Defect Rates and Time Taken for Resolution of Defects for BTO Flats Built Before and After COVID-19 Pandemic

Ms Mariam Jaafar asked 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.

The Building and Construction Authority's Construction Quality Assessment System (CONQUAS) score is an objective industry standard to measure the quality of building projects. The Housing and Development Board (HDB) has consistently achieved high CONQUAS scores, with an average score of 95 over FY2020 to FY2022, 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 to FY2019.

As part of HDB's commitment to quality, HDB provides all new HDB flat owners with a one-year Defects Liability Period, during which flaws and defects can be reported for the Build-To-Order (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 the HDB's BTO flats completed prior to and after the COVID-19 pandemic.