Before you jump into the exciting part of designing your dream home, it’s important to ensure that your home has good bones with a thorough defects check. Some issues aren’t immediately apparent, and identifying them early can save a significant amount of time and money in the long run.
While you could do the BTO defect check yourself, many homeowners prefer hiring professional defect checking companies to ensure that all issues are properly identified and addressed for HDB rectification. To help you pick the right team, here are 7 of the best BTO defect checking companies.
The BTO defects checking process
Before engaging a BTO defect inspection company, it helps to understand the different packages available and what they include. Most firms offer single, 3-, or 5-inspection packages, depending on how hands-on you want the process to be.
For new BTO flats, each precinct has a temporary Building Service Centre (BSC) within walking distance, which assists in defect rectification. Some companies will handle the submission of the defects form to the BSC and may even accompany you during the joint inspection with the BSC officer, ensuring that every imperfection is properly addressed.
Here’s a quick breakdown of typical inspection packages offered by BTO defect checking companies:
| Package | Coverage summary |
| Single |
|
| 3 inspections |
|
| 5 inspections |
|
1. A1 Inspection—Best price guarantee offered
Image credit: A1 Inspection
Google rating: 5 stars
A1 Inspection is a budget-friendly option for homeowners looking to inspect their home before embarking on their renovation. With their “A1 Guarantee” and a checklist of over 100 points, they provide peace of mind to homeowners by delivering comprehensive and impartial inspections for your BTO. Their prices start at $120 for a 1-trip inspection and $378 for a 5-trip inspection for a 2-room BTO flat; and their website touts over 50 years of experience and a fuss-free journey to owning a new flat.
As one of the most cost-effective inspectors on the market, they even offer a best price guarantee, matching any cheaper quote you find elsewhere.
Prices starting from: $120 (1 trip, 2-room flat)
Contact: A1 Inspection website
2. Absolute Inspection—Certified by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
Image credit: Absolute Inspection
Google rating: 4.9 stars
Although their starting prices are slightly higher than other firms on this list, Absolute Inspection stands out as the only defect-checking company in Singapore certified by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
This certification means that their inspection reports are recognised for official dispute resolution in Singapore, including CASE and the Small Claims Tribunal, making them a strong choice for homeowners facing complex rectification issues or contractor disputes. They also offer free lifetime off-site consultation, even after your inspection package is completed, so you can get guidance whenever needed.
Prices starting from: $250 (essential package, 2-room flat)
Contact: Absolute Inspection website
3. Uncle Defect—Efficient checking with a 3-person team
Image credit: @tays_stay
Google rating: 5 stars
For homeowners looking for a fast and efficient inspection, Uncle Defect boasts a large team roster that enables them to deploy a minimum of 3 staff members to each home. With more hands on deck, an inspection usually lasts between 45 minutes and an hour, followed by a 15-minute review of the defects identified. They also offer different packages to suit various budgets, making their services accessible whether you’re a first-time homeowner or looking for a more comprehensive check.
Prices starting from: $200 (1 trip, 2-room flat)
Contact: Uncle Defect website
4. Ark Interior—Defect inspection & renovation services all-in-one
Google rating: 4.7 stars
Ark Interior is an established interior design firm with a defect inspection arm, making it a convenient choice for homeowners who want both inspection and renovation services under one roof. Those who engage their renovation services also enjoy a complimentary inspection service, streamlining the renovation process right after key collection.
With over 25 years of experience inspecting pre-TOP (Temporary Occupation Permit) defects, their team includes former BCA professionals and senior members of the Institute of Engineers Singapore, providing extensive experience in defect identification and ensuring your home is renovation-ready.
Prices starting from: $250 (1 trip, 2-room flat)
Contact: Ark Interior website
5. Advance Inspection—Precise & detailed inspections
Image credit: Advance Inspection
Google rating: 4.9 stars
Advance Inspection offers a thorough assessment of major architectural, mechanical, and electrical works, producing detailed reports with annotated images for easy reference. Each inspection usually takes 4-6 hours, although homeowners don’t need to be present for the entire process. They even document the entire defects checking process and provide homeowners with a full image report, making their service ideal for homeowners who prefer a meticulous and detail-oriented approach, ensuring every issue is identified before renovation begins.
Prices starting from: $150 (1 trip, 2-room flat)
Contact: Advance Inspection website
6. SG DefectScan—Off-site consultation available via WhatsApp
Image credit: Find Group Buy
Google rating: 4.8 stars
SG DefectScan has an experienced team of over 5 years, with 2 to 3 inspectors sent to each unit at a minimum, ensuring that every area of your new home is thoroughly checked. For larger units, up to 5 inspectors may be deployed for a more comprehensive inspection.
Homeowners appreciate the accessible consultation service available on WhatsApp anytime at any stage of the inspection process. They also provide a lifetime off-site warranty for the defects identified, offering added assurance after the inspection is completed.
Prices starting from: Contact for a direct quote
Contact: SG DefectScan website
7. Easy Inspection SG—Flat rate $50 for additional visits
Image credit: @easyinspectionsg
Google rating: 5 stars
For homeowners on a budget, Easy Inspection is known for its fair pricing and easy-to-understand reports. They offer a $50 flat rate for additional visits as a top-up on existing packages, perfect for re-inspections or addressing new defects.
The team also provides unlimited scheduling and 24/7 customer support, making their services flexible and convenient throughout the entire checking process.
Prices starting from: $200 (1 trip, 2-room flat)
Contact: Easy Inspection website
Best HDB BTO defect checking companies for new homeowners
More than a formality after you collect your keys, defect checking is an important step to catch any issues early and avoid future headaches. Whether you prefer an efficient inspection or a thorough, detailed check, there’s an option to suit your needs as you turn your new flat into your dream home.
For more BTO guides:
- HDB BTO defects guide – 8 things to look out for when you get the keys to your new flat
- BTO inspection starter pack: 14 things to have once you get your HDB keys that are not pineapples
- 10 unofficial BTO tips & hacks shared by Singaporean homeowners to get your dream flat ASAP
Cover image adapted from: A1 Inspection, Find Group Buy
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