From Cracked Walls to a Cozy Couch: A BTO Tale
The excitement of finally moving into a brand‑new Build‑to‑Order (BTO) flat can quickly turn into a game of “Spot the Defect.” That’s exactly what Home.swee.home, the TikTok duo, experienced. After five and a half years of waiting, they thought their four‑room HDB apartment would be a dream come true—until the walls started telling a different story.
Taking the Show On The Street
On Aug 16, the hashtag‑loving couple dropped a 26‑second TikTok clip that had already racked up over 211,000 views. In it, they revealed a laundry list of flaws that left their followers both shocked and puzzled.
In the first half of the video, everything seemed fine—until the defect scan team stepped in. They pointed out:
- Small chip on the main door
- Stained light switches
- Loose door handle that needed tightening
- Squeaky windows, quite dramatic for a quiet apartment
- Cracked window glass (yes, that’s a real thing)
- Hollow spots in the walls of the “bomb shelter”—though you never really want a bomb shelter in your living room, right?
Quick math: that room had the most hollow spots, an irony not lost on the couple because it was supposedly the strongest part of the house.
How the Problem Got Fixated
Home.swee.home explained on a later Instagram story that the HDB built “some holes” and then poured cement into them—classic “patch & paint” approach. The outcome? A smooth wall that looks like it was born without a defect (well, thank you HDB).
BSC’s Free Fix Policy
“All these defects can be fixed by the Building Service Centre (BSC) for free!” the couple announced. They added a gentle reminder: book a BSC inspection right after you spot a problem. If you’re unsure what to look for, a quick walk through your new home will reveal any cracks, uneven walls, or plumbing hiccups.
The Fix‑Up Timeline
Once the couple reported the issues, HDB worked its magic. The entire rectification took a grand total of five weeks. That’s a density of “a lot of work” into a short period—just enough time to binge-watch shows while the crew works.
Finding the Root of the Problem
The couple pitched that they consulted a professional defect scan team back in August 2021. Renovation began in September that year. Their motivation? Not to shame HDB or the contractors, but to make their followers aware that every BTO flat can have quirks.
They also wanted to underscore the importance of a thorough check before starting renovation. According to the defect scan team, there are many worse cases out there.
HDB’s One‑Year Defects Liability Period
Why does all this matter? Because the Defects Liability Period (DLP)—lasting one year from key collection—covers all rectifications. That means if you spot a flaw within the first month and schedule a repair, HDB will fix it for free.
And get this: HDB says it usually takes less than two weeks to finish the repairs, making it faster than waiting for a Netflix binge.
Quick Checklist for New Jacky’s
Still unsure how to spot defects? Keep these in mind:
- Inspect walls and floors for cracks or uneven surfaces.
- Check plumbing: leaks in toilets, sinks, or basins—especially those that keep dripping even when turned off.
- Look for subtle signs like chips or stained switches.
- Ask BSC for a walkthrough— they’ll spot anything you missed.
Once you have the list, you’ll know exactly what to report and get your flat in tip‑top shape.
Ready to Move In?
Collect those keys, get your eyes on the walls, take a few minutes with a BTO defects checklist, and call the BSC for a free repair—because that’s how “home sweet home” really begins.
