What HDB Warranties You Have, and 5 Mistakes that Will Void Them

Keeping it safe.

Like any big purchase, buying a HDB flat comes with warranties that protect should (touch wood) any issues crop up.

But of course, that’s on the condition that you play by HDB’s renovation rules – because certain renovation decisions or oversights can void them entirely. So, before kickstarting your renovation, it’ll be helpful to get the full breakdown of HDB’s warranties, as well as what you should avoid doing if you don’t want to forfeit them.

What are the different HDB warranties?

Defects Liability Period

The Defects Liability Period (DLP) is a 1-year warranty that begins from the day you collect your keys. It covers any workmanship or finishing-related defects you may find in your flat – they include (but are not limited to):

• Chipped, cracked, or uneven tiles
• Marks, stains, or cracks on your floor, walls, or ceiling
• Faulty or leaking taps
• Faulty power points or electrical fittings

Available to: BTO homeowners, and existing flat homeowners whose home has just undergone the HIP (Home Improvement Programme).

HDB Assure 3 warranty

On top of the DLP, homeowners are also covered by the HDB Assure 3 warranty – an extended warranty that covers 3 common defect types:

If any of these issues occur during the coverage period, HDB contractors can come down to rectify them – but do note that defects caused by renovations or poor maintenance will not be covered.

Available to: BTO homeowners

Things that can void your HDB warranty coverage

1. Don’t alter/remove the bathroom tiles and/or waterproofing layer in the first 3 years

As tempted as you might be to switch things up in your BTO bathroom, doing so will immediately void your HDB warranty as it only applies to the original bathroom tiles and waterproofing layer.

If you decide to retile or mess around with the waterproofing layer within the first 3 years after key collection, HDB will no longer be responsible for any water leakage issues – which means you’ll need to bear the cost of repairs yourself.

And don’t think you’ll be able to hide these changes from them, either, as they’ll send down experienced contractors to check before deciding to proceed with repairs!

2. Don’t shift around wet areas without prior approval

Every HDB flat is designed such that the drainage system in your wet areas (like the bathrooms and kitchens) flows smoothly and doesn’t seep into your neighbour’s unit. As such, any proposed changes to these areas need to be verified by HDB to ensure that they don’t pose any risk to the drainage layout and waterproofing system.

So, those forms that your ID needs to submit to HDB pre-renovation? They aren’t just formalities. Going ahead with these changes without any approval will not only create potential leak issues, but also void your warranty coverage – and repairs will have to be covered by you (and not your ID).

3. Don’t hack or drill into structural elements

HDB flats tend to be on the smaller side, so it’s tempting to fully knock down walls or drill shelves into walls to make the most of every inch of space. However, doing so to structural elements of your home – like beams, columns, and load-bearing walls – equates to tampering.

These elements are especially important as they don’t just maintain the structural integrity of your unit, but of the entire flat. So, you can imagine that HDB will take this very seriously – they’ll not only void your 10-year structural warranty but also reject any future claim for cracks, spalling concrete, or other structural issues.

4. Don’t wait to report any defects

After collecting your keys, it’s normal to feel excited at the prospect of finally getting your own place, or of starting renovations immediately. But don’t jump in straightaway, as you’ll need to flag out any defects like uneven flooring, leaky taps, and the like.

If you take your time – and if these defects get covered up (by a fresh coat of paint, for example) – these defects will no longer be covered. Remember: the DLP lasts for a year, so either highlight defects ASAP, or get a professional to help you out.

5. Don’t engage any unlicensed or unregistered renovation contractors

Finding a reliable renovation professional to work with starts with you, and it can be as simple as checking if they’re registered with the Directory of Renovation Contractors (DRC).

This is the necessary credential that HDB requires all renovation professionals to have, as it shows that they are trained and approved to follow HDB’s guidelines that ensure works are done properly and safely.

If you engage a professional that’s not in the DRC, any damage they cause – like faulty electrical works or improper waterproofing in wet areas – will void your HDB warranties. That means you’ll have to bear the full cost of repairs – and even worse, HDB may even take enforcement action against you and the professional you engaged.

In conclusion

Warranties are there to protect you, but only if you play by the rules. And having an experienced renovation professional can make all the difference, as they can not only design your dream home, but also know HDB’s guidelines inside and out.

At Qanvast, we can help you find a reliable interior designer that fits the bill – free of charge! Simply fill out the form below, and we’ll connect you to 3-5 interior designers to get you started.