Professional Illegal Structure Demolition & Regularization Services

Silver Surveyors Limited provides comprehensive, statutory compliance solutions for various types of unauthorized building works (UBWs) in Hong Kong. Through assessment by registered engineers, issuance of safety certificates, government submissions, and demolition supervision, we assist property owners in resolving building irregularities lawfully, avoiding penalties, and facilitating property transactions.

一.Service Background & Regulatory Framework

According to the Hong Kong Buildings Ordinance, UBWs are categorized as "Requiring Priority Action" (e.g., rooftop metal shelters, external steel frames, enclosed structures blocking escape routes) and "Tolerable for the Time Being" . Immediate action is typically required for UBWs that pose risks to structural safety, fire safety, or hygiene, are located in high-risk areas (e.g., slopes, external walls, escape paths), or are subject to a Demolition Order or Prosecution Notice​ from the Buildings Department (BD). Failure to comply can result in fines up to HK$500,000 and 1 year imprisonment​ .

Policy Context: The government has reinstated schemes allowing eligible UBWs in New Territories Exempted Houses (NTEHs) built before a specified date to undergo regular safety checks for temporary deferral of demolition.

二.Silver Surveyors' Edge: Why Choose Us?

• Qualified Team & Technical Authority: Our engineers hold BD-recognized T2 Technician or Registered Structural Engineer qualifications​ and are well-versed in the relevant codes of practice. We employ advanced tools like 3D scanning and infrared mapping​ for precise delineation of UBWs and risk assessment.

• Transparent Fees, No Bundled Services: We provide itemized quotations, clearly separating inspection, regularization, and demolition costs. We never compel clients to use our construction team​ for remediation works.

• Efficient Compliance & Legal Support: We offer fixed timelines​ (e.g., regularization submissions within 30 days; demolition within BD-stipulated periods, typically 30-150 days). We can also assist in preparing legal representations and expert testimony​ if prosecution occurs.

三.Service Scope & Process​

We adhere to a rigorous service process to ensure professionalism and reliability at every stage：

Step

1. UBW Classification & Risk Assessment

Key Actions

Site inspection to classify UBW type (e.g., enclosed balcony, rooftop structure, unauthorized basement), determining if it falls under "removal required" or "possible tolerance through reporting".

Deliverables

Illegal Structure Risk Assessment Reportwith recommendations.

Step

2. Safety Certification & Government Submission

​Key Actions

Issuance of T2 Safety Certificate​ by a registered engineer; preparation and submission of required documents and structural calculations to the BD.

Deliverables

BD acknowledgment receipt; valid Safety Certificate (typically 5 years).

Step

3. Demolition Supervision

Key Actions​

Arrange qualified contractors for demolition, supervise works for compliance and safety, document the process photographically.

Deliverables

Before-and-after photo records; Compliance Completion Certificate.

Step

4. Government Verification & Order Removal

Key Actions​

Apply for BD's final inspection, obtain Compliance Confirmation Letter​ to remove the "Demolition Order" from the land register.

Deliverables

Statutory completion documents.

Applicable Scenarios:

New Territories Exempted Houses (under applicable schemes), private residences, industrial/commercial buildings.

Handling UBW issues prior to property transaction; urgent response to BD Demolition Orders.

四.Common Questions & Key Reminders

Q：Does reporting a UBW make it "legal"?​

A：No. Reporting does not legalize the UBW. However, eligible structures may gain a temporary deferral from demolition through regular 5-year safety checks. They may still require removal if regulations change or risks increase .

Q：If a UBW has existed for decades, is it exempt from regulation?​

A：No. The BD's enforcement against UBWs is not subject to a statutory time limit; action is prioritized based on risk classification .

• Key Reminders:

  Minor UBWs (e.g., certain clothes-drying racks, retractable awnings) may be exempt from prior approval but still require periodic checks.

  Demolition Orders are registered against the property title ("imposing a charge"), which can affect sales or mortgages.

📞 Act Now: Get a Free UBW Assessment

If you have received a BD Demolition Order or suspect UBW issues, contact Silver Surveyors today!

Hotline：+852 35656185（Provide your property address and BD reference number for a free compliance pathway assessment）

TEL：852-34899268

Fee Reference:

UBW Inspection & Regularization: HK8,000−HK20,000 (depending on complexity).

Demolition Supervision: Starting from HK$15,000 (depending on scale and risk).

Our Commitment: Services led by registered engineers. Transparent pricing with no hidden costs. We help you resolve legal risks cost-effectively.

This content is based on the Hong Kong Buildings Ordinance and the BD's enforcement policies against UBWs (2023-2024 editions). Specific cases should be handled according to the latest government regulations.