Govt will pay extra attention to renovation videos online, says development minister

Authorities will pay extra attention to renovation videos circulated on social media platforms and proactively enforce the law if any building violations are found, said Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho, following the controversy of a load-bearing wall of an apartment in LOHAS Park being torn down during renovation works. 

Speaking in a Legislative Council meeting on Wednesday, Linn said the government will deploy staffers to conduct large-scale spot-checks, look into complaints lodged by citizens and keep an eye on media coverage. 

The government will also consider if it is necessary to further regulate the interior design industry first, so that there won’t be inconvenience brought by overly-rigid restrictions. 

The more practical way would be to centralize and regulate risky renovation works and strengthen public education, the development chief said. The Buildings Department will launch a helpline to answer citizens’ questions about the structure of their homes as well. 

Linn noted that the department approved some 1,500 to 1,900 applications for structural changes and extension works annually over the past three years, taking over 80 percent of all applications filed to the department. 

Last month, the department approved 17 applications, including one that involved tearing down a load-bearing wall. 

If the changes are found to be related to unauthorized building works, the department can order removal. 

The department can also reprimand, fine and expel from the registry any registered professionals and contractors if they are convicted of breaches under Cap 123 Buildings Ordinance.