Defect Inspection Price Guide Singapore: What It Costs (2026)
Prices checked October 2026 against the published price lists of 526 contractors listed on Homees, MOM's 2025 wage data and Qanvast's 2026 report. How we price →
Just got your keys? Before you start renovating, it's worth having your new home professionally checked for defects — because anything raised within the **Defect Liability Period (DLP)** gets rectified by the developer or HDB **for free**. In 2026, a professional defect inspection in Singapore costs roughly **S$300–S$1,000**, depending on your home's size and type.A few hundred dollars spent here can save thousands in repairs later. Here's what to expect.
Quick answer: Defect checks run about S$300 (smaller HDB) to S$1,000+ (larger condo/landed). Book it early in your DLP, before renovation — once you renovate, you may void your right to free rectification.
Defect inspection prices
| Property | Typical price (2026) |
|---|---|
| 2–3 room HDB | S$300 – S$450 |
| 4–5 room HDB | S$400 – S$650 |
| Executive / larger HDB | S$500 – S$700 |
| Condo (by size) | S$500 – S$900 |
| Landed / large units | S$850 – S$1,000+ |
Indicative 2026 ranges for an independent professional inspection with a documented report. Re-inspection (to verify rectification) may be charged separately or bundled.
What a defect inspection covers
A thorough inspector checks the things you'd easily miss on a walkthrough:
- Tiling — hollow tiles (tapped), lippage, cracks, uneven grout
- Walls & ceilings — cracks, uneven plaster, paint defects, stains/seepage
- Carpentry & doors — alignment, hinges, gaps, laminate finish, smooth operation
- Windows — sealing, operation, locks, water-tightness
- Electrical — power points, switches, DB box, lighting
- Plumbing & water — taps, drainage, water pressure, leaks, waterproofing signs
- Floors — level, scratches, hollowness
- A photo-documented report, usually within a couple of days, that you submit to the developer/HDB.
Why it pays for itself
Within your Defect Liability Period (typically 1 year for HDB BTO; varies for condo/developer projects), defects you report are fixed free. Miss them — or only spot them after you've renovated — and you're paying out of pocket. A S$400 inspection that catches hollow tiles, a leaking joint and misaligned carpentry easily saves far more than it costs.
Key timing rule: book the inspection before you start renovation. Renovating first can void your claim, because it's hard to prove a defect was the developer's and not your contractor's.
What affects the price
- Size & type — more rooms and area take longer to inspect.
- Property type — condo and landed inspections often cost more than HDB.
- Scope — a basic visual check vs a detailed inspection using tools (moisture meter, tile-tapping, levels).
- Re-inspection — verifying the developer's fixes may be an add-on.
- Independence — use an independent inspector (not tied to a contractor) for an unbiased report.
How to get the most from it
- Book early in your DLP, before any renovation work.
- Use an independent inspector with calibrated tools and a structured report.
- Be there if you can — note the findings and ask questions.
- Submit promptly to the developer/HDB and keep records.
- Schedule a re-inspection to confirm everything was actually fixed.
Looking for a check? Compare independent inspectors via our defect checking service, and once you're cleared to start, see the Renovation Cost Guide to plan the works.
What you can spot yourself first
A professional inspection is worth it — but a weekend DIY pass helps you gauge how bad things are (and whether the smallest package will do):
- Tap every tile with a coin or wooden stick — a hollow tok instead of a solid tik means debonding. Mark hollow tiles with masking tape.
- Open and close every window and door fully. Listen for scraping, check alignment, locks and rubber seals.
- Run every tap and shower for a few minutes; look under sinks for weeping joints, check floor traps drain briskly.
- Ponding test: stop the bathroom floor trap, pour a few pails of water, wait 15 minutes — water should sheet toward the outlet, not pool in corners.
- Socket tester (S$10–S$20 from hardware stores) confirms every power point is wired and earthed correctly.
- Sight along walls under raking light (phone torch held flat) — undulations, patchy paint and rough plaster jump out.
- Photograph everything with a date stamp as you go.
If your DIY list is already long, the paid inspection will find more — the pros bring moisture meters, laser levels and thermal cameras, and their report format is what developers take seriously.
After the report: getting things fixed
- Submit within your DLP. File the report to the developer (private) or through the HDB defects-reporting channel for BTOs — early in the window, not the final week.
- Joint inspection. The developer/contractor walks the unit against the list and agrees the scope. Your inspector's numbered, photographed report is your script here.
- Rectification rounds. Works are usually batched; expect one to three visits. Keep the tape markers up until each item passes.
- Re-inspect before signing off. Many packages include a follow-up visit to verify fixes — use it; rushed rectification often needs a second pass.
- If the developer stalls: escalate in writing, then via CASE mediation or the Small Claims Tribunal for private developments. A dated professional report is exactly the evidence that process rewards.
Do all of this before renovating — reno works on a defect void your right to free rectification of it.
FAQ
How much does a defect inspection cost in Singapore? About S$300–S$450 for a smaller HDB, S$400–S$700 for a 4–5 room/executive flat, and S$500–S$1,000+ for condos and landed homes.
Is a defect inspection worth it? Yes — defects reported within the Defect Liability Period are fixed free by the developer or HDB. A few hundred dollars can save thousands in repairs.
When should I do the defect inspection? As early as possible in your DLP and before you renovate — renovating first can void your right to free rectification.
What does the inspection check? Tiling (hollowness, cracks), walls/ceilings, carpentry and doors, windows, electrical, plumbing and waterproofing — delivered as a photo-documented report.
How long is the Defect Liability Period? Typically 1 year for HDB BTO; condo/developer DLPs vary. Check your documents and report defects within the window.
Should I use an independent inspector? Yes — an independent inspector (not tied to your contractor) gives an unbiased report you can submit with confidence.
Prices are indicative 2026 market ranges and vary by property size, type and scope. Always confirm your Defect Liability Period and report defects within it. Compare inspectors on Homees.
