Understanding BTO Defects: What to Check and How to Report

BTO Defects Inspection Guide When you collect the keys to your new BTO flat, you have a limited window to report defects to HDB. A thorough inspection ensures all issues are fixed at no cost to you before your renovation begins. When to Inspect You have approximately 12 months from key collection to report defects. However, inspect as early as possible. Some defects are easier to spot before you move furniture in. Do your inspection within the first week. Best inspection conditions: Visit during daylight hours for natural lighting. Bring a friend or family member for a second pair of eyes. Tools to Bring A marble or small ball to check floor levelness A torch or phone flashlight for checking dark corners Blue tape or stickers to mark defect locations A camera or phone for documentation A measuring tape A spray bottle with water for checking drainage slope Floors Roll a marble across every floor section. It should not roll consistently in one direction (indicating unevenness). Tap tiles with a coin or knuckle. A hollow sound indicates the tile is not properly bonded to the screed underneath. Check grout lines for consistency and gaps. Look for cracked or chipped tiles. Ensure floor tiles meet wall tiles neatly at the edges. In bathrooms, pour water on the floor and check it drains toward the floor trap. Standing water indicates improper slope. Walls and Ceiling Run your hand along all walls feeling for bumps, rough patches, or cracks. Check corners where walls meet the ceiling for hairline cracks. Look at the ceiling for water stains which may indicate a leak from the unit above or from the roof. Check that all walls are plumb (vertical) using a level app on your phone. Windows and Doors Open and close every window. They should operate smoothly without sticking. Check window seals by running a tissue along the edges while someone sprays water from outside. Check the main door alignment. It should close firmly and the lock should engage smoothly. The fire-rated door seal along the edges should be intact. Bathroom and Kitchen Flush every toilet and check for leaks around the base. Run water in every tap for several minutes and check for leaks under the sink. Check the water heater point and ensure hot water flows correctly. Inspect all pipe connections for drips. Verify that bathroom exhaust fans work properly. How to Report Use the HDB Defects Feedback System through the My HDBPage portal. Take clear photos of each defect with the blue tape marking visible. Describe the location and issue clearly. HDB will schedule rectification works within a few weeks.