Key Takeaways:
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Why Should You Inspect Your BTO Flat Before Renovating?
Your flat may appear move-in ready, but hidden construction flaws such as hollow tiles, uneven finishes, or misaligned doors can cause major issues if not addressed early. Starting renovations or installing furniture before a proper inspection risks damaging your new pieces and may require costly rework.
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What Happens During a BTO Defects Inspection?
It involves checking your flat’s fixtures, fittings, finishes, and structural elements for issues. Any flaws found—such as poor workmanship or functional problems—are flagged for repair under the Defects Liability Period (DLP). This ensures the unit meets acceptable quality standards before renovation begins.
Introduction
Getting the keys to your new BTO flat is a milestone worth celebrating. But before you dive into renovation planning or shop for that perfect sofa in Singapore, there’s one critical step you shouldn’t skip: a BTO defects inspection. Many first-time homeowners make the mistake of rushing into renovations or furniture deliveries without first checking for construction flaws. The truth is, doing a proper inspection right after key collection can save you time, money, and plenty of future frustration.
In this article, we’ll walk you through why a BTO defects inspection is important before furnishing your home. You’ll learn which common construction flaws to look out for and how to perform a basic review.
Why Inspecting Early Makes a Big Difference
Your new home may look move-in ready, but minor issues often lie beneath the surface. From hollow tiles and misaligned doors to uneven finishes and faulty electrical sockets, these flaws can turn into costly problems if not addressed before renovations begin.
Worse still, if furniture is installed over affected areas, you may need to remove and reinstall it later. Risking damage to your new mattresse and bed frame or living room pieces is not worth it.
What Happens During a BTO Defects Inspection?
A BTO defects inspection is a systematic check of your flat’s fixtures, fittings, finishes, and structural work. It helps you identify any issues that the contractor is obligated to fix under the Defects Liability Period (DLP). You’re essentially quality-checking the unit before any additional work begins.
What Tools Should You Bring?
You don’t need fancy equipment to do a basic inspection. Make sure you have these essentials:
- A tapping rod to check for hollow tiles
- A marker to circle defects for photos
- A measuring tape for verifying dimensions
- Your mobile phone to document and photograph every issue
- This simple toolkit ensures nothing goes unnoticed during your walkthrough.
Why You Should Engage the BSC Promptly
Once you’ve documented all visible issues, submit your defect list to the Building Service Centre (BSC). This team is responsible for coordinating rectification works during the DLP—typically at no additional cost to you.
Acting early gives the BSC time to schedule repairs before you begin renovation planning. This prevents overlapping works that can delay your move-in timeline or result in disputes between your contractor and the flat’s original builder.
When conducting your inspection, keep an eye out for the following issues. Spotting these allows for repairs before moisture damage or wear makes them worse.
- Hollow or chipped floor tiles
- Uneven wall finishes or paint cracks
- Misaligned doors or loose hinges
- Faulty light switches or power sockets
- Unsealed joints or water leaks
When Can You Start Shopping for Furniture?
Once your unit has been rectified and is ready for move-in, it’s time to start shortlisting essential furniture pieces. Focus on essentials first—sofa, bed frame, mattress, wardrobe, and dining table.
In space-conscious BTO flats, selecting furniture that fits your layout is key. Many furniture stores in Singapore now offer modular or compact designs tailored for smaller homes, making layout planning even more important. For those seeking a blend of craftsmanship and innovation, Cellini offers timeless, high-quality furniture that reflects the perfect balance of form and function.
Contact us and let us deliver both durability and design excellence for your home.
