BUILDING DEFECT MANAGEMENT FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Homeowners who paid a hefty sum for their private property expect to live in a comfortable home that is defect free. However, building defects are prevalent. To expect a defect free home seems to be an impossible dream as experienced by the homeowner or the developer. This dissertation examines the common defects found in new properties during the defect liability period and whether an effective building defect management system will minimise dispute between the homeowners and the developer. In particular, the study attempts to determine the homeowners' perception of the level of satisfaction in which the developer deals with their defects complaints. Interviews were conducted with the developers' representatives on the type of building defect management system that they used for the management of defects. A survey was also conducted with the homeowners to determine their level of satisfaction in terms of the way the developer handled the defects in their homes. The findings showed that all developers used a computer system to track and monitor defects and some used site staff to provide personal service to homebuyers when handling their defects and complaints. The homeowners are generally happy with the way the developer handled the defects and will not want to go through the hassle of resorting to mediation or litigation to get their defects rectified because of the long and time consuming process.