GB2 stands for General Builder Class 2 — it's the BCA (Building and Construction Authority) licence we hold to carry out structural building works in Singapore. If you're planning a landed home rebuild, major A&A works, or anything involving structural changes, piling, or heavy fabrication, you need a builder with this licence. We've held ours since we transitioned from pure commercial work to landed residential projects, and it's the regulatory backbone of everything we do on site.

What Does a GB2 BCA Licence Actually Cover?

The GB2 licence permits us to undertake general building works with a contract value of up to $6 million per project. In practical terms for landed homes, that means:

• Full rebuilds and reconstruction — tearing down and building from foundation up
• A&A (Addition and Alteration) works — extensions, structural modifications, new storeys
• Piling and foundation work — micropiling, bored piles, retaining walls
• Structural steel and fabrication — load-bearing frames, mezzanines, cantilevers
• Roof and façade works — including solar panel structural integration

This is different from a renovation contractor's licence. Renovation work — finishes, M&E coordination, interior fit-outs — falls under a different regulatory category. Our sister company, Larry Contractors, handles HDB-licensed renovation work. We handle the heavy building.

The GB2 classification exists because BCA wants accountability. If something structural goes wrong, they need to know who signed off, who supervised, and who's liable. The licence isn't just a piece of paper — it's tied to our track record, our financial standing, and our technical personnel.

Why It Matters for Your Landed Home Project

We've seen homeowners get halfway through a project only to realise their contractor isn't licensed for the scope of work being done. That's a problem — not just regulatory, but structural. Here's what the GB2 licence means in real terms:

We're Legally Accountable for Structural Integrity

When we submit plans to BCA and URA, our licence number goes on those documents. Our in-house Qualified Person (QP) signs off. If there's a structural defect, we're on the hook — legally and financially. That's why we don't cut corners on reinforcement schedules, concrete grades, or soil reports. The liability is ours.

We Can Coordinate the Entire Build Under One Licence

Many landed projects involve multiple contractors — one for piling, another for structure, another for steelwork. We do all of that in-house under the same GB2 umbrella. That means fewer handover gaps, clearer accountability, and one point of contact when something needs to be fixed or adjusted mid-build.

Insurance and Liability Coverage Are in Place

BCA requires GB2 builders to maintain specific insurance minimums. If a worker is injured, if third-party property is damaged, if there's a structural failure — the coverage exists. Unlicensed or under-licensed contractors often don't carry adequate insurance, and that risk falls back on the homeowner.

How We Use Our GB2 Licence on Landed Projects

Most of our landed clients come to us for one of three reasons: they're rebuilding, they're doing a heavy A&A, or they've been told by another contractor that "this might need a structural engineer." Here's how the GB2 licence plays out in each scenario.

Full Rebuilds and Reconstruction

When you're tearing down and rebuilding, the GB2 licence covers everything from demolition permits to TOP (Temporary Occupation Permit). We handle URA submissions for planning permission, BCA submissions for structural plans, and coordinate PE (Professional Engineer) sign-offs for foundation, structural, and M&E works. The licence allows us to be the builder of record — the entity responsible for delivering a structurally sound, code-compliant home.

On a typical rebuild, we'll start with a site survey and soil investigation. If the soil's weak or there's a steep slope, we'll design and install the necessary piling. Then we pour the foundation, erect the structural frame (RC or steel, depending on design), and build up to roof level. The GB2 licence covers all of that scope.

A&A Works Involving Structural Changes

Not every A&A job requires a GB2 builder — if you're just hacking tiles and repainting, a renovation contractor is fine. But if you're removing walls, adding a storey, cantilevering a balcony, or cutting into an existing slab, you're in structural territory. That's where we come in.

We've done projects where clients wanted to convert a covered porch into a habitable room. That sounds simple, but it often means new footings, load transfer calculations, and BCA approval. The GB2 licence lets us do that work legally and safely. We've also handled cases where homeowners wanted to remove a ground-floor wall to open up the layout — only to discover it was load-bearing. We reinforced with steel beams and columns, all designed and certified under our licence.

Piling and Foundation Work

Piling is one of the most under-appreciated parts of a landed build, and it's squarely in GB2 territory. If your site has soft soil, a high water table, or a sloping profile, you'll likely need piles. We do micropiling and bored piling in-house, and we've worked on sites where neighbours' foundations were too close, requiring careful sequencing and monitoring.

The GB2 licence means we can design, install, and test the piles ourselves — no need to subcontract to another builder and hope the handover goes smoothly. We've seen piling jobs go wrong when there's no clear owner of the risk. With us, it's our name on the load test reports.

What a GB2 Builder Doesn't Do (and Why That's Important)

Our GB2 licence doesn't cover HDB flats. For HDB renovation or A&A, you need an HDB-licensed contractor — that's our sister company, Larry Contractors. We also don't do pure interior fit-out or finishes-only work. If there's no structural scope, we're not the right fit.

We're also deliberately selective about the landed projects we take on. We don't do every job that comes through the door. If a client wants the cheapest possible quote and isn't interested in doing things properly, we'll pass. The GB2 licence comes with responsibilities we take seriously, and we'd rather work with clients who value that.

How to Verify a Builder's GB2 Status

If you're evaluating builders, ask for their BCA licence number and check it on the BCA website. The licence class (GB2, GB1, etc.) should be listed, along with the validity period and any past suspensions or penalties. We're transparent about ours — UEN 201404127Z, licensed General Builder Class 2.

Also ask whether the builder has an in-house QP or works with an external one. We have our own, which speeds up submissions and ensures consistency. Some builders rely on third-party QPs, which can work fine but adds a coordination layer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between GB1 and GB2 BCA licences?

GB1 is an unlimited-value general builder licence — it's for large-scale commercial and industrial projects with no contract cap. GB2 has a $6 million per-project cap, which is more than sufficient for any landed home in Singapore. We hold GB2 because it fits our scope and client base. The technical and regulatory requirements are similarly stringent for both classes.

Can I hire a renovation contractor instead of a GB2 builder?

If your project involves only finishes, fixtures, and non-structural work, yes. But if you're doing anything structural — removing walls, adding storeys, modifying foundations, installing steel beams — you need a GB2 or higher builder. We've been called in to fix projects where a renovation contractor took on structural work they weren't licensed for. It's messy, expensive, and sometimes dangerous.

Do I need to hire a separate QP if I work with a GB2 builder?

Not necessarily. We have an in-house QP who handles architectural and structural submissions. Some builders don't, in which case you'd need to engage your own QP separately. It's worth asking upfront — having the QP in-house usually means faster approvals and better coordination.

How long does it take to get BCA approval for a landed rebuild?

It depends on the complexity of your project and whether there are any non-compliances or appeals involved. A straightforward rebuild with no deviations from planning guidelines might get approved in a few weeks. If there are setback relaxations, GFA calculations, or engineering complexities, it can take a few months. We handle all the submissions as part of our scope, so you're not chasing multiple parties.

What happens if my builder's GB2 licence expires mid-project?

That's a serious problem. BCA requires the builder of record to hold a valid licence throughout the build. If the licence lapses, work must stop until it's renewed or a new licensed builder takes over. We track our renewal dates closely — it's part of basic operational discipline. Always check the licence validity period before signing a contract.

If you're planning a landed rebuild, A&A, or piling work and want to discuss whether your project needs a GB2 builder, get in touch with us. We'll tell you honestly whether we're the right fit — and if we're not, we'll point you in the right direction. Reach us on WhatsApp at +65 9107 2601.