Written answer by Ministry of National Development on defect rates and time taken for resolution of defects for BTO flats built before and after COVID-19 pandemic

Apr 21, 2023

Question No: 4447

Question by: Ms Mariam Jaafar

To ask the Minister for National Development in comparison to HDB’s BTO flats that were completed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (a) whether there is an increase in the (i) defect rates and (ii) time taken for the resolution of defects; and (b) if so, what are they.

Answer:

BCA’s Construction Quality Assessment System (CONQUAS) score is an objective industry standard to measure the quality of building projects. HDB has consistently achieved high CONQUAS scores, with an average score of 95 over FY2020-2022, comparable to the scores achieved by private residential developments over the same period. It is also higher than HDB’s average CONQUAS scores of 92 over FY2017-2019.

2.       As part of HDB’s commitment to quality, HDB provides all new HDB flat owners with a 1-year Defects Liability Period (DLP), during which flaws and defects can be reported for the BTO contractor to carry out the necessary repairs. Prior to and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the proportion of flat owners who submitted feedback on defects within this period remained the same. Most of the reported defects were minor imperfections such as scratches or cracks on timber surfaces, walls, or tiles. More than 90% of all defects reported were successfully rectified within 14 working days. This figure remains the same for HDB’s BTO flats completed prior to and after the COVID-19 pandemic.