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Problems with new condo unit


Mazda2gal
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It's my first time buying a property, encountered problems with the defects rectification process and the mgt. Appreciate advice from experienced property buyers.

 

Condo developer is a big established one, didn't expect the unit to be handed over in a bad and uncompleted condition. Moreover TOP of this condo has been delayed for 4 months.

 

Among many other defects, the kitchen cabinet has many misalignments, a drawer track wasn't installed and was lying in the drawer (see pics), discoloration of cabinet surfaces, deep scratches on solid table top and stainless steel backing. Skirting missing. Chips on bathroom basin top. Marble flooring in living room was not polished and looks used. Dents on doors.

 

After joint inspection with construction supervisor and developer Rep, I handed a key to them to do defects.

 

Few days later I checked, nth has been done as expected. But neighbour who already moved in alerted that the workers have been entering my unit at 9+pm, wearing t-shirts and shorts, since the day I handed a key to the construction supervisor.

 

I called defects team the next day and was advised to email my complaint. As expected, no reply nor response. Though they did a few minor defects. The big items like flooring etc all left undone. Only 2 weeks left before the one month defect rectification deadline is up, have a feeling they may tell me that those are not defects or not able to rectify. Or they may request more time though I already told them I need vacate my current residence by June.

 

Though I can rectify the defects on my own after the one month and claim from developer, I'm not sure what complications may arise. Like developer not honouring the claim?

 

I'm gg to meet a Rep from construction team regarding the defects. What stance should I take?

 

Anyone with experience to advise?

 

 

post-52368-0-11130900-1431142003_thumb.jpgpost-52368-0-74716800-1431142115_thumb.jpg

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(edited)

Which condo is this?

 

Speak to MCST and or directly to Developer.

 

After the sales is done and the unit handed over, everybody siam extra work already.

 

Dont get too stressed

 

Not sure what you mean by stance

Why everything must have particular stance?

Just tell them the defects and get it rectified within an agreed timeframe.

You mean they are shirking responsibilities?

 

Of course you can express displeasure and ask for some form of compensation

But base on the terms of your contract it should be quite clear what is to be done by developer

Edited by Throttle2
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Supersonic

I thought have a period (1 year ?) to do all these claims. wah, the drawer track is totally UNACCEPTABLE. They also have their own team to do handover to, someone is obviously skiving big time.

 

Go to online forums (renotalk/myhonetown etc) to see whether any owners having same problems as you, group together and go bang table ....

 

out of curiosity - issit FEO ?

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It's my first time buying a property, encountered problems with the defects rectification process and the mgt. Appreciate advice from experienced property buyers.

 

Condo developer is a big established one, didn't expect the unit to be handed over in a bad and uncompleted condition. Moreover TOP of this condo has been delayed for 4 months.

 

Among many other defects, the kitchen cabinet has many misalignments, a drawer track wasn't installed and was lying in the drawer (see pics), discoloration of cabinet surfaces, deep scratches on solid table top and stainless steel backing. Skirting missing. Chips on bathroom basin top. Marble flooring in living room was not polished and looks used. Dents on doors.

 

After joint inspection with construction supervisor and developer Rep, I handed a key to them to do defects.

 

Few days later I checked, nth has been done as expected. But neighbour who already moved in alerted that the workers have been entering my unit at 9+pm, wearing t-shirts and shorts, since the day I handed a key to the construction supervisor.

 

I called defects team the next day and was advised to email my complaint. As expected, no reply nor response. Though they did a few minor defects. The big items like flooring etc all left undone. Only 2 weeks left before the one month defect rectification deadline is up, have a feeling they may tell me that those are not defects or not able to rectify. Or they may request more time though I already told them I need vacate my current residence by June.

 

Though I can rectify the defects on my own after the one month and claim from developer, I'm not sure what complications may arise. Like developer not honouring the claim?

 

I'm gg to meet a Rep from construction team regarding the defects. What stance should I take?

 

Anyone with experience to advise?

 

 

attachicon.gif20150425_081601.jpgattachicon.gif20150425_081609.jpg

I think during this defect rectification period, make sure every defects is in black and white and sign off by the rep. I think even after defects rectification period, they must complete everything in the list.

 

As for the 9pm thingy, maybe your house become their dome. This one difficult to prove.

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Turbocharged

Make sure you have a verifiable paper trail to their official communication channel.

 

Every verbal agreement must be followed up in writing.

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Supercharged

1. Take back the key.

2. Take 1 week AL

3. Buy red tapes.

4. Get appointment with the rep.

5. With the help of friends or family members, inspect the whole house again and paste the red tape at anything you don't like.

6. Number the defects and put them down on paper.

7. Show them to the rep.

8. Be nice to the rep. Buy him Starbucks coffee or lunch when discuss the list.

9. You must open the door for the repair team. Be nice to them, especially the 工头.

10. Buy them lunch, coke ice cream and coffee during break.

11. Do this everyday till all things is done.

12. You will be surprise, they will change something for you which you don't think it is defective. Because they are the expert and they know it is done wrongly.

13. Bang table will not solve your problem. Construction guys 吃软不吃硬。

14. Rectification work might take 1 month. You might have to move in while they continue the work.

Get those dusty works done first.

 

All the best.

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Thanks all for your advice.

 

 

Yes I think they are shrinking responsibilities and applying the delay tactics. Don't think they can get the defects done within 2 weeks.

 

I think the workers use my unit as their rest and relax station. The mgt provides free Wi-Fi in the common areas and my MBR is able to get very strong Wi-Fi signal. All the more they won't want to complete the defect works and hand over the unit to me.

 

As for taking AL and attending to the workers, it's not possible as I'm in an industry with no annual leave, only a few days leave for private affairs but not for this kind of thing. I must admit I was very firm and assertive when I pointed out the defects to the construction supervisor(foreign worker), because I was totally pissed off with the quality of workmanship delivered and them sending a foreign worker to talk to me (the Rep from developer just stood one side as if none of his business). My friend said the construction supervisor looked very stressed when I spoke to him. Maybe that's why he decided to play punk with me.

 

Will try to use the soft approach when I meet the Rep on Mon.

 

More pics of defects attached. Those who are getting new condos but inexperienced like me can take note. Skirting incomplete and hinge either faulty or not installed properly. Fortunately I got my interior designer to help me with the defects and she pointed out many areas which I would miss because I thought they are the norm. For example the whole patio floor tiles was full of paint and cement stains.

post-52368-0-52972000-1431191201_thumb.jpg

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Supersonic
(edited)

cheaper, faster and definitey poorer (workmanship)

.

.

.

on hindsight ... for the past 3-5 years ... due to proliferation of condo like mushroom ... many projects are being rush rush rush resulting shady workmanship because of insufficient worker, tight schedule and chasing projects and extreme thin profit margin ... must cut here cut there ...

 

winner is govt, developer (may be include main-con but sub-con very tough), and yes the Bank !!!

Edited by Wt_know
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Supersonic

Yeah, understand your frustration as anyone would expect that property bought by hard earned cash to be swee swee upon taking over keys.

 

Good luck on Monday and hope things get sorted out [thumbsup] . As someone suggested, maybe you can try having a relative or good friend pop by and pass some drinks & food to the workers

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Hypersonic

All the best ...

Hope you can get all the rectification work done up fast and move in happily :)

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Your case seems to be extreme. I've seen some bad workmanship ones but yours seem to be more than that like incomplete skirting, hinges missing etc. Sounds like poor QC as well cos most developers will do a thorough check and also clean up the unit a last time before handing over keys.

Anyway good luck and hope it turns out well!

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1. Take back the key.

2. Take 1 week AL

3. Buy red tapes.

4. Get appointment with the rep.

5. With the help of friends or family members, inspect the whole house again and paste the red tape at anything you don't like.

6. Number the defects and put them down on paper.

7. Show them to the rep.

8. Be nice to the rep. Buy him Starbucks coffee or lunch when discuss the list.

9. You must open the door for the repair team. Be nice to them, especially the 工头.

10. Buy them lunch, coke ice cream and coffee during break.

11. Do this everyday till all things is done.

12. You will be surprise, they will change something for you which you don't think it is defective. Because they are the expert and they know it is done wrongly.

13. Bang table will not solve your problem. Construction guys 吃软不吃硬。

14. Rectification work might take 1 month. You might have to move in while they continue the work.

Get those dusty works done first.

 

All the best.

Be nice to the rep...they will resolve for you.

Stay calm and cool..:)

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Turbocharged

Who's the developer?

Developer is big established one, I assume recently TOP......my guess would be sky habitat.

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Supercharged

Developer is big established one, I assume recently TOP......my guess would be sky habitat.

TOP delayed 4 months.

I last heard buyers of Hedges park not happy cannot take key before CNY...

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can resident ask for LD if its a genuine delay?

May I know what's LD?

 

TOP delayed 4 months, when I called last Dec because the TOP was supposed to be end Dec, they told me TOP in Jan, then became Feb, March and finally I only collected keys almost end of April. I didn't make noise all the while because I see no point in rushing them if they are going to do a sloppy job to TOP earlier. So when I collected the keys I EXPECTED minimal defects and problems, and got a shock of my life to see the horrendous condition of the unit.

 

My neighbour who already moved in shared that she was the first batch to get the keys in March because she insisted on it. So now I know, they will entertain those who make noise. Btw she also shared her relative's unit in the same development has parquet flooring that is wet, I didn't ask abt the details.

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Be nice to the rep...they will resolve for you.

Stay calm and cool..:)

I agreed totally.

 

Besides all these are handy work. As long as developer acknowledged the issues and make an effort to rectify the defects, I think is ok

 

Don't let this little hiccups spoilt the joy of having a new home. This is after all the most expensive thing that we ever purchase in our life

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