11 Best Defect Checking Companies In Singapore (Profiles, Cost &Reviews) [Updated 2023]

Defect checking professionals typically check for damaged or spoilt areas of your home. Depending on the number of defects spotted, they will compile those defects into a list and send to the developer while the homeowner gets a detailed report. There will then be a joint inspection before rectifying the defects.

11 Best Defect Checking Professional In Singapore (Our Top Picks)

 

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Cost List Of Hiring Defect Inspectors

Absolute Inspection

Advance Inspection

Price Package for Executive Condominium & Private Condominium

Price Package for HDB Flats & Other Properties

Why do I need to get my new home inspected?

Your wallet will thank you for it! Take advantage of the Defect Liability Period and give your new home a thorough inspection. At a small cost, you can get your home inspected, and should there be any defects, you’ll get them fixed for free. This is way cheaper than skipping inspection and jumping into renovations just to find out there’s water seepage, faulty circuit breakers, mould etc. That’s when you have to use money from your own pocket to fix all these defects because HDB is not liable for any defects once renovation starts. Hence, getting your house inspected is like an assurance to make sure you don’t have to fork out extra money on top of your renovation budget.

Even if your home is not new, possibly purchasing from someone else, you might want to make sure there are no illegal renovations undertaken by the previous owner. If unaware, such renovations might pose a threat and can be dangerous. You might end up becoming responsible for something you’re unaware of.

Some illegal renovations include:

• Adding mezzanine floors

Mezzanine floors act as an indoor balcony, adding another level to a house like a loft. Unfortunately, mezzanine floors add weight to the building’s structure if you’re staying in HDB and can be unsafe for you and the neighbour living one floor below. You’ll receive a $5,000 fine if caught, excluding the cost of removing it.

• Constructing concrete platforms

Adding concrete platforms will exceed 150kg per square metre of floor area, which will again, pose a threat for both you and the neighbour living below.

• Removing bomb shelters

Despite using them as a storeroom to keep our home essentials, bomb shelters are actually made of special materials to protect us when we need them. Any changes to its walls, ceilings, doors, and floors are not allowed. However, if you find its presence ruining your home’s overall aesthetic, you can hide it behind a feature wall or paint it a similar colour to the other walls of your home.

• Removing BTO bathroom walls and tiles within the first 3 years

All wall and floor finishing of BTO bathrooms come with waterproofing membranes to prevent water from leaking through your flooring and to the neighbour below your unit. Hence, you’re not allowed to remove the tiles for the first 3 years. However, you can still tile over the existing flooring and walls as long as it doesn’t exceed 50mm in thickness.

• Tearing down structural walls

Although hacking of walls is allowed, you’ll have to take note of structural walls that support the structure of the entire building so that your ceiling will not collapse. Check your HDB floor plan. Any walls bolded are structural walls and cannot be touched.

Below are some common areas for defect checking:

Architectural

• Walls and Flooring: Are there any cracks in the wall or hollow tiles on the floor?
• Ceiling: Is the ceiling level, and are there any signs of water leakage? Here is a list of ceiling repair companies.
• Furnishing: Are there any defects in the built-in furnishing?
• Windows: Are the windows properly installed? Here is a list of window repair  and window installation services.

Mechanical

• Pipes: Are the pipes correctly installed, and is there any sign of corrosion?
• Water outlets: Are there any signs of water leakage, and do the taps have proper water pressure?
• Water ponding: Are there any areas that might be prone to water ponding and are all the water sources flowing smoothly towards floor traps and floor waste?

Electrical

• Wiring: Are the outlets adequately grounded and is the wiring adequately insulated?
• Air-Conditioning: Is the air con properly installed and sufficiently cold? Is there any damage to the compressor units?
• Circuit Breaker: Is the wiring appropriately done to prevent frequent tripping? How secure are the terminal connections?

Home Inspection Checklist

Although it is recommended to get a home inspector as they’re more experienced and have a more detailed checklist, you may do the home inspection on your own. Defects are grouped into 7 categories: floors, internal walls, ceilings, doors, windows, mechanical and electrical fittings (air-con, switches, taps, power points etc.), and other components (carpentry, staircase railings, shoe racks etc.).  Here is a checklist of defects to look out for.

Floors

• Any scratches, chips, or cracks on floor tiles?
• Are there visible stains? This can indicate there is water seepage.
• Flooring and tiles evenly laid? Ensure there are no tiles sticking out or unevenly laid.
• Tap on the tiles. Does it produce a hollow sound? If so, the tiles might not be well-assembled.
• Are all tiles evenly grouted?
• Consistent tonality?

Internal Walls & Ceilings

• Visible cracks? Cracks can indicate problems with the structure of the building.
• Are there any stains or watermarks? This indicates possible water seepage.
• Are the walls and ceilings uneven?
• Peeling/Flaking paint?

Doors & Gates

• Difficult to open and close? They should open and close easily with your keys and have no screeching noise.
• Able to lock and unlock easily?
• Rusty hinge on doors and gates?
• Are there any missing screws?
• Loose peephole? Are you able to view it clearly?
• Faulty door stopper?
• Door and gate properly aligned?

Windows

• Smooth opening and closing (window encasement)?
• Smooth sliding (sliding window)?
• Able to lock and unlock?
• Any rust, stains, or scratches?
• Any missing screws?
• Faulty hinges, locks, or frames?
• Water seepage at joint or frame?

Mechanical & Electrical Fittings

• Power points working?
• Rusty/faulty power sockets?
• Is there a visible gap in the wall?
• If it’s a resale flat, get an electrical inspector to check for wiring conditions.
• Any cracks, scratches, or dents on your toilet bowl, toilet seat, basin, taps, and showerheads?
• Faulty toilet seat?
• Water seepage?
• Faulty flushing system?
• Does water flow smoothly?
• Water dripping or leaking when you off your tap?

Carpentry

• Missing screws?
• Exposed nails or staples?
• Inconsistent carpentry?
• Loose staircase railing?
• Rusty hinges?
• Misalignment?

Alternatively, you can check BCA’s homeowner’s guide if you want to reference the standards used in CONQUAS (BCA’s Construction Quality Assessment System) to assess the quality of the workmanship.

Why engaged a defect checking specialist?

We recommend checking your new flat for defects as soon as you get the keys to your new home, whether it is a new flat or a resale unit. Only after the defects and faults are discovered and checked, should renovation or the moving-in process start.

HDB Defect Checking

It is important to note that HDB will only bear responsibility for any defects that are inherent in the construction of the home. Hence it is vital for homeowners to perform the defect check before moving in. Every flat does go through a rigorous framework of quality checks by HDB before owners collect their keys. However, a few defects might slip through unnoticed. Homeowners will then need to inform the Building Services Centre (BSC) of the defects, and perform the necessary paperwork to start the rectification process. Upon key-collection, homeowners will receive an HDB Defects List to record any defects they find, and will be able to report any defects to HDB during the Defects Liability Period. The BSC is commonly located near to the new flats for convenience.

In addition to the Defects Liability Period, HDB also provides new HDB flat owners with its warranty coverage which entails a warranty timeline of between five to ten years for ceiling and wall concrete damage.

Condominium and EC Defect Checking

For condominiums and EC, it differs from management to management. Usually, residents will be provided with a form by management to report any property defects. Upon submission, the developers will have a month to fix the fault. Should they fail to do so with the timeline, homeowner can exercise the option of hiring a third party to carry out the repairs instead.

Are there any warranties included when hiring a defect-checking company in Singapore?

Yes, many defect-checking companies in Singapore provide warranties for their services. Typically, the offers vary depending on the company and the type of service. Some contractors offer a contract covering the repair cost within a certain period after the inspection. Others provide a satisfaction guarantee or a money-back guarantee.

In this regard, asking about the warranty or guarantee before hiring a defect-checking company is crucial. If there’s a warranty, ask about the specific terms and conditions, including the duration and scope of coverage.

What are some common issues and problems when hiring a defect-checking company?

While many reputable defect-checking companies in Singapore provide high-quality services. However, hiring the right experts requires proper research. Here are common issues and problems to watch out for when hiring a defect checker:

• Inexperienced or unqualified inspectors: Some companies employ unskilled inspectors. In turn, they may fail to identify the underlying issues accurately.
• Hidden fees or charges: Some companies may advertise low prices to attract customers. However, they may often add extra fees or charges after the inspection.
• Incomplete or inaccurate reports: Failing to provide a thorough and accurate inspection report may lead to unsatisfactory results.
• Poor customer service: Poor customer service and the inability to solve problems often go hand-in-hand. That’s why checking a company’s customer service rating is crucial.
• Lack of follow-up support: Applying fixes can be challenging if the defect testing business does not offer follow-up support.

Tips to follow when looking for a defect-checking company

Here are some steps to follow when looking for the best defect-checking company in Singapore:

• Look for accreditations: Look for companies with accreditation by industry organisations like Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC) or the Building and Construction Authority (BCA). This is a strong indication of their expertise and professionalism.
• Read reviews: Check out reviews from past customers and ask for suggestions from people who have used defect-checking services in Singapore.
• Ask about the experience: Inquire about the qualifications and experience of the inspectors handling the defect check. Ensure you work with companies that employ professionals with relevant experience and training.
• Inquire about the scope of the inspection: Understand what the contractor will inspect and ensure that it covers all your specific concerns.
• Ask for a sample report: Request a sample report from the service provider to ensure they provide detailed and accurate information.
• Compare prices and services: Compare prices and services from different companies to get the best value for your money.
• Check for warranty or guarantee: Ask about the warranty or guarantee policy offered by the contractor to ensure you have protection.

How do I maximise my homeowner savings when hiring defect-checking services?

The following tips will help you maximise your savings as a homeowner when hiring defect-checking services in Singapore:

• Conduct thorough research: Do your research and choose a reputable and experienced defect checker. This will ensure the inspection is thorough and accurate, reducing the need for follow-up inspections or repairs.
• Bundle services: Consider hiring companies offering bundled services like pre-purchase or termite inspections. Bundling services can help you save money compared to hiring multiple companies for each service.
• Plan ahead: Schedule the check in advance to plan for any necessary repairs or maintenance. This can help you avoid emergency repair costs and get a better repair deal.
• Consider the long-term costs: While choosing the cheapest company may seem like a good idea, it’s essential to consider the long-term costs. Opt for a reputable and experienced company, even if it costs more upfront. Identifying and addressing all defects can save you money in the long run.
• Negotiate pricing: Some contractors are willing to negotiate pricing, especially if you are bundling services or referring them to others.
• Look for promotions or discounts: Check for companies that offer promotions or discounts on their services, especially during off-peak periods.

What questions should I ask when choosing a defect-checking contractor?

Here’s what you need to ask when choosing a defect-checking contractor in Singapore:

1. What are your experience and qualifications?
2. Do you have any accreditations?
3. What areas do you cover in the inspection?
4. What is the scope of the assessment?
5. Can you provide references or samples of previous work?
6. What is the cost of the inspection?
7. Are there any additional charges for extra services or follow-up inspections?
8. Do you provide a warranty or guarantee?
9. How long does the assessment take?

How to report home defects?

You can either do the home inspection yourself or hire a home inspector. Here are some tips on how to get started.

Defect Feedback Forms

Once you’ve collected your keys, you’ll also receive a Defect Feedback Form that requires you to fill in the information regarding the defect. Don’t be afraid to take as many as you want in the event that your home has a lot of defects or you lose a copy.

Defects Reporting Period

HDB states that it is vital to report your defects within 1 month after key collection and before renovation starts. If you need more time, you can call HDB for any way to extend the deadline. After noting down the defects, you have to submit the form to your Building Service Centre (BSC). The location of your BSC is usually around your flat’s vicinity and it’s only available for a period of time. Hence, it is best to settle all maintenance requests before the period ends.

Rectification Period

After submitting your form to BSC, they will arrange for contractors to rectify the issues addressed. Do note that most rectification works last around 2 weeks, thus, you may want to postpone your renovation works till then.

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