Optimising the HDB service yard LOLS
In the entire house, only the service yard is maximised (optimised).
What do I mean by that?
Idk how many of you stack the washing machine and dryer together. Perhaps it’s a norm, but have you seen 2 washing machine and 1 dishwasher stacked together? Uncommon 🤭
You can see we have too many things to fit in:
1. Remode drying rack
2. LG front load washing machine
3. LG mini washer
4. Dreame robot vacuum
5. Electrolux dryer (on the other side)
6. Pigeon bottle steriliser (on the other side)
It’s so small but so compact. We didn’t build any carpentry on this side of the wall because we simply have too many bulky stuff and chances are we will have to replace them 5-8 years down the road when they spoil. Having anything build-in limits our options in the future.
We’ve always had that dishwasher, it’s for washing baby bottles. That’s one reason why we didn’t go for build-in dishwasher in the kitchen.
After staying here for a while now, what are some things to takeaway for anyone renovating their HDB BTO?
1. Install enough sockets ☝🏼 why why why?
With so many appliances, 2-3 is not enough. You don’t want to be extending and putting so many extension sockets on top of one another. For aesthetics and for safety.
2. Ensure water Inlets and water outlets are done properly. You know how we only have 1 tap for the service yard? And that HDB service yard tap is incompatible with a lot of the fittings. It’s so problematic.
We had to hire plumber to fix it, the Dreame robot vacuum installation person had to help us fix it as well after we’ve already engaged a plumber.
Basically, for a good 1 month, it was leaking and we had to on and off the tap to ensure no leakage 😩
3. We removed the service yard bifold door after moving in.
Since most people would install the service yard window, having the door is actually kinda useless and takes up space.
Maybe can close when you cook but nowadays not many of us are master chefs. At most we make hot or cook simple food.
Alright that’s all for now. If any of you have any other ideas to share pls let me know 🫶🏼 I’m always looking to optimise the service yard. Muahahaha
Optimising the HDB service yard is often overlooked, but it can truly transform the functionality of a home, especially in compact HDB flats where space is limited. From my personal experience, having a well-planned service yard with versatile appliance arrangements significantly eases household chores. One of the key lessons I learned when setting up my service yard was the importance of flexibility. Instead of opting for built-in carpentry that restricts future changes, keeping appliances freestanding allows for hassle-free replacements as technology and household needs evolve. For instance, stacking two washing machines and a dishwasher may seem unconventional but works brilliantly when space must be maximized. This arrangement is especially beneficial if you require specific appliances, such as a dedicated steriliser for baby bottles, alongside regular laundry machines. Another crucial aspect is electrical planning. Install plenty of sockets to accommodate multiple devices simultaneously without relying on extension cords that can create safety risks and clutter. I underestimated this initially, which led to constant unplugging and re-plugging of machines. If possible, work with an electrician familiar with HDB layouts to ensure sockets are safely and conveniently placed. Water inlets and outlets can be surprisingly tricky. The standard HDB service yard tap often does not fit well with modern appliances’ connectors, which can lead to leaks or require additional plumbing work. Engaging experienced plumbers early on helps prevent prolonged leakage issues and ensures compatibility with new tech like robot vacuums or advanced washing machines. Additionally, reconsider the need for bifold doors in the service yard. Removing these doors can create an open, more spacious feel and avoid unnecessary obstruction, especially if the service yard’s window already provides ventilation. This small change improved accessibility for me and made the area easier to maintain. For anyone renovating their HDB BTO, I recommend documenting your appliance needs and usage patterns first. This insight will guide the design choices to optimize the layout effectively. Keep an eye on emerging compact appliances designed for small spaces, as these can make a big difference in service yard optimization. In summary, a well-optimized service yard balances space, utility, and future adaptability. By carefully selecting appliance arrangements, electrical setups, plumbing fittings, and layout features, you can transform this often-underused area into a powerhouse of household efficiency.
