HDB BTO Singapore | Defects checking
THE DEFECTS LIST
Upon key collection, you will be provided with a set of form (see below for sample), to fill in with a list of defects spotted in your new home. The number of defects you have is really a matter of luck but for a start, please ask for more or you’d end up photocopying on your own.
The period for submitting a defects list was 7 days from key collection for my estate. Be sure to check what is the period for your estate.
DEFECTS CHECKLISTS
There are defects checklists available on the internet. You just need to do a search for them, print them out and you can check for defects on your own. I found one checklist quite comprehensive and here’s the link to it (note: I found it on the internet, click at your own risk).
Defects Checklist
DIY OR HIRE A SPECIALIST
We tried for 2 X half days and gave up, because we couldn’t follow instructions on the checklists very well and the apartment was too hot and stuffy for us to be able to stay in with Joy for long periods. Our other main concern was that we would not know how to spot defects that have more permanent / serious consequences. However, if you can set aside 1-2 full days and can withstand stuffy conditions in that duration, you can consider doing the defects check on your own.
Here are some of the checks performed by our defects specialist / the defects spotted for reference.
True story, some defects can be worst after rectification. My neighbours ended up with holes in their timber floors after they reported hollowness in them. What the parquet sub-contractor did was simply to fill them up, leaving behind unsightly holes in the floor.
Some defects rectification can be done simultaneously with your renovation, so you don’t necessarily have to wait for all rectifications to be completed before commencing renovations. Just make sure it’s written down and agreed between yourself and BSC will do.
BSC is not your enemy, even if they do push back on matters. Talk to them nicely and treat the workers well. I left drinks in my bomb shelter and made sure to always treat supervisors / workers with respect and courtesy.
THE DEFECTS LIST
Upon key collection, you will be provided with a set of form (see below for sample), to fill in with a list of defects spotted in your new home. The number of defects you have is really a matter of luck but for a start, please ask for more or you’d end up photocopying on your own.
The period for submitting a defects list was 7 days from key collection for my estate. Be sure to check what is the period for your estate.
DEFECTS CHECKLISTS
There are defects checklists available on the internet. You just need to do a search for them, print them out and you can check for defects on your own. I found one checklist quite comprehensive and here’s the link to it (note: I found it on the internet, click at your own risk).
Defects Checklist
DIY OR HIRE A SPECIALIST
We tried for 2 X half days and gave up, because we couldn’t follow instructions on the checklists very well and the apartment was too hot and stuffy for us to be able to stay in with Joy for long periods. Our other main concern was that we would not know how to spot defects that have more permanent / serious consequences. However, if you can set aside 1-2 full days and can withstand stuffy conditions in that duration, you can consider doing the defects check on your own.
Here are some of the checks performed by our defects specialist / the defects spotted for reference.
True story, some defects can be worst after rectification. My neighbours ended up with holes in their timber floors after they reported hollowness in them. What the parquet sub-contractor did was simply to fill them up, leaving behind unsightly holes in the floor.
Some defects rectification can be done simultaneously with your renovation, so you don’t necessarily have to wait for all rectifications to be completed before commencing renovations. Just make sure it’s written down and agreed between yourself and BSC will do.
BSC is not your enemy, even if they do push back on matters. Talk to them nicely and treat the workers well. I left drinks in my bomb shelter and made sure to always treat supervisors / workers with respect and courtesy.
