Background Story: HDB: Many 'defects' BTO owners complain about are not actually defects
Reading the HDB statement on construction defects makes me laugh. There are a number of reasons why HDB cannot implement a zero defect policy.
1. SHORTAGE OF SKILLED TILERS
Most of the skilled tilers are Malaysians but very few are coming to Singapore to work – if they do, they’re working in private sector projects. There is a more lucrative avenue for them to earn more. Singapore prices for HDB tiling works sucks.
You see, Malaysian tilers are on 3-month FIFO (fly-in, fly-out) out of Australia & NZ. The building industry there is booming. The money is good, their currency stronger than SIN $. In Singapore, the HDB contractors are using Indian/Bangla semi-skilled workers to do tiling. Hence, laid tile unevenness & huge gaps between ceramic tiles are simple signs of poor workmanship. Pay peanuts, get monkeys to do the work. HDB, you don’t fool me!
2. SHORTAGE OF NATURAL CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
Sand & granite aggregates are in short supply in Singapore. Nearest neighbours Malaysia & Indonesia refused to sell to Singapore. Even smuggle in cannot satisfy the demand. So! Rumour is that synthetic, alternative & recycle products are being used as substitutes. Fly ash from incinerators, blast furnace slags, broken glass bottle chips, demolition recycle waste, etc. Different types of materials used have different shrinkage rates, curing times & create new problems.
3. USING INFERIOR MATERIALS
Timber finishes these days are manufactured products. They are called Wood finished laminates. The wood finish is 100% consistent from the factory. Colour discrepancies are usually defective stocks or old stocks stored incorrectly (sun-damaged). HDB flat can use real timber wood, meh? They cost a bomb! Friend, don’t be conned by HDB – it’s laminate board click into place.
excuses-excuses!
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