In January 2024, residents of Fernvale Dew, a new Build-To-Order (BTO) estate in Sengkang, reported various defects in their flats shortly after collecting their keys. The Straits Times highlighted concerns such as water ponding, wall cracks, and tiling issues, prompting responses from the Housing & Development Board (HDB) and the contractor. This article provides an objective breakdown of the reported defects, HDB’s response, and the steps taken to resolve the issues.

1. Water Ponding in Corridors

Residents observed standing water in common corridors, especially after rain. Poor drainage design and uneven flooring were suspected causes.

2. Wall and Floor Cracks

Some homeowners discovered hairline cracks in walls and flooring. These were likely due to settling of the new building or construction inconsistencies.

3. Tiling Defects

Uneven or hollow-sounding tiles were reported in multiple units. Improper installation or substandard materials may have contributed to the faulty tiling placement.

4. Door and Window Misalignment

Some residents noted difficulty closing doors and windows due to misalignment.

5. Plumbing Issues

Minor leaks in pipes and fittings were found in some bathrooms and kitchens.

HDB acknowledged the complaints and stated that most issues were resolved within two weeks. Key actions included:

Work Item	Description
1. Drainage Improvements	Contractors adjusted slope gradients and drainage systems to prevent water accumulation.
2. Crack Repairs	Minor cracks were patched, while structural integrity was confirmed.
3. Tile Replacements	Hollow or uneven tiles were reinstalled where necessary.
4. Door/Window Adjustments	Misaligned fixtures were realigned for proper function.
5. Plumbing Fixes	Leaks were sealed, and pipe connections were reinforced.

Natural Settlement: New buildings may develop minor cracks as they settle.Construction Timeline Pressure: Tight deadlines can sometimes lead to oversight in quality checks.

Weather Exposure: Rain and humidity during construction can affect materials.
HDB provides a 1-year defects liability period, requiring contractors to fix issues at no cost to homeowners.

Inspect their units thoroughly, and carefully document defects with photos and videos. Our specialists here at BTODefectCheck have prepared these two handy, easy-to-follow guides for conducting a satisfactory home inspection:

“Your Complete Guide to a Successful DIY BTO Defect Check”

“What’s Next After Getting Your Keys to Your HDB Flat: A Comprehensive Guide for BTO Homeowners” 

Submit your defect report through the HDB Flat Portal or inform the building manager.

Do a follow up. This ensures that your requested repairs are completed satisfactorily.

All in all, while defects in new BTO flats like Fernvale Dew are not uncommon, most issues are rectified promptly under HDB’s warranty. Meanwhile, residents should continue to report problems early and monitor repair progress.