Free Tool

BTO Defect
Checklist Singapore

A systematic room-by-room inspection checklist for HDB BTO key collection. Check off items as you go — your progress is saved automatically so you can close the browser and come back.

1-month deadline: HDB advises submitting defects within 1 month of key collection and before renovation begins. Once contractors are in, defects become harder to attribute to HDB's construction. Do not delay.
You have a 12-month Defect Liability Period (DLP) from key collection. HDB must fix all legitimate workmanship defects at no cost. On top of the DLP, ceiling leakage in wet areas and external wall water seepage are covered for 5 years, and spalling concrete for 10 years under the Assure 3 warranty.
What to bring: Tapping rod, coin, or knuckle (hollow tile check) · Spirit level app · Phone charger (test sockets) · Torch · Painter's tape + marker pen · Measuring tape · Foldable 3-step ladder (for ceiling checks) · Camera

Unit Configuration

0 of 0 inspected  ·  0 defects

Walls & Ceilings

0/8
  • Paint finish: no holidays (missed spots), streaks, or roller marks
  • Paint blistering: no bubbles or peeling on walls or ceiling
  • Plastering: tap walls — hollow sound indicates poor bonding
  • Hairline cracks: flag any at door frames, corners, or ceiling-wall joints
  • Water stains or moisture marks: check ceiling corners and walls near windows
  • False ceiling (where present): all panels flush, secure, and properly finished — check for sagging
  • Wall surfaces: no bumps, rough patches, or indentations
  • Paintwork on door frames and switch plates: clean, no drips or overspray

Flooring

0/8
  • Hollow tiles: tap every tile — hollow sound is a defect
  • Tile lippage: no edge should protrude more than 1mm at joins
  • Grout lines: consistent width, no cracking or missing grout
  • Vinyl flooring: no gaps, lifting edges, or misaligned joins at skirting
  • Floor level: unevenness greater than 3mm is not acceptable
  • Skirting boards: secure, properly aligned, no gaps to wall or floor
  • Skirting silicone seal: intact, no cracking or missing beads
  • Scratches, chips, or stains on tile surfaces

Doors & Windows

0/8
  • Doors: open and close smoothly, no catching or misalignment
  • Door gaps: consistent at 2–3mm around all four sides
  • Door hinges: secure, no wobble or looseness
  • Door locks: all work correctly, keys turn smoothly
  • Windows: open and close smoothly, no catching or misalignment
  • Window handles: tight, no looseness or wobble
  • Window frame silicone seal: intact, no gaps or peeling around edges
  • Window restrictors: present and functioning on all casement windows

Kitchen

0/7
  • Cabinets: open and close smoothly, no catching or misalignment
  • Drawers: operate smoothly, no rough patches or misalignment
  • Countertop: no chips, stains, or uneven joins
  • Countertop level: use spirit level — no visible gradient
  • Kitchen sink: run tap and check for drips, leaks under sink
  • Kitchen floor trap: drainage clear, floor slopes toward drain
  • Wall tile grouting around splashback: consistent, no cracking or gaps

Bathroom 1

0/8
  • Wall tiles: tap for hollow sound, especially around wet areas
  • Floor tiles: tap for hollow, check floor slopes toward drain with no pooling
  • Floor trap: water drains quickly, no blockage
  • Toilet cistern: flush and refill correctly, no leaks around base
  • Taps and shower fittings: run all — check for drips at pipe joints
  • Silicone sealing: intact around basin, toilet base, and shower area
  • Mirror or cabinet (if installed): secure, no loose fixings or cracks
  • Ventilation: exhaust fan switches on, or vent opening unobstructed

Bedroom 1

0/6
  • Power points: test every socket with a phone charger
  • Light switch and fitting: switch on/off, fitting is flush and secure
  • AC provision: condenser ledge, piping conduit, and power point present (where applicable)
  • Floor tiles: tap for hollow, no chips or cracks
  • Walls: no cracks, paint finish consistent, no moisture marks
  • Door: opens and closes cleanly, handle and lock functional

Living & Dining Area

0/6
  • Power points: test every socket with a phone charger
  • TV and telephone points: present, flush-mounted, and undamaged
  • Light switches and fittings: all switches functional, fittings flush
  • Main door: opens and closes smoothly, handle and lock secure, no large gaps
  • Service yard / balcony: floor slopes to drain, drainage clear, no pooling
  • Service yard door: opens and closes smoothly, no catching

Electrical

0/5
  • DB panel: all breakers labelled, none tripped
  • Doorbell or video intercom: functioning
  • All socket faceplates: flush, properly aligned, no loose edges
  • Water heater provisions: power point and piping present (where applicable)
  • All common area light points: switch on and off, fittings secure

Bomb Shelter

0/5
  • Door hinges: solid and secure — the door is heavy, check carefully
  • Door gasket seal: rubber seal intact and continuous around frame
  • Floor and wall tiles: tap for hollow sound
  • Light switch and fitting: functional
  • Paintwork: consistent finish, no defects or missed patches

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check for defects in a new BTO flat?

Inspect ideally within the first week, if not the first month — before renovation begins. Go room by room: tap every tile with a rod or coin to listen for hollow sounds, test every power socket with a phone charger, run all taps, flush all toilets, and open and close every door and window. Use a spirit level app on floors and door frames. Mark every defect with painter's tape and photograph each one with location context before submitting. A thorough inspection typically takes 2–3 hours — don't rush it.

What is the 1-month submission deadline?

HDB advises that defects should be submitted within 1 month of key collection and before renovation begins. Once renovation starts, it becomes difficult to determine whether a defect arose from HDB's construction or your contractor's work — claims may be disputed. This is stricter than the private condo DLP, where you have the full 12-month period. Inspect early and submit promptly.

What is the difference between the DLP and the Assure 3 warranty?

The 12-month Defect Liability Period (DLP) covers general workmanship defects — hollow tiles, cracks, leaky taps, faulty fittings, poor paintwork. On top of the DLP, HDB's Assure 3 warranty provides additional coverage for more serious issues: ceiling leakage and external wall seepage are covered for 5 years from key collection, and spalling concrete is covered for 10 years from key collection. Assure 3 does not cover general fittings, tiles, doors, or sockets after the DLP year.

How do I submit defects to HDB?

Submit online, or visit the Building Service Centre (BSC) physically located within your BTO estate. Some Welcome Kits include a project-specific QR code linking to the submission system — check yours. After submission, a BSC officer will arrange a joint inspection to verify each defect on-site. HDB targets 14 days for contractors to complete rectification, though complex defects may take longer.

Do I need a professional inspector for my BTO flat?

There is no legal requirement to hire one. Many BTO owners complete the inspection themselves using a systematic checklist, photographs, and a written defect list — that is exactly what this tool is for. Professional inspection packages for BTO flats typically range from $200–$300 for a basic visual check to $400–$600 for comprehensive packages that include thermal imaging, moisture detection, and BSC liaison on your behalf. If you are systematic and thorough, DIY should be enough for most units. Moreover, defects found by inspection firms are sometimes addressed indirectly as a byproduct of renovations.

Selling or renting a home?
Let's talk.

Kelly and Mark have 17 years of experience in Singapore's property market. Whether you're collecting keys to a new flat or planning your next move, they can guide you through every step.

WhatsApp Kelly & Mark
Kelly: 9049 3119 Mark: 9049 4119