Unlivable BTO Flat as Water Still Leaking in My Home for 3 Days

***Update: HDB, Maincon and Consultant has came down to the unit to check. Will update on status once we have more information.

A homeowner in Punggol Northshore is dealing with a severe water leakage problem in his newly renovated Build-to-Order (BTO) flat, which he moved into just six months ago in July 2024. The issue has caused extensive damage, including water seeping through an electrical powerpoint, bubbling walls, and paint peeling from the affected areas. Pools of water have also formed on the floor, making the flat unsafe and unlivable.

According to the main contractor, the source of the problem appears to be a structural issue with an external wall adjacent to the master bedroom. Despite the assessment, the homeowner remains frustrated as the damage has already rendered the flat unsuitable for daily living. Compounding the problem is the contractor's warning to avoid using electrical switches in the living room and bedroom due to the risk of short circuits. However, the homeowner has no choice but to use the switches as living without lights is impractical.

In an email sent on Jan. 11 to various parties, including the Minister for National Development, representatives of Punggol Pasir Ris, the Housing and Development Board (HDB), and the contractor, the homeowner outlined his grievances. He emphasized the lack of urgency and action taken to resolve the issue, which has left him and his family in a hazardous living environment.

The homeowner noted that the situation has only worsened since reporting the problem. Water ponding has spread from the living room to the bedroom, and paint near the affected sockets has completely peeled off. He is deeply concerned about the potential for electrical hazards, as water continues to seep into the power sockets.

The situation is particularly disheartening because the homeowner had invested significant time and money into renovating the flat. With Chinese New Year approaching, he is left with an unlivable space, raising questions about the quality assurance of BTO flats and the speed at which these projects are completed.

In his email, the homeowner wrote, "This is supposed to be my safe haven, but instead, it has turned into a nightmare. Imagine living with such a severe structural defect for days without any resolution. The lack of urgency is unacceptable, especially given the safety risks involved."

He also called for greater accountability and intervention from upper management to resolve the issue promptly. Highlighting the importance of quality control in new BTO projects, the homeowner urged authorities to take immediate action to rectify the problem and prevent similar cases from occurring in the future.

This case underscores growing concerns about the quality of construction in new housing developments and the adequacy of response mechanisms when defects arise. With no resolution in sight and the homeowner's safety at risk, this incident raises questions about whether quality assurance is being sacrificed to meet housing demands.