kVA for design and 500kVA for operation, at 1,000V and below
- electrical engineer: no load limit, with voltage set by licence conditions.
An HDB flat needs an electrician, EMA says, while a larger installation such as a food court may need a technician or an engineer. Every LEW is issued a licence card showing a photograph, name, identity card number and licence number, and EMA advises consumers to check the card before work begins. The appointed LEW also inspects and tests the work before a new installation is switched on.
Gas work
Work on gas pipes and appliances must be performed by an LGSW, EMA says. Licensed gas service workers who serve consumers are listed on the same ELISE portal, and EMA suggests contacting a few of them to compare fees before choosing one.
Plumbing
PUB defines water service work as the laying, installation, alteration, repair or replacement of water pipes, tanks, taps and fittings in the drinking water supply system. Its examples of jobs that only a licensed plumber may do include installing or replacing an electric storage water heater or water service pipes, and urgent repairs to water service leaks.
Some simple jobs are exempt. PUB lets handymen without a licence replace or remove a tap or mixer, replace a shower hose or showerhead, install or replace a washbasin or sink, and clear a blocked floor trap or toilet bowl. For regulated work, PUB points homeowners to its Online LP Listings, the Singapore Plumbing Society and Town Councils.
Building works
BCA requires a builder's licence for building works whose plans need the approval of the Commissioner of Building Control, and for specialist works in six categories, including piling, structural steelwork and precast concrete. A Class 1 general builder can take on projects of any value, a Class 2 general builder projects of S$6 million or less, and a specialist builder work of any value within its licensed categories. All licensed builders are listed in BCA's e-directory.
HDB flats: the DRC on top
HDB says the Housing & Development (Renovation Control) Rules 2006 require flat owners to engage only contractors from its Directory of Renovation Contractors, and to make sure the contractor follows HDB's guidelines. All window works in HDB flats must be done by BCA-approved window contractors. EMA's and PUB's rules apply in flats too, so the electrical and plumbing parts of a DRC contractor's job still need licensed workers.
Illustration: replacing a storage water heater
Illustration only. A condominium owner wants to replace an old electric storage water heater and add a power point next to it.
- PUB lists installing or replacing an electric storage water heater as work for a licensed plumber, so the plumber should appear in PUB's Online LP Listings.
- Adding a power point is electrical work that EMA says should be carried out or supervised by an LEW, so the owner asks to see the LEW's licence card.
- Swapping the showerhead at the same time needs no licence under PUB's rules.
FAQ
Can a handyman replace a tap in Singapore? Yes. PUB lists replacing or removing a tap or mixer among the simple works a handyman may do.
How do I check an electrician's licence? Ask for the LEW licence card and search the ELISE portal under "Electrical worker who offers services to consumers".
Is it an offence to hire an unlicensed plumber? Yes. PUB says that with effect from 1 April 2018, it is an offence for anyone to engage a plumber who is not licensed by PUB.
Education only — not tax, legal or investment advice. Check a worker's licence with EMA, PUB or BCA before work starts.
What to do next
- Ask every tradesperson for a licence number and check it on ELISE, PUB's Online LP Listings or BCA's e-directory before you pay a deposit.
- In an HDB flat, confirm that the main contractor is in HDB's Directory of Renovation Contractors.
- Keep the names and licence numbers of your electrician and plumber with your renovation records.
- Find a verified renovation contractor: https://proprkey.com/en/pros?segment=trades
- Electricians, plumbers and builders can apply for a paid, verified Pro Finder listing: https://proprkey.com/en/pros?segment=trades