DEFECTS IN CONDOMINIUMS

Abstract

Building defects have always been a stigma to the construction industry. In particular, homeowners have to live with the hassle and inconveniences due to defects. Developers and contractors of private residential projects, in the rush for work volume and ensuing profits, sacrificed the quality, standard of materials and workmanship. These unsatisfactory practices have led to emergence of construction defects, conflicts and disputes as well as litigation between developers and purchasers. This dissertation addresses the issues of defects arising during and after the one-year Defects Liability Period, the rights of the purchasers as well as the obligations of the developers as stated under the Sale and Purchase Agreement. A study was conducted on 3 selected condominiums to understand homebuyers' perceptions on the quality of the homes provided by the developer and also the way they are likely to adopt when resolving defect disputes. The findings revealed that purchasers of the different type of condominiums have different expectations and perceptions on quality. It was found that purchasers were provided with homes of different quality depending on the type of condominiums they bought. The study also showed that most of the homeowners interviewed were not familiar with the other ways in resolving defect disputes with a majority of them choosing to allow the developer to rectify the defects until they are satisfied.