Small-scale engineering process

The Buildings Department's definition of minor works involving raising the ground floor is rather complex. For residential minor works, it falls under item 3.41, while for non-residential minor works, it falls under item 3.42. Furthermore, the requirements differ depending on whether concrete or lightweight brick is used for paving.

For convenience, the general guidelines are as follows:

If the raised platform is constructed using lightweight bricks and the height does not exceed 125 millimeters, it falls under the category of a level three small-scale project.

If a raised platform is constructed using lightweight bricks and the height exceeds 125 millimeters, it is classified as a Class I small-scale project.

The Buildings Department defines minor works involving the construction of brick walls within a residential building as item 3.39, while minor works involving the raising of a platform within a non-residential building are classified as item 3.40.

The general principle is:

For interior walls constructed with lightweight bricks, if the height of a residential building does not exceed 3 meters, or if the height of a non-residential building does not exceed 3.5 meters, it is classified as a Level 3 small-scale project.

For interior walls constructed with lightweight bricks, if the height of a residential building exceeds 3 meters, or if the height of a non-residential building exceeds 3.5 meters, it is classified as a Class I small-scale project.

The Buildings Department has a very complex and detailed definition of small-scale works projects for the demolition of unauthorized structures. First, it is necessary to determine the type of unauthorized structure, whether it extends from the exterior wall of the building or is an addition to the floor, and whether it is an indoor or outdoor unauthorized structure.

Unauthorized structures extending from the exterior wall of a building, if less than 2 meters beyond the wall, are classified as Class II minor works projects (2.32). Structures extending more than 2 meters beyond the wall are classified as Class I minor works projects (1.30).

Unauthorized additions built on the rooftop or platform floor of a building are classified as Class III small projects if their height is less than 2.5 meters, Class II small projects if their height is between 2.5 and 5 meters, and Class I small projects if their height is between 5 and 10 meters.

In general, maintenance of old buildings often involves issues such as concrete peeling and exposed rebar. First, note that waterproofing does not require minor engineering work.

Generally, if it does not involve structural columns or some complex structural floor slabs, it can be treated as a Class II minor project.

If structural columns and complex structural floor slabs are involved, then a Class I small-scale engineering project is required.

Small projects involving aluminum windows are quite complicated, first of all, if not replace the main window frame can be treated with a third-level small project, if the main window frame and width less than 6 meters belongs to the second-level small project, then large and complex belongs to the first-level small project.

Any project involving glass curtain walls is classified as a Class I small-scale project.

Official answer from the Buildings Department:

1. If the property owner fails to comply with the order, the Buildings Department will commission a government contractor to carry out the demolition and will subsequently pursue the full cost of the work from the owner, plus supervision fees and surcharges.
2. Failure to comply with a statutory order is a criminal offense, punishable by imprisonment for up to one year and a fine of HK$200,000. If the offense continues, an additional fine of HK$20,000 per day will be imposed.
3. The Land Registry will also record the order. If the property is mortgaged, the relevant financial institution will be notified of the order.

In reality, the Buildings Department will first issue a warning letter. Upon receiving the warning letter, the owner has the right to inquire and request an explanation from the Buildings Department. If the Buildings Department does not accept the explanation, it will arrange to issue a demolition order, requiring the owner to demolish the unauthorized structure within a certain period of time. During this period, the owner can also apply to the Buildings Department for an extension for various reasons, such as not being in Hong Kong, needing to raise funds, or needing time to find a contractor to provide a quote. Of course, if the owner eventually receives the unauthorized structure order from the Buildings Department, it is unavoidable to demolish the unauthorized structure. Otherwise, the fines can be very severe. There are already many court judgments that can be referenced.

You can check on the Buildings Department website whether you need to submit a minor works application based on the type of work being done.

You can verify that a renovation company is registered with the Buildings Department by entering the company's name or the contractor's personal name into the Buildings Department's website.

You can check the records on the Buildings Department's website Bravo.bd.gov.hk and then compare them with the actual situation on site.

You can request a copy of the submitted minor works documents from the renovation company, as well as a confirmation document from the Buildings Department confirming receipt.