BTO owners complain about defects via Facebook

Infuriated by the flaws, some homeowners of Tampines GreenLeaf (pictured) are using Facebook to highlight the defects of their new HDB flats, according to media reports.

For instance, when Ms Teo entered her new four-room flat last month, she was appalled by the plain brown timber skirting. "It was quite an eyesore. That kind of brown is not even like normal wood," said the 31-year-old HR executive.

In comparison, the skirting they viewed when choosing their unit had visible wooden grain, and this type of skirting was used in the first two blocks of Tampines GreenLeaf, 522A and 522B.

But to achieve a more consistent colour, the architect later opted for an opaque finish for the skirting in the other blocks, and there were no complaints at other homes with similar skirting.

According to the "Tampines GreenLeaf Defects" Facebook group, flaws at six of the nine blocks include rust stains, uneven tiles and chipped walls.

Though the group has 300 members, only a few have collected their keys, and only 15 members answered a HDB survey on the defects.

Out of the 430 flats handed over at Tampines GreenLeaf, defects have been reported for about 30 percent of the units, revealed the Housing Board.

The homeowners also approached Tampines GRC Member of Parliament (MP) Baey Yam Keng and may even meet Education Minister Heng Swee Keat, the MP for their ward. They are arranging to be briefed by the HDB before meeting the homeowners.

Muneerah Bee, Senior Journalist at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact her about this or other stories email muneerah@propertyguru.com.sg

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