- Joined
- Jul 24, 2008
- Messages
- 33,627
- Points
- 0
[h=2]HDB optional fittings more expensive than what private contractors
can offer[/h]
October 28th, 2012 |
Author: Editorial
HDB has introduced a new sanitary fittings package for Build-To-Order
(BTO) flats starting from Sep.
At present, HDB buyers can already opt for internal timber doors and/or
flooring to be installed in their flats under the Optional Component Scheme
(OCS). The cost of the optional components will be added to the selling price of
the flat.
HDB said, “To provide greater flexibility to buyers and to reduce wastage in
renovations, HDB will now offer, on an opt-in basis, sanitary fittings
(including the wash basin, water tap and shower mixer, but excluding the water
closet) in bathrooms for BTO projects. All BTO flats offered from the Sep 2012
BTO Exercise onwards will come under this scheme.”
Buyers of BTO flats can now choose to have the following items to be
installed in the new flat:
(a) Internal doors + sanitary fittings:
(b) Floor finishes for:
Choices under OCS:
The Internal doors + sanitary fittings package costs between $3,190 and
$4,330, depending on the flat type.
Buyers pick their options when selecting their flat at HDB Hub, and can use
their Central Provident Fund or mortgage loan for this.
However, some buyers are questioning the difference in prices between what
HDB is offering and what the private contractors offer outside for some of the
components.
For example, a set of 5 laminated semi-solid timber doors costs $2,830 for
BTO projects launched at Fajar Hills and Clementi Ridges. At Punggol Opal, the
set costs $3,080. This works out to $566 to $616 per door.
But suppliers say that similar quality doors can be obtained for about less
than half the price each, even including installation. For example, Best
Industrial in Kaki Bukit Crescent, a specialist in timber doors, charges $230
for a laminated semi-solid door with a timber frame. Yong Fang Doors in Upper
Bukit Timah Road sells and installs timber doors at $330 each. This means that a
set of 5 doors with installation would only cost $1,150 – $1,650 vs HDB’s $2,830
– $3,080.
Driving instructor Muhammad Suhaimi, who bought a four-room BTO flat in
Yishun last year, said he is perplexed by the price difference, a view echoed by
most home owners. Mr Muhammad said, “Why are private contractor rates cheaper?
HDB is buying and installing in bulk. It doesn’t make sense to me.”
In response, HDB said, “Installation works are carried out by professional
contractors and supervised by a team of consultants. HDB also provides a
one-year Defects Liability Period, during which all defective items, if any,
will be rectified.”
“As these standards are good practices and not regulations, it is likely the
doors supplied by renovation contractors may not meet similar standards.”
HDB’s own appointed contractor, Mr Toh Chee Boon, the deputy director of
China Construction also added, “HDB doors are firmer internally and more
durable. Stringent checks are also in place to ensure that the doors installed
are of good quality.”
HDB further quoted statistics showing that about 70% of buyers in this year’s
Jan and Mar BTO flat sales opted for at least one item under OCS, despite having
some components more expensive than what the private contractors can offer.
In regard to the 70% figure quoted by HDB, there is an easy explanation why
the optional components are generally popular among home buyers.
Mr Musbah Hashim, 52, who is unemployed, said they have little choice but to
opt in, “We cannot pay private contractors cash up front, so we have to to opt
in as the money can be deducted from our CPF.”
.
Join our TRE facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/TREmeritus
can offer[/h]
(BTO) flats starting from Sep.
At present, HDB buyers can already opt for internal timber doors and/or
flooring to be installed in their flats under the Optional Component Scheme
(OCS). The cost of the optional components will be added to the selling price of
the flat.
HDB said, “To provide greater flexibility to buyers and to reduce wastage in
renovations, HDB will now offer, on an opt-in basis, sanitary fittings
(including the wash basin, water tap and shower mixer, but excluding the water
closet) in bathrooms for BTO projects. All BTO flats offered from the Sep 2012
BTO Exercise onwards will come under this scheme.”
Buyers of BTO flats can now choose to have the following items to be
installed in the new flat:
(a) Internal doors + sanitary fittings:
- wash basin
- water tap
- shower mixer
(b) Floor finishes for:
- Living /Dining room
- Bedrooms
- Opt-in for both (a) the internal doors + sanitary fittings and (b) the basic
flooring, - Opt-in for (a) the internal doors + sanitary fittings only,
- Opt-in for (b) the basic flooring only, or
- No opt-in for the internal doors + sanitary fittings or basic flooring
The Internal doors + sanitary fittings package costs between $3,190 and
$4,330, depending on the flat type.
Buyers pick their options when selecting their flat at HDB Hub, and can use
their Central Provident Fund or mortgage loan for this.
However, some buyers are questioning the difference in prices between what
HDB is offering and what the private contractors offer outside for some of the
components.
For example, a set of 5 laminated semi-solid timber doors costs $2,830 for
BTO projects launched at Fajar Hills and Clementi Ridges. At Punggol Opal, the
set costs $3,080. This works out to $566 to $616 per door.
But suppliers say that similar quality doors can be obtained for about less
than half the price each, even including installation. For example, Best
Industrial in Kaki Bukit Crescent, a specialist in timber doors, charges $230
for a laminated semi-solid door with a timber frame. Yong Fang Doors in Upper
Bukit Timah Road sells and installs timber doors at $330 each. This means that a
set of 5 doors with installation would only cost $1,150 – $1,650 vs HDB’s $2,830
– $3,080.
Driving instructor Muhammad Suhaimi, who bought a four-room BTO flat in
Yishun last year, said he is perplexed by the price difference, a view echoed by
most home owners. Mr Muhammad said, “Why are private contractor rates cheaper?
HDB is buying and installing in bulk. It doesn’t make sense to me.”
In response, HDB said, “Installation works are carried out by professional
contractors and supervised by a team of consultants. HDB also provides a
one-year Defects Liability Period, during which all defective items, if any,
will be rectified.”
“As these standards are good practices and not regulations, it is likely the
doors supplied by renovation contractors may not meet similar standards.”
HDB’s own appointed contractor, Mr Toh Chee Boon, the deputy director of
China Construction also added, “HDB doors are firmer internally and more
durable. Stringent checks are also in place to ensure that the doors installed
are of good quality.”
HDB further quoted statistics showing that about 70% of buyers in this year’s
Jan and Mar BTO flat sales opted for at least one item under OCS, despite having
some components more expensive than what the private contractors can offer.
In regard to the 70% figure quoted by HDB, there is an easy explanation why
the optional components are generally popular among home buyers.
Mr Musbah Hashim, 52, who is unemployed, said they have little choice but to
opt in, “We cannot pay private contractors cash up front, so we have to to opt
in as the money can be deducted from our CPF.”
.
Join our TRE facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/TREmeritus
