{"id":7877,"date":"2018-06-23T02:00:25","date_gmt":"2018-06-22T18:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.99.co\/blog\/singapore\/?p=7877"},"modified":"2024-10-29T19:02:19","modified_gmt":"2024-10-29T11:02:19","slug":"defects-inspection-bto-condo-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.99.co\/singapore\/insider\/defects-inspection-bto-condo-home\/","title":{"rendered":"Defects inspection for your new BTO\/condo home: What owners must know"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Recently, a HDB BTO project was in the news for all the wrong reasons. Construction workers had assembled the wrong precast concrete unit onto a block<\/a> (linked article in Chinese), resulting in a window configuration that stood out like a sore thumb. The main contractor for the project at Tampines Greenverge knew nothing about it \u2014 proceeding to build two more storeys atop the affected unit \u2014 until a member of public flagged the anomaly to the press. If anything, this highlights that our contractors can make mistakes and, as owners, a thorough defects inspection is a definite must when we collect the keys to our new home.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Now here’s the good news: Whether you’ve bought a flat from the Housing & Development Board (HDB) or a condominium* unit from a private developer, an important item will come along with your set of keys \u2014 a one-year Defects Liability Period<\/strong>. What this means is that in the 12-month period from taking possession of your new home, you may report any construction defects (after a defects inspection) and have them fixed by the respective contractor free.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Every unit will have its own set of faults; it’s a part and parcel of getting a new home. But while you might say “it’s only right for faults to be fixed without charge”, few know the actual process of defects rectification, or how to deal with complications. To make sure you get the full benefit of your home’s <\/span>Defects Liability Period and minimise serious headaches, here\u2019s our guide on what you should do.<\/span><\/p>\n

*Includes executive condominiums (ECs)<\/em><\/p>\n

When should I look out for property defects?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Even though you\u2019ve technically have one year to get the contractors to repair any property defects, we\u2019d recommend checking your flat as soon as you\u2019ve got your keys<\/strong> (<\/span>within 7 days of taking possession). Do not start renovations or move in until you’re satisfied that all faults and defects have been spotted and rectified.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Spotting
Label your defects clearly.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The reason for holding off renovation or moving in? First off, HDB or the private developer will only bear responsibility for any defects that are inherent in the home’s construction.<\/strong>\u00a0This means any flaw that arises from your staying there, or from the renovation of the unit, will not be covered. It\u2019s therefore best to report any property defects early to avoid any disputes down the road about who really caused the damage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Second, since there\u2019s no furniture or other obstruction in your flat, you can spot defects more easily. The contractor can also fix these defects without risking damage to your personal items. (And we know for a fact that even the most minor rectification work will generate an annoying amount of fine construction dust, which can get onto and into everything<\/em>.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Build-to-Order flats (BTO flats)<\/b><\/h3>\n

In true Singaporean-style efficiency, every flat goes through a <\/span>stringent framework of quality assurance and other checks by HDB<\/span><\/a> (both during and after construction) before owners collect their keys. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"bto-defects-process\"<\/p>\n

But even then, a few defects slip through undetected<\/span>. <\/span><\/p>\n

In such cases, homeowners will need to inform their respective Building Services Centre (<\/strong><\/span>BSC<\/strong>)<\/strong> of the defects, and schedule a time to get them fixed.<\/span><\/p>\n

During the key-collection, homeowners are provided with an HDB Defects List to record any defects they find, and advised to submit the form to BSC within 7 days. Regardless of this deadline, homeowners can still report any defects they find any time within the Defects Liability Period and ask for it to be repaired. <\/span><\/p>\n

Besides the Defects Liability Period, HDB also provides all new HDB flat owners with its Assure 3 warranty coverage, which entails a warranty of between 5 to 10 years for ceiling and external wall seepage, and spalling concrete.<\/span><\/p>\n

The BSC will usually be located close to the new flats during the Defects Liability Period, just so it\u2019s easier for residents to make their complaints. After this period has expired, flat owners can still report any faults to their HDB Branch.<\/span><\/p>\n

The BSC is usually pretty efficient, with most defects being <\/span>repaired within 14 days of notice<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

ECs and Private Condominiums<\/b><\/h3>\n

Even though an executive condominium (EC) is technically public housing (for the first 10 years anyway), the sale and administration of the EC are left to the developers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"ec-defects-process\"<\/p>\n

The process for reporting property defects and getting them repaired is the same as with private condominiums. It is entirely handled by the private developers, and neither HDB nor BSC is involved. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With both ECs and condominiums, the developers will usually provide residents with a form to report any property defects. <\/span><\/p>\n

Upon submission, the developers will have <\/span>one month<\/i><\/b> to fix the fault. If they cannot do so, the homeowner can hire a third party to carry out the repairs instead. <\/span><\/p>\n

To do this, the owner should first notify the developer of his intention to hire an external contractor, along with an estimated cost of the repairs issued by the external contractor. <\/span><\/p>\n

The developer then has an additional 14 days to correct the default. If they again cannot fix the flaw within those 14 days, the homeowner is free to hire the third-party contractor, and recover the cost from the developer. <\/span><\/p>\n

Four other defects inspection tips for the new home<\/b><\/h3>\n