Dear Master Lee,

I would like to ask for your advice regarding renovation on my BTO flat.

One of my family members just passed away.

Understand that the place where the deceased stayed should not be renovated for certain period of time.

Does the same apply that I need to wait for certain period of time before I can renovate my HDB BTO flat (new place)?

Thank you very much for your advice!

Dear Master Lee,

Thank you very much for your reply and your opinions.

It provided some guidance as you are right as per point 5.

Thank you once again and wishing you well with abundance of health, wealth and happiness!

Firstly, sorry tohear ofthe demise of your family member.

These are some considerations:-

1. Frankly, strictly speaking the field of Feng Shui is scientific with the addition of the "Art" of it.

2. Thus, the field of Feng Shui is has nothing to do with Chinese beliefs or customs.

3. What then?

3.1. In Singapore, we have so many Chinese of different dialect origins: Cantonese, Teochews, Hokkiens, Hakka etc..

3.2. Here, each has its traditions, beliefs and guidelines passed down perhaps from grandparents and other elders be it one's close relative or a trusted family person.

3.3. Thus, one should look within such circles.

3.4. Often in the past and even today; if a family has a "firm" matriarch; then this is the first person one needs to approach. And their words are law.

4. Frankly other than the above "layer" Para 3.2 to 3.4; there is no encyclopedia of what is right and wrong.

5. And I believe, you have no one to turn to whom you could perhaps trust as a reliable guide. Since, even modern matriarch are like "church mice" or even not familiar withpast traditions and have simple views not steeped in traditional beliefs.

6. Please see attachment. Recently, a potential client wrote a WhatsApp message to me:-

"Sorry we disappeared for a while bcos my hb's grandfather passed on and we wanted to wait till 3mths is over before we work on our new home."

6.1 I believe the above (this family) still keeps strong beliefs even if as you mentioned: it is logical to conclude that the deceased has never stayed in your HDB BTO.

7. In your instance; if you do have any elders such as relatives like uncles; aunties steep in this tradition or not?

8. To conclude; I am a free thinker; I would 100 percent agree with what you wrote i.e. deceased never stayed in your new home. And if I am in your shoes; I would proceed to renovate my new home especially if there are constraints like; I have sold my existing home or need to move-out for other reasons by certain date.

9. Wishing you both Health, Wealth and Happiness!

Quote

On 5/23/2016 9:50:16 AM, Anonymous wrote:
Dear Master Lee,I would like
to ask for your advice
regarding renovation on my BTO
flat.One of my family members
just passed away.Understand
that the place where the
deceased stayed should not be
renovated for certain period
of time.Does the same
apply that I need to wait for
certain period of time before
I can renovate my HDB BTO flat
(new place)?Thank you very
much for your advice!

Master Cecil, my FIL just passed away last Friday. Can I check with you will this affect our key collection, door opening and Reno?

Sorry to learn about your loss. 
Key collection, renovations are not like getting married.

For many Chinese of different dialect groups have no issue with this. Just don't wear red during key collection

P.S. There are no fixed rules. For example, especially for some who had sold their present home; have to get their new homes ready. Else...

In Summary

1. Honestly, Feng Shui can be seen as quite scientific in many ways, but it also has a strong artistic side to it.

2. Because of this, Feng Shui is not necessarily tied to Chinese religion or traditional beliefs.

3. So, what should you do next?

3.1. In Singapore, the Chinese community is very diverse, with many dialect groups such as Cantonese, Teochew, Hokkien, Hakka, and others.

3.2. Each of these groups has its own traditions, beliefs, and customs that have been passed down over the years, often from grandparents and respected elders in the family.

3.3. It would be a good idea to seek advice from people within these communities.

3.4. Traditionally, and even today, if there is a strong female matriarch in the family, she is usually the first person everyone consults, and her word is often final.

4. Apart from what was mentioned in points 3.2 to 3.4, there really isn’t a definitive handbook that clearly states what is right or wrong in Feng Shui.

5. It seems that you might not have a reliable source of guidance, especially if even the present-day matriarchs are not very familiar with these traditional beliefs and customs.

6. Please take a look at the attached document. Not long ago, a potential client sent me a WhatsApp message saying:

“Sorry for going quiet, my husband’s grandfather passed away, and we wanted to observe the three-month traditional mourning period before starting work on our new home.”

6.1. It appears that this family still holds strongly to these beliefs, even though, logically speaking, the deceased has never lived in their new HDB BTO.

7. Do you have any older relatives, such as uncles or aunts, who might be knowledgeable about these customs?

8. To sum up, as someone who thinks independently, I fully support your conclusion that the deceased has not lived in your new home. If I were in your position, I would go ahead with the renovation of the new home, especially if you are facing time pressure, such as having sold your current place or needing to move out by a certain date.

RELOCATING HOUSE?

Credit: Meta AI

Moving house shortly after the passing of a beloved family member who lived with us can feel quite worrying. This comes from the belief that the departed may return home after a certain number of days. As a result, if the family moves before this period is over, there is a fear that the deceased will not be able to find the new home and will be lost forever.

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