What Is A&A in Singapore and When Do You Need It?
Let’s dive depth into A&A (Addition & Alteration) works for Singapore landed homes. Understand precisely how these structural upgrades differ from regular renovations, when they are required for projects like extensions or reconfigurations, and what to expect during the approval process – empowering you to plan your home's transformation with confidence and clarity.
If you have been exploring renovation options for your landed home in Singapore, you may have come across the term A&A works. It sounds technical, and some homeowners confuse it with regular renovation or even reconstruction. But A&A works refer to a very specific type of structural upgrade that sits in between those two categories.
Understanding what A&A works involve, and when they are actually needed, can help you plan better and avoid costly mistakes. In this article, we explain A&A in simple terms, and why it might be the right approach for your property.
1. What Are A&A Works?
A&A stands for Addition and Alteration. It is a category of building works that go beyond basic renovations but do not require full demolition and rebuilding. A&A is common for landed homes in Singapore where owners want to enhance or modify parts of their house structure while keeping the core building intact.
These works may include extending the rear of the home, changing the roof shape, modifying staircases or adding an outdoor deck. While they may not seem extreme, they still affect the structure of the building and require professional planning and authority approval.
To carry out A&A legally, you need to engage a Qualified Person — usually an architect or engineer - to prepare and submit the required plans to the Building and Construction Authority. Some works may also need clearance from agencies like URA or SCDF, depending on location and scope.
2. How Are A&A Works Different from Regular Renovation?
A&A is often confused with renovation, but there is a clear difference. Regular renovation refers to interior works such as tiling, carpentry, repainting or changing fittings. These do not alter the original building structure and usually do not require structural approval.
A&A, on the other hand, involves changing key elements of the building’s form or layout. This can include building an extension, removing a structural wall or creating a new staircase. These works impact how the building behaves physically and therefore require submission to relevant authorities.
Another key difference is the level of responsibility. For A&A projects, you must appoint a Qualified Person who will take responsibility for safety, structural calculations and code compliance. The process is more involved and takes longer to plan and execute than a standard renovation.
If you are still deciding which firm to work with or unsure how to evaluate your options, start with our guide on 7 things to know before hiring an interior designer in Singapore.
3. When Do You Actually Need A&A Works?
Not all landed home changes require A&A approval. But if your plans involve changing the structure or increasing the usable area of your home, A&A is often necessary.
Common Examples of A&A Works:
Building extensions
If you want to extend your kitchen or add a study room at the back of your house, this is considered an addition that needs structural planning.
Roof changes
Raising the roof height, adding a skylight or changing the roof shape to allow more ventilation falls under alteration.
Structural changes
Moving staircases, removing load-bearing walls or changing the facade usually requires A&A approval.
Adding floors or mezzanines
These additions increase the building’s floor area and require clearance from the authorities.
If your planned works go beyond interior design or fittings, it is always best to check with an architect or renovation consultant who can advise whether A&A is required.
4. What to Expect During the A&A Process
A&A works involve a structured process. It starts with design planning and ends with final inspection and handover. Here is what homeowners can typically expect.
Design and Submission
Your architect or engineer will prepare building plans and submit them to the BCA and other relevant agencies. The process includes safety checks and planning compliance.
Authority Approval
Depending on your project, approvals may take a few weeks to a few months. If your house is in a conservation zone or near critical infrastructure, extra checks may apply.
Construction Phase
Once approvals are in place, the building work begins. Your Qualified Person will monitor progress, submit reports and ensure the project follows the approved plans.
Final Inspections and Completion
After the work is done, the authorities may carry out inspections to ensure everything is completed safely and legally. You may also receive updated documents reflecting the new structure.
Because A&A takes more time and oversight than regular renovation, early planning is key — especially if you are working toward a specific move-in date.
Planning a kitchen upgrade as part of your A&A project? Our breakdown of quartz, marble and sintered stone surfaces can help you make a smart material choice for your new space.
Is A&A the Right Move for Your Home?
A&A works are a smart option for homeowners who want to modernise, expand or reconfigure their landed property without rebuilding from scratch. It allows for significant changes while keeping the original structure in place, which often saves time and cost compared to full reconstruction.
However, A&A is not for every situation. If the building is very old or structurally weak, your architect may recommend a rebuild instead. But if your home is in good shape and you simply want to upgrade or replan the space, A&A can give you the flexibility you need while still following proper guidelines.
Planning a Structural Upgrade? Speak with Us First
If you are thinking of extending your home, creating new functional spaces or improving structural flow, A&A might be the right approach for you.
At Pure Space, we work with trusted architects and engineers to guide you through the A&A process from start to finish. We help you understand the requirements, plan within your budget and manage approvals with care and clarity.
Contact us via WhatsApp (+65) 8593 3988 for a free consultation and let us help you bring your renovation goals to life with confidence and peace of mind.