What’s with the 20% surge in HDB BTO home inspection inquiries?

In recent times, a notable trend has emerged in Singapore’s real estate landscape – a significant surge in homeowners’ demand for Build-to-Order (BTO) Housing and Development Board (HDB) flat inspections. Home inspection companies are reporting a remarkable 20% increase in inquiries from new BTO flat owners seeking defect assessments.

This surge in interest is attributed to various factors, including increased awareness of the inspection process, the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the influence of social media.

In this article, we will delve deeper into this burgeoning trend, explore common issues found during these inspections, and examine HDB’s response to the heightened demand.

The rise in HDB BTO home inspection inquiries

According to various home inspection companies, the demand for BTO HDB home inspections has spiked by 20%. While the Housing and Development Board maintains that the proportion of flat owners submitting feedback on defects has remained constant, this increase in inspection inquiries tells a different story. This surge is largely due to new homeowners taking proactive steps to ensure their newly acquired homes meet the desired quality standards.

Read also: Home inspection before you buy: necessary or not?

Common issues found during HDB BTO home inspections

Home inspection companies conducting these assessments commonly encounter a range of issues. These issues include loose window handles, door misalignment, hollow tiles, and misalignment and gaps in vinyl flooring.

In more severe cases, the primary contractor may even need to replace vinyl flooring across all units. However, it’s important to note that serious defects are relatively rare when compared to minor ones.

These inspections help homeowners identify and rectify issues early, preventing potential financial burdens down the road.

Read also: How to conduct your own HDB BTO defects inspection

@carefulcouple Our DIY defects check and what we found! Still loving our home though 🥰 #defectscheck #bto #sghome ♬ Swear By It – Chris Alan Lee

Why is this happening?

Several factors contribute to the increasing demand for BTO HDB home inspections:

• Increased awareness: New homeowners are now more aware of the importance of reporting defects and conducting inspections before finalising their home purchase. A small investment in inspections before buying can save them from costly repairs later.
• COVID-19 pandemic impact: Many construction projects were delayed during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, inspections are now catching up with the completed units, leading to higher numbers. Post-pandemic, inspectors still find defects, which can vary from estate to estate, depending on contractors, workmanship, and subcontractor management.
• Social media influence: The rise of social media has played a significant role in this trend. Homeowners are sharing their inspection experiences and findings on their social media platforms. These posts have inspired others to follow suit, ensuring that the trend continues to gain momentum.

Read also: Defects inspection for your new BTO/condo home: What owners must know

What Is HDB doing about this?

HDB has not remained passive in response to this trend. They have implemented various measures to address and rectify defects in BTO flats:

Improved quality assessment

HDB reported an increase in their Building and Construction Authority Construction Quality Assessment System score from 92 to 95 between the periods of 2017-2019 and 2020-2022. This demonstrates their commitment to enhancing construction quality.

Defects Liability Period

New flat owners are provided with a one-year Defects Liability Period. During this time, they can report any imperfections or defects to the contractor for necessary repairs. Homeowners are encouraged to report defects within a month of collecting their keys, before starting any renovations.

Building inspection team

HDB deploys a building inspection team to scrutinise completed flats for defects. Impressively, over 90% of reported imperfections and defects are successfully rectified within 14 working days. Another round of checks is conducted before handing the keys over to homeowners.

Consistent feedback rate

HDB has noted that the proportion of flat owners submitting feedback on defects during the defects liability period has remained stable compared to the pre-pandemic period. This suggests that their efforts in addressing defects are effective in maintaining homeowner satisfaction.

Read also: Viewing property? Here’s 5 things you MUST check (or live to regret)

Wrapping up

The surge in HDB BTO home inspection inquiries highlights the growing awareness among new homeowners regarding the importance of quality assurance and defect reporting.

While common issues are encountered during inspections, early identification can save homeowners from significant financial burdens in the long run. HDB’s proactive measures in quality improvement and defect rectification demonstrate their commitment to providing Singaporeans with safe and comfortable living spaces.

As this trend continues to gain momentum, it’s clear that homeowners are taking a proactive stance in ensuring the quality of their BTO flats.