Easy Job Solution Engineering Limited: Professional Removal of Buildings Department and Fire Services Orders – Safeguarding Your Property Compliance and Value
Removing demolition orders, repair orders, or fire safety directions issued by the Buildings Department or Fire Services Department is a crucial step in ensuring property compliance, avoiding fines, and restoring property value.
Easy Job Solution Engineering Limited possesses extensive local experience in Hong Kong and is well-versed in the Buildings Ordinance and Fire Safety Ordinances. We provide one-stop professional services including enquiry, assessment, execution, and submission of reports to help you promptly remove orders and restore normal use and transaction capability of your property.
Our professional team comprises multiple experienced Authorized Persons and Registered Inspectors, personally supervised by seasoned Registered Structural Engineers and Registered Geotechnical Engineers, delivering the most accurate and reliable technical support and full compliance assurance for every case. 🛠️
Serious Consequences of Non-Compliance
Under the regulations of the Buildings Department and Fire Services Department, failure to comply with statutory orders without reasonable excuse constitutes a criminal offence and may result in the following risks:
- Fines up to $200,000 and daily fines of $20,000 (Buildings Department orders) or $25,000 and daily fines of $2,500 (Fire Safety Directions).
- Imprisonment for up to 1 year.
- Government execution of demolition or repair works, with full costs, supervision fees, and additional charges recoverable from the owner.
- Registration of the order at the Land Registry (memorial of the order), directly affecting property sale, mortgage, and transfer.
Choosing Easy Job Solution Engineering Limited means choosing an efficient, compliant, and reliable solution.
Our professional team ensures every step fully complies with statutory requirements, allowing you to remove orders with peace of mind.
Our Service Scope
We specialize in handling the following common Buildings Department and Fire Services orders, providing comprehensive enquiry, site assessment, execution, and report submission services:
Section 24 Demolition Order
Removal of unauthorized building works, illegal structures, or signboards.
Section 25 Order to Cease Change of Use
Resolution of illegal change of use issues.
Section 26 / 26A Building Repair Order / Investigation Order
Repair of building structures or safety hazards.
Section 27C / 28 Underground Drainage and Sewer Repair Order
Handling of pipework, drainage, or sewerage issues.
Fire Safety Directions (Cap. 502 / Cap. 572)
Compliance with the Fire Safety (Commercial Premises) Ordinance and Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance, including upgrading of fire safety installations.
Common Unauthorized Building Works and Irregularities
The following are frequent unauthorized alterations encountered by property owners and tenants in Hong Kong. These works easily trigger Buildings Department orders or Fire Safety Directions. Our professional team is highly experienced in handling them swiftly, safely, and in full compliance:
Removal of Load-Bearing Walls
Determining whether a wall is load-bearing cannot rely solely on visual inspection or material type. The most reliable method is to check the original building plans at the Buildings Department. Removing load-bearing walls not only affects the structural stability of the unit but may also compromise the safety of the entire building, with potentially severe consequences.
Enclosing Open Roofs
The most common examples are rooftop structures on old tenement buildings or industrial buildings. During typhoons or heavy rain, these structures pose dangers to occupants and the public. Such rooftop constructions will not be approved through formal applications or minor works. The correct approach is to remove them promptly and restore the roof to its original condition to avoid further enforcement action by the Buildings Department.
Alteration of Fire Separations
Alterations to fire separations include kitchen partition walls within residential units, fire walls between adjacent units, fire barriers between units and common corridors, and fire-rated lobbies leading to escape staircases. Owners may consider such changes minor, but in the event of a fire, they can seriously endanger lives and property.
Subdivision of Residential Units into Multiple Small Rooms
Due to high property prices in Hong Kong, some individuals with limited financial means choose subdivided units commonly known as “cage homes.” Such subdivision works often affect fire separations, escape routes, drainage systems, and window lighting requirements, with even more serious issues when located in industrial buildings.
Addition of Mezzanine Floors within Units
Many standalone units – whether residential, commercial, shop, or industrial – have high ceilings, leading some owners or tenants to add intermediate platforms to instantly increase usable floor area. This is a very common unauthorized construction. Since the works are carried out entirely inside the unit, they are usually difficult to detect from outside. In addition to potential structural safety risks, they also affect the overall gross floor area calculation of the building.
Enclosing Open Platforms
Some low-level units in residential or industrial buildings have open platforms. Many owners enclose them to create covered spaces for storage or other uses. Such works are also extremely difficult to approve. Prompt removal and restoration are strongly recommended to avoid prosecution by the Buildings Department.
Modification of Drainage Pipe Systems
Following the COVID-19 outbreak, exposed external drainage pipes were identified as potential virus transmission routes. The Buildings Department has issued multiple orders regarding unauthorized alterations to drainage pipes and improper installation of anti-siphon devices, and has provided detailed guidelines on correct installation.
Replacement with Full-Height Glass Windows
Traditional street-facing windows usually have a parapet wall approximately 1.1 metres high, with aluminium windows installed above it. Some owners remove the parapet to install full-height glass for better lighting and aesthetics. Without formal approval from the Buildings Department, such alterations may compromise structural safety and violate fire safety regulations. Approval through Class I Minor Works is currently a lawful solution.
Installation of External Canopies or Awnings
Canvas awnings or metal awnings on older buildings are often simply designed and poorly constructed, and some may contain asbestos. In bad weather, they can easily detach and endanger pedestrians. Safety can be significantly improved by designing and installing them under the Minor Works Control System.
Modification of Building External Walls
Building maintenance or interior design may require modification of external walls. The proper approach is to apply for approval under the Minor Works Control System. Since external wall alterations affect the overall appearance of the building and ownership usually belongs to all owners, prior consent from the Owners’ Corporation or property management company is often required.
Installation of Building External Signboards
External signboards are generally divided into those above ground-floor shops, horizontal signboards projecting over pavements or roads, and large vertical advertising signboards on upper floors. Deteriorated signboards can fall and cause injuries or fatalities. The Minor Works Control System provides clear guidelines for signboard installation. Ownership issues should also be considered, and early consultation with the Owners’ Corporation or management company is recommended.
Replacement or Modification of Street-Facing Aluminium Windows
This mainly involves replacing old aluminium windows, changing frame designs, or enlarging window openings. Failure to apply through the prescribed channels affects both structural integrity and fire safety. Class I, II, or III Minor Works may cover aluminium window works, depending on complexity and size.
Installation of Iron Gates at Building Entrances
Some older buildings originally had no iron gates at the ground-floor lobby. For security reasons, some buildings install them. If the new gate does not comply with fire escape route requirements, it obstructs evacuation during fires. Upon receiving a Buildings Department order, it must be removed and restored.
Installation of External Air-Conditioner Brackets
External air-conditioner condenser brackets can now be installed through the Minor Works Control System, while previously installed brackets may be retained through declaration and verification.
Professional Order Removal Process
- 1Enquiry and Record Verification
Using order number, address, or building name, we check the latest records (updated monthly) of the Buildings Department or Fire Services Department to clearly define the scope of the issue. - 2Professional Site Assessment
Our licensed team conducts detailed on-site inspections, analyses violations or safety hazards, and formulates repair or demolition schemes that fully comply with the law. - 3Execution and Supervision of Works
Using compliant, high-quality materials and strictly following the Minor Works Control System (submission of MW03 forms) for demolition, repair, or fire safety upgrading works. - 4Report Submission and Inspection
After completion, submit MW04 completion forms and relevant reports to apply for inspection by the Buildings Department or Fire Services Department. - 5Formal Order Removal and Follow-up
Assist in processing cancellation of the memorial at the Land Registry to ensure the property is fully restored to compliant status.
Selected Case Studies
Case 1: Causeway Bay Building Rooftop Demolition Order (Section 24)
The building received a demolition order due to unauthorized rooftop structures. We promptly engaged a registered contractor for safe demolition and external wall restoration, submitted MW03/MW04 forms and reports, and successfully removed the order within just two weeks, preventing fines and registration of the order for our client.
Case 2: Kowloon Residential Fire Safety Directions (Cap. 502)
The residential unit received Fire Safety Directions requiring upgrading of fire safety installations. We installed compliant fire doors, fixed windows, fire extinguishing systems, and emergency lighting, completed testing and report submission, and successfully passed Fire Services Department inspection within 10 days, removing the order.
Major improvement items included:
Fire doors ｜ Fixed windows ｜ Enclosure of non-emergency facilities
Case 3: Residential Balcony Unauthorized Works Restoration
The client had built an unauthorized room on the balcony years ago and recently received a Buildings Department demolition and restoration order, or face legal action. Our company promptly removed all illegal structures, raised the balcony parapet, completely removed the original electrical installations, and installed waterproof switches, effectively preventing water seepage and ensuring the unit fully complies with Buildings Department safety standards.
Major works included:
Removal of unauthorized structures ｜ Raising of parapet ｜ Installation of waterproof switches
Important Notes
- Order records can be checked online via the Buildings Department website or by using the order number, address, or building name (updated monthly).
- Absence of public records does not mean there are no irregularities. A comprehensive inspection by professionals is recommended.
- Buildings Department Hotline: 2626 1616 (handled by 1823); Fire Services Department enquiries can be made via the official website.
- Early action prevents escalation to registration of the order or prosecution, protecting property value and transaction capability.
Until a Buildings Department or Fire Services order is removed, your property’s value and usability remain affected.
Easy Job Solution Engineering Limited is committed to professionalism, speed, and full compliance to thoroughly resolve your issues.
Tel: 2364 2958 ｜ Email: cs@hkejs.com
Our professional team is on standby 24 hours a day to assist you. 🚀