Getting the keys to your new BTO flat is one of the most exciting milestones in many Singaporean’s journey. But amid all the excitement, many first-timers overlook crucial details during their key collection and first inspection. These small issues, if not spotted early, can become major renovation headaches and cost you more down the road. All new BTO flats has a Defects Liability Period (DLP), you should report the defects to the Building Service Centre (BSC) located within your BTO project. The BSC will then follow up to arrange for rectification works (which may take up to 6 weeks to rectify).
Here are five of the most commonly missed things during BTO key collection, along with tips to help you inspect your new flat (without hiring inspection companies):
1. Uneven & Hollow Flooring, and Hairline Cracks
At first glance, the flooring in your new flat may look fine. But uneven or sloping tiles can cause issues with furniture placement, create tripping hazards, and lead to long-term damage. Similarly, hairline cracks in the walls or floors might seem minor, but they can worsen over time, especially in wet areas.
Tip: Bring a marble or small ball and roll it across the floor. if it doesn't roll in a straight line, your floor isn’t level. Also, find a small metal stick or metal pointer to knock on these surfaces to hear if it is more hollow than it should be.
2. Water Ponding in Toilets or Balconies
BTO flats are supposed to have a slight slope towards the drain in wet areas in the bathrooms. If the slope isn’t right, water won’t flow properly and could lead to ponding, a common complaint among homeowners.
Tip: Bring a small bottle of water and pour it near the drain. Watch to see if it flows smoothly into the trap. If it stagnates or flows in the wrong direction, report it immediately.
3. Faulty or Misaligned Doors and Windows
Check that doors and windows open and close smoothly. Windows that don’t align properly or doors that won’t latch can become security issues and are expensive to fix after renovations.
Tip: Open and shut every door and window. Lock and unlock them to ensure the latches align. For sliding windows, test the rollers to ensure smooth movement.
4. Spoilt or Missing Fixtures
Occasionally, you might find missing fittings such as spoilt window grilles, electrical points, or even water tap points. These should be flagged immediately to the before your renovation work starts.
Tip: Use the original floorplan from HDB and cross-check the location and number of fixtures. If something is missing, take photos and notify HDB right away.
5. Hairline Cracks in Ceiling and Skirting Gaps
Ceiling cracks are one of the most overlooked issues during the initial inspection. Many new homeowners miss them because they’re subtle and often only visible under certain lighting conditions. Similarly, skirting boards with visible gaps are a sign of rushed workmanship.
Tip: Take your time to scan the ceiling with a torchlight, especially near joints or along edges. Look closely at the base of the walls to inspect skirting boards for gaps or poor finishing.
Why It Matters
HDB provides a 1-year Defects Liability Period (DLP), during which you can report defects for free rectification. However, once you start renovations, it becomes harder to differentiate between HDB’s construction issues and renovation-related defects. which could void your DLP claims.
How to Prepare for Key Collection
- Bring a checklist (you can find printable BTO inspection checklists online)
- Carry basic tools: spirit level, measuring tape, torchlight, marble, and a phone/camera
- Take photos of everything before you start reno work
- Flag issues early—log them via the My HDBPage portal or visit your HDB branch office
Final Thought
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of your new home. But taking a few hours to do a thorough inspection can save you thousands of dollars and a whole lot of frustration.