Congratulations on your new BTO (also known as build-to-order) HDB (Housing & Development Board) flat! A thorough defects inspection is crucial to ensure that your new home is in perfect condition before you move in. Here’s a guide to help you conduct a comprehensive defects inspection:
Receiving your first BTO HDB can be an overwhelming experience, but fear not! We are here to assist you in identifying what to look out for and understanding your rights when it comes to checking for defects and ensuring your home is in perfect condition.
In this article, we will provide you with essential tips and tricks to inspect six important areas of your new home. By following these guidelines, you can avoid missing any defects and make sure your home is defect-free.
6 Important Areas to check
Walls
- Start with one room at a time to avoid missing any defects.
- Inspect the wall conditions – Damp, sticky, overly rough surface.
- Look for cracks, uneven surfaces, paint defects, or water stains.
Floors
- Look for scratches, stains, or damages on different types of flooring.
- Ensure that the skirting and joints have no gaps.
- Water seepage issues.
Ceilings
- Look for scratches, stains, damages.
- Ensure that the joints and corners have no gaps.
- Look out paint defects and visible brush strokes.
Fixtures and fittings
- Inspect toilet bowls, sinks , basins and faucets , no drips.
- Alignment of drawers and doors.
- Check windows and hinges.
- No squeaks or rust on hinges.
Electrical
- Inspect power outlets.
- Power sockets should be always flush , no gaps.
- Ensure Switches are aligned .
Plumbing
- Check the toilet to see if it can be flushed.
- Check under sinks to ensure that there are no drips after it’s turned off.
- Water flows into the drain.
Booking with Foursolutions.sg :
Having experienced specialists to guide homeowners through the BTO defects inspection process can be extremely beneficial. It ensures that potential defects are thoroughly identified and documented, allowing homeowners to get timely repairs and ensuring their new homes are in excellent condition.
We provide clear and transparent information about the costs and the specific services included in our defects inspection package.
Defects Documentation:
Here are the links
https://services2.hdb.gov.sg/webapp/BN30AWVirtualBSCWeb/BN30SVirtualBSCController?function=homePage – Book a timeslot here
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xpL75QLocfvZ31unmf5jsgyJfun3jR-E-J8Do7I5n8g/edit#gid=0 – Check list
https://www.bridetomum.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/HDB-defect-checklist-BTO-Singapore.pdf – Check list
Things to note:
DLP – Defects Liability Period
That’s absolutely right! The Defects Liability Period (DLP) is a critical aspect of the BTO flat ownership process, and it provides homeowners with peace of mind during the initial year of occupancy. All HDB BTO flats are covered by a 1-Year Defects Liability Period, starting from the date of key collection.
* Know what HDB covers
HDB does not cover rectification items that surface during or after your own renovation works. So, if you have already planned for renovation, make sure that it only starts when all the defects have been rectified to your satisfaction!
End:
After the repairs are completed, perform a reinspection to verify that all reported defects have been adequately addressed. Remember, it’s essential to be thorough during the inspection to ensure that all defects are documented and rectified by the responsible parties.
By conducting a thorough defects inspection and ensuring that repairs are made before moving in, you can ensure that your new HDB flat becomes a comfortable and safe home for you and your family.