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The Essential Guide for New Homeowners
Commercial Services5 minutes read
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26562 views
Like most new BTO homeowners, the months leading up to your flat's key collection date have been as exhilarating as it is tiring. From visits after visits to various interior design companies to endless research and forum postings, your to-do list is literally inexhaustible. And you haven't even started on furniture shopping yet.
It's best to be fully prepared to avoid feeling befuddled and to ensure you kick-start this milestone in your life on the right foot. Here's a guide to get you started in the right direction - and cheers to your journey as homeowners!
Stage 1: Before Key Collection
Get the original copy of these documents prepared before your appointment to avoid missing those important certifications:
- Identity cards for those listed in the application form
- Marriage certificate
- Fire insurance certificate purchased at HDB Hub
- Latest CPF statement
- Completed GIRO form for monthly loan installment if you are paying by cash (either partially or fully)
- Bank passbook and a photocopy of the page that states your personal details
*If you are unable to attend the appointment, the attorney who represents you must bring one certified original copy and two photocopies of the Power of Attorney (PoA) document.
Stage 2: Key Collection Date
The day has finally arrived and both of you are jittery with nerves. Get hold of your jitters, breathe deep and go get your keys!
- Open an account to apply for your power supply at HDB Hub
- Activate your water and electricity supply so you can supervise it in the case of defects
- Decide on your preferred gas supply: city or the conventional liquid petroleum gas
- Get ready to shell out three months worth of conservancy charges
Stage 3: Home Visit
Congratulations on your newly purchased flat! Your first official visit to your new home is essential to ensuring the start of a fuss-free renovation journey. Before you begin your home makeover though, do a meticulous check for defects in all rooms. Note these down and make your report via the feedback form available in the welcome package that was given to new homeowners or through HDB's e-Maintenance Feedback Form. Ensure you do so within seven days after your key collection date.
These are the top 10 things you need to look out for when hunting for defects:
| 1 | Check your keys. Make sure each key, even the one for your letter box, opens the corresponding doors properly. |
| 2 |
Switch on all lights, and ensure that none are blown or sport faulty starters. |
| 3 |
Turn on all taps, faucets and showers, and let the water run. This way, you can also find out if something's choking up your sink. Do take note that BTOs do not come with showers installed, so bring along a rubber hose to attach on the tap. Flood your floor and check whether it drains out quickly. If it doesn't, then perhaps your floor wasn't slopped properly. |
| 4 |
Have a sip of the tap water after you've deemed it clean enough. It should taste fresh and free from corrosion. Plus, there should also be no unnatural particles floating around when you fill up a clear glass. |
| 5 |
Open every windows in the house to their maximum capacity. Check that they are functioning properly, even the handles. These should be tightly secured, and easily turned and locked. Forcing the handles into lock position will only loosen them and since these are dead-bolted into the window frames, the only solution around it is to re-bolt them onto another area. Not only will this leave unsightly holes, your handles will also not be level with the rest. |
| 6 |
Flush your toilets, and observe how long it takes for the water tank to fill up before you flush again. |
| 7 |
If your unit comes with a fancy accordion pole hanger for drying clothes, play around with it to ensure everything is bolted properly and its mechanisms function smoothly. |
| 8 |
For tiled walls, take a 50 cents coin or a marble, and tap on each tile to check if it's hollow or loose. |
| 9 |
Be on a vigilant look out for any water leakage or damage on your ceilings, especially after the neighbours on the floor above you has moved in and begun their renovations. |
| 10 |
Remember that just because the flat is newly built, its fittings such as pipes, gates and windows are brand new too. Other things that you should take note of are signs of rust, cracks on the toilet bowls and sinks, and window rubber linings that are not dried. |
Stage 4: Reno Begins
Eager to embark on your renovation journey? Before you begin, we suggest you acquire renovation quotes through RenoTalk so you can save the hassle of hunting for the right interior design company.
Simply fill up the form here to receive a selection of renovation packages from top interior design companies in Singapore. Pick one that best fits your budget and needs - and let the professionals turn your ideas into a reality.
{ HOMEOWNER'S GUIDE }
Should you go for Scandinavian chic or cool contemporary style? For a shot of inspiration, head to our gallery of photos and feast your eyes on the best and latest works from our interior design agencies. Settling on the perfect professional is easier than you think!
Request for quotes and we'll match you with a selection of Interior Designers!
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