Only 0.7% of HDB flats built in last 5 years have defects

Source : Channel NewsAsia - 7 Oct 2008

Stepping into a dream home has become a nightmare for a minority of Singaporeans.

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) has said 0.7 per cent of its flats built in the last five years have defects such as dislodged floor tiles.

One such example is a premium flat at Block 648, Punggol Central.

The S$241,000 apartment came with ceramic floor tiles, as well as some furnishings and built-in cabinets.

But already, sub-contractors engaged by the HDB have replaced some of the tiles - twice since 2006, when the owner first moved in.

This time round, the HDB has given the owner S$150 a day for alternative accommodation during renovation works.

But it capped this compensation at S$900, meaning renovation works must be completed in six days.

Still, the owner is unhappy with how things have turned out.

“Mr Ang” said: “This is the second time it happened. (The) first time, we did not even (get) a letter of apology or compensation…nothing at all.”