How do I know if a wall is load-bearing or not?

You cannot always tell by looking. Load-bearing walls are structural elements that support the weight of the building above. In HDB flats, most internal walls are non-load-bearing, but some — particularly those between units or around structural columns — may be load-bearing. We verify wall type during the site assessment. If there is any uncertainty, we recommend a Professional Engineer inspection before any hacking begins.

Do I need a permit to hack a wall in my HDB flat?

Yes. HDB requires a renovation permit for any wall hacking, and a Professional Engineer (PE) endorsement is typically required — even for non-load-bearing walls. We handle the permit application and PE coordination as part of our service.

How much does wall hacking cost?

Cost depends on the wall type, size, and complexity. As a general guide: drywall partition removal typically ranges from S$400 to S$1,200 per wall depending on size and cable content; brick wall hacking is more expensive due to the heavier labour and debris volume. We provide a fixed-price quotation after a free site assessment.

What happens to the cables and wires inside the wall?

We trace all electrical cables, data lines, and trunking within the wall. These are disconnected by licensed electricians and safely terminated. Cables are not simply cut and left live — this is a safety hazard and does not meet handover standards. We ensure all services within the wall are properly dealt with.

Can you hack a wall that has plumbing pipes inside?

We proceed with caution. If a wall contains active plumbing, the water supply must be isolated before hacking, and the pipes properly capped by a licensed plumber. We identify these situations during the site assessment and coordinate the necessary trades. We do not hack through live water or gas pipes.

Wall Hacking & Partition Removal - Express Reinstatement Contractor

Professional Wall Hacking, Drywall Removal, and Partition Dismantling Services

Wall Hacking Contractor

Wall hacking and partition removal are core to almost every reinstatement project. Whether it is a single drywall partition in an HDB flat or an entire floor of modular walls in a corporate office, removing walls safely and cleanly requires the right technique, the right tools, and an understanding of what may be hidden behind the surface. We provide professional wall hacking and partition removal across all property types in Singapore.

Wall & Partition Removal Workflow

The correct sequence protects retained structures, services and surrounding finishes.

Identify

Confirm wall type, structure and hidden services.

Protect

Isolate the area and protect retained finishes.

Remove

Dismantle or hack in controlled sections.

Make Good

Clear debris and restore affected junctions.

What Wall Hacking & Partition Removal Covers

Drywall and Plasterboard Partition Removal

The most common partition type in Singapore offices and commercial units. We dismantle drywall panels, metal stud framing, insulation, and skirting. Cable and data lines running within the partition are traced, disconnected, and safely terminated. The wall line is cleared back to the floor and ceiling junction.

Brick and Block Wall Hacking

For masonry walls — including brick, concrete block, and lightweight block partitions — we use powered breakers and hand tools to hack the wall down in controlled sections. We verify that the wall is non-load-bearing before work begins. Where required, a Professional Engineer endorsement is secured. Debris is bagged and removed progressively to keep the site clear.

Glass and Modular Partition Dismantling

Glass partitions — framed or frameless, single-glazed or double-glazed — require careful handling to prevent breakage and injury. We dismantle glass panels individually, remove aluminium or steel framing, and extract floor channels and head tracks. Tempered glass is handled according to safety protocol and disposed of at approved facilities.

Full Wall Hacking & Partition Removal Scope

Partition Types We Remove

Drywall / plasterboard partitions with metal stud framing
Brick walls — non-load-bearing only
Concrete block walls — non-load-bearing only
Lightweight aerated concrete panel walls
Glass partitions — framed, frameless, single-glaze, double-glaze
Modular system walls and demountable partitions
Half-height walls and room dividers
Cubicle partitions and workstation screens
False walls and concealer panels
Wall-mounted fixtures, shelves, and cabinets — removed before wall hacking

What We Handle Alongside Wall Removal

Electrical cable tracing, disconnection, and termination within partition walls
Data cable and trunking removal
Wall socket and switch removal
Skirting, architrave, and cornice removal
Door frame and door leaf removal — if integrated with the partition
Floor channel and head track extraction
Debris collection, bagging, and progressive site clearance
PE endorsement coordination — where required
HDB renovation permit application — for HDB properties
Building management submission — for commercial properties

Safety and Compliance

Verification that the wall is non-load-bearing before any work begins
PE endorsement for hacking of walls in HDB flats and for structural elements
Dust containment using hoarding boards or protective sheeting
PPE for all workers — helmets, gloves, safety boots, eye protection
Noise control — work within permitted hours for the property type
Proper disposal of all debris at NEA-approved facilities

What Is Not Included

Wall hacking and partition removal does not include:

Hacking of load-bearing walls, columns, beams, or structural elements — these require separate structural engineering assessment and are not part of standard reinstatement
Making good of adjoining walls, floors, and ceilings — this falls under our Painting & Wall Restoration or Surface Restoration services
Electrical rewiring or installation of new power points — we terminate and remove, but do not install new
Repainting — covered under our Painting & Wall Restoration service

Project Timeline

A single drywall partition can be removed in half a day to one day. Multiple walls or a full office floor may take 2 to 5 days. Brick and block wall hacking takes longer than drywall removal. Glass partition dismantling requires additional care and may take 1 to 2 days per partition depending on size. We provide a firm timeline after our free site assessment.

Enquire About Wall Hacking & Partition Removal

We provide a free site survey and professional advice on your wall hacking and partition removal requirements. The cost depends on the number of walls, wall type, size, and whether permits or PE endorsements are needed. All quotations are fixed price.

Related Reinstatement Services

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a wall is load-bearing or not?	You cannot always tell by looking. Load-bearing walls are structural elements that support the weight of the building above. In HDB flats, most internal walls are non-load-bearing, but some — particularly those between units or around structural columns — may be load-bearing. We verify wall type during the site assessment. If there is any uncertainty, we recommend a Professional Engineer inspection before any hacking begins.
Do I need a permit to hack a wall in my HDB flat?	Yes. HDB requires a renovation permit for any wall hacking, and a Professional Engineer (PE) endorsement is typically required — even for non-load-bearing walls. We handle the permit application and PE coordination as part of our service.
How much does wall hacking cost?	Cost depends on the wall type, size, and complexity. As a general guide: drywall partition removal typically ranges from S$400 to S$1,200 per wall depending on size and cable content; brick wall hacking is more expensive due to the heavier labour and debris volume. We provide a fixed-price quotation after a free site assessment.
What happens to the cables and wires inside the wall?	We trace all electrical cables, data lines, and trunking within the wall. These are disconnected by licensed electricians and safely terminated. Cables are not simply cut and left live — this is a safety hazard and does not meet handover standards. We ensure all services within the wall are properly dealt with.
Can you hack a wall that has plumbing pipes inside?	We proceed with caution. If a wall contains active plumbing, the water supply must be isolated before hacking, and the pipes properly capped by a licensed plumber. We identify these situations during the site assessment and coordinate the necessary trades. We do not hack through live water or gas pipes.

Wall Hacking & Partition Removal