Renovation After Death of Family Member

[myfs_161505]

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!

[myfs_161505]

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!

[Cecil Lee]

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!

[Cecil Lee]

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...

[Cecil Lee]

In Summary

1. To be honest, the field of Feng Shui can be considered scientific, but it also incorporates an artistic aspect.

2. Therefore, Feng Shui is not necessarily tied to Chinese beliefs or customs.

3. What should be done next?

3.1. In Singapore, there is a diverse Chinese population with various dialect backgrounds such as Cantonese, Teochews, Hokkiens, Hakka, and more.

3.2. Each of these groups has their own set of traditions, beliefs, and practices that have been passed down through generations, often from grandparents and other respected elders within the family.

3.3. It would be wise to seek guidance from within these circles.

3.4. Historically, and even today, if a family has a strong female figure as the matriarch, she is usually the first person consulted, and her decisions are considered final.

4. Apart from the aspects mentioned in paragraphs 3.2 to 3.4, there is no definitive guide on what is right or wrong in Feng Shui.

5. It seems that you may not have a reliable source to turn to for guidance, especially if even modern matriarchs are not well-versed in traditional beliefs and customs.

6. Please refer to the attached document. Recently, a potential client sent me a WhatsApp message stating:

"Sorry for our absence, my husband's grandfather passed away, and we wanted to wait for the traditional mourning period of 3 months before starting work on our new home."

6.1. It appears that this family still holds strong beliefs, even though it may seem logical that the deceased has never resided in your new HDB BTO.

7. Do you have any elder family members, such as uncles or aunts, who are knowledgeable about these traditions?

8. In conclusion, as a free thinker, I fully support your decision that the deceased has not lived in your new home. If I were in your position, I would proceed with renovating my new home, especially if there are time constraints such as selling your current home or needing to move out by a certain date.