What Does General Builder Actually Mean?

We're a BCA General Builder Class 2, which sounds formal but means something specific: we can legally do structural building work on landed properties in Singapore. That's different from renovation contractors who focus on finishes, or HDB-licensed contractors who work on flats.

Our licence covers the heavy stuff — knocking down load-bearing walls, adding new floors, rebuilding from foundation up, piling work, and major A&A projects. When someone needs to change the bones of their landed home, that's when they call us instead of a regular contractor.

We've been doing this since 2014, starting with our own warehouse builds before moving into landed homes. The transition made sense because the structural principles are similar — concrete, steel, foundation work — just different scales and regulations.

What Work Actually Requires a General Builder?

Most landed homeowners don't realise when their project crosses from renovation into building work. We see this confusion constantly.

You need a general builder for:

• Removing or modifying load-bearing walls
• Adding new floors or extending upward
• Foundation work or underpinning
• Structural repairs after damage
• Major A&A requiring structural changes
• Any work involving new concrete pours or steel framework

The key word is 'structural'. If you're changing how the building carries its load, you need our type of licence. If you're just changing finishes, layouts within existing rooms, or doing cosmetic work, a regular renovation contractor handles that fine.

Our sister company Larry Contractors does exactly that renovation work for HDB flats and some landed finishing — different licence, different scope entirely.

Why the Licence Matters More Than You Think

We've seen landed owners get burned by contractors who take on structural work without the proper licence. The work looks fine initially, but problems surface later — or worse, during BCA inspections.

BCA doesn't mess around with unlicensed structural work. We've been called in to fix projects where the original contractor couldn't get approvals because they lacked the proper classification. The homeowner ends up paying twice: once for the botched work, again for us to rebuild it properly.

Our licence also means we carry the insurance and bonding requirements for major structural work. When we're moving load-bearing walls or doing foundation work, that coverage matters.

How We Handle the Full Building Process

Having our own in-house architect and Qualified Person (QP) changes how projects work. We're not just the builders who show up after someone else designs — we handle the entire process from concept through completion.

This matters because design and buildability connect directly. Our architect knows what we can actually construct within budget and timeline. Our QP handles all URA and BCA submissions as part of the build process, not as separate consultant fees.

We've learned that homeowners want accurate advice before they commit, not excuses after problems emerge. When someone says 'my neighbour did this extension', our first step is checking whether their neighbour's work was actually legal and whether the same approach works for their specific property.

The Commercial Background That Changed Everything

We built over 1,500 commercial and industrial projects before focusing on landed homes. That background shapes how we approach residential work.

Commercial projects don't forgive mistakes. Timelines are tight, budgets are firm, and structural integrity isn't negotiable. We brought those standards to landed work when our commercial clients started asking us to build their homes.

The result is a deliberately selective portfolio. We're not trying to be the biggest residential builder — we're trying to be the most reliable for complex structural projects.

When to Call Us vs Other Contractors

Not every project needs a general builder, and we're honest about that. If you're updating kitchens, changing flooring, or doing cosmetic work, Larry Contractors or other renovation specialists handle that more efficiently.

Call us when your project involves structural changes, when you need building submissions handled properly, or when previous contractors have told you something 'can't be done' structurally. Often it can be done — it just requires the right licence and approach.

We also handle the projects where homeowners want everything managed by one team with full accountability. When you're rebuilding or doing major A&A, having the design, approvals, and construction under one roof eliminates the finger-pointing between separate consultants.

What's the difference between a general builder and renovation contractor?

We handle structural work — load-bearing walls, foundations, new floors — while renovation contractors focus on finishes and cosmetic changes. Different BCA licence classes for different types of work.

Do you only work on landed properties?

Yes, exclusively landed homes for residential work. Our sister company Larry Contractors handles HDB renovations with the appropriate licence for that scope.

How long do general builder projects typically take?

Depends entirely on scope. Simple structural changes might take 8-12 weeks, while full rebuilds can run 8-10 months. We give realistic timelines upfront including approval periods.

Do you handle the BCA and URA submissions?

Yes, our in-house QP manages all building submissions as part of the project. No separate consultant fees — it's included in our general builder service.

What makes your approach different from other builders?

We came from commercial and industrial building, so we approach residential work with tighter project management and structural focus. Plus having architect and QP in-house means no coordination issues between design and build teams.

Every landed property project has different structural requirements and approval needs. We'd rather discuss your specific situation properly than give generic advice. Drop us a message to talk through what you're planning: https://wa.me/6591072601