Getting your own new home is one of the most exciting things in life, but as with many other momentous occasions, it can take time. One couple, who already waited over five years for their Build-to-Order (BTO) four-room flat, found that they had to wait even longer.
First came the Covid pandemic, which caused an 8-month delay before they could collect their keys, said the couple, who goes by the handle @home.swee.home on Instagram and TikTok. After that, they hired a defects team to inspect their unit.
And then, the Building Service Centre (BSC) took another five weeks for rectification works, which are, thankfully, free. Finally, in September 2021, the couple could renovate their flat. The whole process, which they documented online, seems to be well worth it, as can be seen from @home.swee.home’s IG video in May of this year.
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But what has caught many netizens’ attention is a TikTok uploaded on Wednesday (Aug 17), which showed the many flaws the flat had when the defects team inspected it.
@home.swee.home Oh no 🤦🏻♀️ #bto #btodefects #defectscheck #defectscan #4rmbto #4rmflat #homeinspection #rectification #homeproblems #newbto #newunit #ohno #mynicehome #bareunit #fyp #foryoupage
These include random gaps, dents, poor paint works, and problems with the bomb shelter lock and walls.
@home.swee.home Replying to @user8431493451146 #bombshelter #hdb #bto #bombshelterlock #faultylock #defectscheck #defectscan #4rmbto #hdbbombshelter #lock #doorlock #neverknew #DidYouKnow #fyp #foryoupage
Not only was the bomb shelter handle and lock faulty, but there were also hollow spots in the walls of the shelter, requiring not only one but several fixes.
@home.swee.home Make sure to check!! #bto #4rmbto #hdbbombshelter #hollowwalls #hollow #defectscheck #defectscan #hdbbombshelter #fyp #foryoupage #ohno
Nevertheless, the couple regards the money spent on the defects team as worthwhile. The cost ranges between “$435-455 for 4rm flats” home.swee.home wrote, but they have no regrets, and actually highly recommend it.
“Is it necessary to hire a professional team to check for defects?
It’s a YES for us! As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Rather than having issues cropping up later, it’s better to identify them early and get them rectified right at the beginning!”
They added that BSC’s rectification of their flat “dragged over ~5 weeks, which is painfully long,” but added that “its something necessary so we can start reno(ration) with a good foundation.”
“FYI for BTO units, defects should be rectified by BSC for free (technically you paid for the house la). But note that it should be done BEFORE renovation, because the ‘blaming game’ sets in once different contractors come in for reno works,” they added.
/TISG
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