Letters | Minor works in Hong Kong buildings are permitted – within legal limits

Readers address concerns about construction work in residential buildings, and discuss efforts to save Hongkongers from Southeast Asian scam camps

Reading Time:3 minutes

Residential buildings in West Kowloon on July 20, 2023. Photo: Sam Tsang

Published: 11:30am, 31 Jan 2025

Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at [email protected] or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification

I would like to respond to the letter, “Architects should be warned over any illegal add-ons, too” (January 9), which raised concerns about architects certifying openings in reinforced concrete floor slabs in multi-storey buildings.

In accordance with the Buildings Ordinance, any person intending to carry out building works is required to appoint an authorised person and, where necessary, a registered structural engineer to prepare and submit building plans for approval by the Buildings Department, unless the works are exempted works or designated exempted works, or minor works which can be carried out in accordance with the Minor Works Control System (MWCS).

Formation of a slab opening meeting specific descriptions and conditions is a minor works item under the MWCS. For instance, forming a slab opening not more than 4.5 square metres is a Class I minor works item 1.2. Such works can be legally carried out by prescribed registered contractors under the design and supervision of prescribed building professionals in accordance with the simplified requirements of the MWCS.

Before commencement of such works, the prescribed building professionals and prescribed registered contractors appointed are required to submit a notice of commencement of works, prescribed plans and details of the works to the Buildings Department. Upon completion, they are also required to submit a certificate of completion of works, record plans and other documents to the Buildings Department.

Such works should not affect the overall structural integrity and safety of the building. Moreover, the Buildings Department will conduct audit checks on the minor works submissions.

Before carrying out building works, the owner should seek advice from building professionals to ensure compliance with the law.