Billionaire-Blog: When Your Penthouse Meets Strata Struggles
The 2018 Strata Shake‑Up
Imagine living in a shiny penthouse that could afford its own private yacht—yet you’re still tangled up in a legal web called the Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST). A 2018 court decision cracked the code on what counts as common property, setting an example that even the richest of us can’t dodge.
Fining a Billionaire for a $40,000 Renovation
Picture this: a billionaire renovates his Ardmore Park penthouse and the court hands him a $40,000 fine. In the grand scheme, that’s like a tiny $2 fee for someone with a net worth that’s practically a small country. Yet the law hits hard—no matter how deep your pockets.
What You Should Watch Out For
- Know what’s common. Anything shared—walls, elevators, roof—falls under MCST jurisdiction. If you’re unsure, ask the council before cutting a hole in the ceiling.
- Get paperwork ready. Even a reader of your favorite gossip column can’t escape a blank contract. Submit your plans early; the MCST loves documentation.
- Beware the “hidden” fees. Fines are one thing, but you’ll also find admin, consultation, and sometimes even surprise demolition costs.
- Consult a pro. A lawyer who knows strata law can save you from a legal pickle that could cost the price of a new blender.
- Stay calm. If you stumble, keep your cool. Legal battles are less about drama and more about meticulous paperwork—though a few witty remarks can lighten the mood.
Bottom line: whether you’re renovating a luxury pad or a modest stoop, understanding MCST rules saves both your sanity and (most importantly) your wallet.
1. Renovating in a way that significantly changes the exterior appearance, even if it’s just your own unit
What the Court Just Set the Record Straight on “Common Property”
So, it turns out that for a building manager and a billionaire roof‑decorator, the word “common property” can be a real hot‑button. The case between billionaire Dr. Sit Kwong Lam and the Ardmore Park management committee got the courts to put out a memo that will change how homeowners think about where they can splash a little creativity.
Why the Dispute Sparked
- Dr. Sit installed timber decks right on the roof outside his unit.
- He slapped a few wooden planks onto the floor, and even put them on two ledges on the façade.
- Lastly, he added an extra air‑conditioning vent that nobody asked for.
Our trusty council of condo managers didn’t exactly applaud the makeover – they called it a “yo‑so‑don” and demanded a full removal.
The Court’s “Clear‑Up” Decision
After a lot of back‑and‑forth, the judges declared that any feature that could change the building’s look or is part of the building’s core fabric can be deemed a “common property” that is subject to enjoyment by any of the subsidiary owners.
The verdict basically says: if your tweak can be seen from anywhere in the complex, it becomes common ground. Even if you’ve got a fancy deck or an extra vent, it’s now a shared item.
What This Means for You
- Double‑check before you go ahead with any outdoor décor.
- Get a thumbs‑up from your Managing Agent or Interior Designer before you start sawing.
- Remember, your “wall‑art” might become a cross‑building spectacle.
Bottom line? If you’re thinking of turning your terrace into a personalized playground, do the homework first. It’s a small step that could save you a lot of legal headaches later.
2. Your Managing Agent can approve the wrong things
When a Floor‑to‑Ceiling Adventure Turns into a Legal Gauntlet
Picture this: a stylish balcony shattering the ordinary with floor‑to‑ceiling glass, the dream of every homeowner (or at least that one who swore it would “glow” at night). But dreams have deadlines—by‑law deadlines, in this case.
The “Oops” That Wasn’t
- Cornerstone of the plan: a floor‑to‑ceiling glass installation that was technically outside the estate’s rules.
- Who slipped up? The previous Managing Agent (MA) gave it a thumbs‑up, practically saying, “Sure, go ahead, just enjoy that view!”
- Result: The Management Council realized the MA had zoomed past the by‑laws, and they weren’t going to let a rule break slide under the rug.
Taking the Legal Route
- The resident’s renovations now faced a lawsuit—yes, that lady’s balcony became a courtroom drama.
- Outcome? The court rang the bell for the Management Council: Case closed.
- But the verdict came with a side‑order: Legal fees in the tens of thousands. And guess what? Those fees were not just the resident’s burden. The other homeowners had to contribute to cover the cost.
Moral of the Story
While “go big” glass dreams may sound glamorous, it pays to double‑check the estate’s rules before pushing the envelope. If you’re feeling uneasy, reach out to the Management Committee for a quick refresher—sometimes a tiny clarification can save a mountain of money and a good chunk of sanity.
3. Your contractor doesn’t apply for a permit when their workers are moving heavy equipment into the lifts
Heavy Loads and Lift Love
Before you ever send a truck to nosedive into the lift, make sure your contractor gives the MA a heads‑up that heavy gear is on the way. Why? Because the MA usually pads the cabin to protect the lift from the usual suspects: scratches, dents, and broken mirrors.
Mold Along the Driveway
- Lets the MA know. A quick call or email saves everyone from a surprise “wait, what’s that?” situation.
- Ask for padding. The MA will lay down a cushion that makes the lift feel like a soft landing zone for your equipment.
- Keep the floor safe. Unprotected lifts are easy targets for slapping, scuffing, or even smacking a mirror into a “mirror‑moment.”
Who Pays When Things Go Wrong?
If your subcontractors stroll the cargo into an un‑padded lift and leave a trail of scuffs or a dented mirror in their wake, you’re the one who ends up footing the bill. Trust us, the cost of repairs can’t be wrapped up in a scenic postcard.
Residents Get Frowny‑Face Moments
And here’s the kicker: at least one resident will be on “Wow, you’re hogging the entire lift!” The poor soul is already on edge because your renov‑biz has squashed the lift’s flow. They’ll probably complain, because the item in the lift isn’t the only thing taking up space—it’s also stealing everyone’s time and patience.
Bottom line: be polite, pay attention, and ask the MA—so that your lift stays safe, your finances stay intact, and the residents stay blissfully calm.
4. Your contractor didn’t dispose of the garbage properly
Keep Your Contractor Handy‑Clean—or the Condo’s Dregs will Not!
Why leaving rubbish on the floor is a no‑go
Check the box: “Garbage out, hassle in.” That empty job—especially when the floor is being ripped down or a carpentry crew is turning your space into an IKEA showroom—needs to be cleared right away. Contractors can get lazy and think, “Let’s just toss everything in the corner of the carpark.” Or worse, they might shove the debris into the garbage chute and send a block‑wide garbage jam.
What the MCST (Management Corporation Strata Title) Won’t Tolerate
- Chunks of rubble and wood left in the carpark corner.
- A full‑block choke‑out of the garbage chute.
- Any “quick fix” that turns your property into a landfill.
Messy jobs mean back‑to‑back fines and the MCST swooping in like a neighborhood watchdog. So, shout it out: “Pick up the trash, please!” And if you’re not sure, call the contractor out on it. After all, nobody wants their condo to double as a construction waste dump.
Bottom line
When work is higher than your head, keep your contractor honest and your space clean. If the MCST starts knocking on your door, you’ll want all that drama to stay behind them.
ALSO READ: From sake bars to yacht cabins, Singaporeans remodel no‑frills HDB flats
5. The noisy activities aren’t confined to the given hours
When the Night Lights Up the Neighborhood
Ever wondered why that whir‑whir of a drill suddenly turns into a midnight soundtrack? It’s a familiar scene: contractors on a tight deadline, a neighbor’s phone ringer, and the unexpected case of a hammer that doesn’t quit. The culprit? Subcontractors who, in a rush, decide that “just three small holes” will finish the job.
Why It Happens
- Time Crunch! When a crew is streaking toward the closing time, they might feel pressured to cut corners.
- One‑Minute Fixes. A hammer or drill can become a “just one minute” extra, especially when minor adjustments are expected.
- Layered Schedules. Multiple subcontractors can overlap. One may think it’s late, but the other isn’t yet in the late slot.
What You Can Do
- Show Up Early. Talk to the main contractor before the job starts—clarify the schedule and what’s absolutely necessary.
- Keep the Clock. Encourage the crew to stay within the agreed hours—no “just a minute” that veers into midnight.
- Ask for Updates. A quick check‑in ensures tasks are on track and any oversights are caught quickly.
Honestly, a neighbor’s complaint is a sign that the crew might have steered off course. A small conversation, some shared humor, and mutual understanding can keep the neighborhood peace—and refrain from those late‑night driller playlists.
6. Your renovation site breeds vermin
How to Keep the Work Zone Clean (And Avoid Pest Patrols)
Picture this: the crew on site dropping crumbs everywhere or abandoning a giant bowl of standing water when the day wraps up. That’s the perfect buffet for bugs, and you’ll soon see lizards popping up just waiting to snack. But it’s not just your own unit that’s going to suffer—neighbors will start yapping about mosquitoes and other critters.
Why Pests Ramble Into Your Neighbor’s Space
When you let clutter pile up, you create a magnet for vermin. Those bugs migrate around, claiming every corner as their personal buffet. That’s why many facility managers sigh when they have to call in a fumigator to deal with an infestation blowing over from a nearby unit.
Check Your Contractors—Keep It Spotless
- Clean as You Go: Encourage workers to wipe up crumbs and muddy footprints immediately.
- Water Woes: Don’t leave standing water in large bowls—immediately drain it or trash the container.
- Report Right Away: If your contractor misses something, point it out promptly so they can fix it before the mess spreads.
- Pay for General Cleaning: If you’re not covering a general cleaning crew, remember you’ll be on the hook for tidying up.
Bottom line: keep the job site tidy right from the start, and you’ll save yourself—and the neighbors—from the hassle of a pest‑control emergency. Happy, bug‑free living!
7. You put up decorative door and window grilles
Kids First, Window Grille Style Second
Back in January 2015, a family at One North Residences won a court battle that shouted one main message: child safety takes the front seat, even if the grilles mess with the building’s aesthetic.
The Verdict in Plain English
- Safety railings are green‑lit for kids.
- Decorative grilles that spoil the look? Not so fast.
- The building management can’t argue against the safety‑first rule.
Why This Matters
Imagine toddlers as tiny astronauts exploring floors—without a proper “safety shield” they’re at risk. Courts want playgrounds, not battlegrounds.
What You Can Do
Install those child‑shield railings and rejoice. Just keep the decorative designs in the backseat if they threaten the neighborhood’s charm.
Bottom Line
Safety wins over style for kids. The management has to play by that rule—no matter how pretty you want that fancy grille to look.
8. Your renovation works overrun beyond the given time period
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Navigating MA Approval and Interior Design Contracts
Ever found yourself stuck between a clumsy developer and a noisy neighbor? It’s a classic dilemma. The MA (Municipal Authority) can really pull the plug on your plans in extreme scenarios. Picture this: you’ve been living with a loud neighbor for six months, and the MA says, “Sorry, we can’t approve your next work phase.” That means you’re left with half‑completed renovations and a long wait before you can apply again.
What to Expect When the MA Says ‘No’
- Extensions aren’t rare. The MA might grant a few extra weeks, but that’s still a hassle.
- Busy neighbors: around town, more neighbors might get annoyed by ongoing noise.
- Stalled projects: when the MA denies your proposal, construction boots off, and you’re stuck with a cluttered workspace.
How Much Time Are We Talking About?
It could mean waiting for months—sometimes up to three to six months—before you’re cleared to move forward. The clock truly ticks when you’re hungry for that finished kitchen.
Drafting the Right Contract with Your Interior Designer
Make sure the contract spells out:
- When each phase of the work should be completed.
- What penalties apply if deadlines slip.
- Clear remedial actions if the design misses its mark.
With a solid agreement in place, you’ll have a buffer against the MA’s can‑do attitude and a safety net to keep your project moving forward— no matter how crazy the neighborhood noise gets.
9. Your renovation debris or equipment spill out onto common areas
Keep Your Renovation From Turning Into a Playground for the Neighborhood
Picture this: you’ve just finished a slick new kitchen, but you’ve accidentally turned the hallway into a bumpy obstacle course. Now, the street‑wide residents are giving you the “wilding” look, and the property manager’s phone is on speed dial.
What to Avoid (and Why)
- Don’t let any new features poke out onto shared walkways. Think of it as the difference between a well‑tuned slide and a rogue LEGO brick on the sidewalk.
- Steer clear of major changes that shade the green spaces. The parks love sunshine; we don’t want to be the reason they’re feeling a little gray.
- Remember: If you modify common areas, the owners’ association will ask you to fix it. And that “fixing” will be your bill, not theirs.
Quick Checklist Before You Break Out the Hammer
– Measure the space. Anything that extends beyond the building lines? Call it back.
– Check the light. Will your new feature cramp the flow of sunlight onto the communal lawns?
– Confirm with the property manager. A quick chat can save you a ton of frustration later.
Bottom Line
Renovate with love, not with a “this is my dog’s new playground” attitude. If you keep your projects within private boundaries and respect the communal grooves, you’ll avoid the extra cost and the “Wall‑of‑Shame” notice from the condo board. Happy building!
Original article: 99.co – RenovationCondominiumsHome Works
