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Tile Hacking & Re-tiling Singapore

Controlled tile hacking and removal in a protected Singapore home
HMS Tiling Singapore

Tile Hacking & Re-tiling in Singapore

When an old floor has to go, hacking removes the existing tiles and preparation restores the surface before new tiles go in. HMS handles hacking and re-tiling in Singapore for HDB flats, condominiums, landed homes and commercial spaces — including disposal of the old tiles and full surface preparation.

HDB-Registered ContractorLicence HB-02-5076Z
12-MonthWorkmanship Warranty
10+ YearsIn Singapore
Direct ContractorNo Middlemen
Old floor tiles being removed with controlled tile hacking
Controlled tile hacking
Floor substrate being cleaned after old tiles are removed
Floor preparation
New porcelain tiles being installed after floor preparation
Re-tiling installation
WHEN THIS SERVICE IS NEEDED

When This Service Is Needed

  • Existing tiles are cracked, hollow or lifting across a large area.
  • You want a completely new floor or wall finish.
  • The substrate beneath is uneven or failing.
  • You are redoing a bathroom and need proper waterproofing under new tiles.
  • Old tiles are outdated and overlay is not suitable.
WHAT CAUSES THE PROBLEM

What Causes The Problem

Floors reach the point of hacking when the existing tiles or the surface beneath them can no longer be repaired. The substrate — the screed or concrete below the tiles — may be cracked, uneven or contaminated, and tiles laid on it will keep failing no matter how many times they are repaired.

Repeated repairs are another sign. When individual tiles keep cracking or popping in the same area, it usually means the problem is in the base, not the tile. Moisture can also be the culprit, particularly in wet areas where the waterproofing has failed and the substrate has absorbed water.

In many cases, homeowners choose to hack simply because they want a completely new finish — new tiles, a new layout, or a change of material. Hacking is the honest way to do that: it removes the old surface entirely, allows the substrate to be corrected, and gives the new floor a clean start.

Our working method

How HMS Handles It

  • Inspection. We assess the condition of the tiles, the substrate and the surrounding areas.
  • Diagnosis and recommendation. We confirm whether hacking is needed or whether a lighter option such as overlay will do.
  • Surface preparation. The old tiles are hacked out and disposed of. The substrate is cleaned, re-screeded and levelled where needed.
  • Installation. New tiles are laid with proper adhesive. In wet areas, waterproofing is applied before tiling.
  • Grouting, cleaning and handover. The floor is grouted, cleaned and handed over.
  • Workmanship warranty. The work is covered by a 12-month workmanship warranty. Tile product defects are covered by the manufacturer.
    • REPAIR, OVERLAY OR REPLACEMENT OPTIONS

    Repair, Overlay Or Replacement Options

    • Full hack and re-tile. The complete option — the old floor is removed, the substrate corrected and new tiles installed. Most expensive and most disruptive, but it fixes the root cause.
    • Overlay. Cheaper and less dusty, but only suitable when the existing floor is sound and the height increase is acceptable.
    • Partial re-tile. When only part of a floor is beyond repair, the affected area can be hacked and re-tiled to match.
    AREAS AND PROPERTY TYPES

    Areas And Property Types

    HDB and BTO flats, condominiums, landed properties and commercial spaces. We hack and re-tile floors and walls in bathrooms, kitchens, living areas and balconies.

    Clear quotations

    Pricing

    Every project is assessed individually based on its condition, area and required preparation. HMS provides a written quotation after assessment.

    WHY CHOOSE HMS

    Why Choose HMS

    • A complete service — removal, disposal, re-screeding and installation by one team.
    • We tell you honestly if overlay could save you the cost of hacking.
    • Correct preparation of the substrate, so the new floor lasts.
    • 12-month workmanship warranty on the completed work.
    Common questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How dusty and noisy is hacking?

    Hacking is dusty and noisy. We cover the work area with dust sheets, and we clean up at the end of each day. For occupied homes we plan the works to keep disruption manageable.

    Do you dispose of the old tiles?

    Yes — removal and disposal are part of the service.

    Do I need HDB approval for hacking?

    Certain works need a renovation permit, and HDB requires wet-area finishes to stay untouched for the first three years after TOP to protect the waterproofing membrane. Your HDB-registered contractor applies for any required permit through HDB InfoWEB. We handle this as part of the project.

    Can any floor be hacked?

    In almost all cases, yes. We confirm the condition of the substrate during the assessment.

    Should I move out during the works?

    Not necessarily, but expect noise and dust in the affected area. We can advise on how to prepare.

    Is re-tiling covered by warranty?

    Yes — 12 months on workmanship. Tile product defects are covered by the manufacturer.

    Explore HMS services

    Related Services

    Tile Overlay ServicesCement ScreedingTile Repair & ReplacementHDB Tiling Contractor
    Speak with our team

    Request an Assessment

    Send photos through WhatsApp or book a site assessment to find out whether your floor needs to be hacked — or whether a lighter option will do.