BTO Key Collection Checklist: What to Inspect Before Your Renovation Starts

A practical guide from The Makers Design Studio for Singapore homeowners. Rather than copying a Pinterest picture, start with how your home actually works.

What this guide covers

Before the appointment: prepare the essentials • First walk-through: photograph every room • Doors, windows and fittings • Tiles, walls and ceilings • Water and electrical checks • Report defects before renovation • Then plan the renovation sequence

Before the appointment: prepare the essentials

Check your HDB appointment details and the official instructions for documents and payments. Save the floor plan, confirm which Optional Component Scheme items you selected, and bring a phone charger, measuring tape and a way to document observations.

First walk-through: photograph every room

Take wide-angle photographs of the living room, bedrooms, kitchen and bathrooms before moving anything. Record any obvious damage, stains, cracks or misaligned finishes with a close-up and a location reference.

Doors, windows and fittings

Check that doors and windows open and close smoothly and that handles, locks and visible fittings operate properly. Look for chipped surfaces, damaged seals and unusual gaps. Do not attempt unsafe repairs yourself.

Tiles, walls and ceilings

Look for visible cracks, uneven finishes, damaged tiles and signs of moisture. Where appropriate, note suspected hollow tiles for proper assessment rather than assuming every different sound is a defect. Photograph issues clearly.

Water and electrical checks

Check visible plumbing fixtures for leaks when water is available and follow HDB guidance for any required testing. Do not dismantle electrical fittings. Ask a qualified professional about issues you cannot safely inspect.

Report defects before renovation

HDB provides a one-year Defects Liability Period for new flats and advises homeowners to report defects within one month of key collection and before starting renovation works. Follow the official reporting process and coordinate rectification before covering up affected areas.

Then plan the renovation sequence

Finalise site measurements, scope, quotation and necessary approvals. Confirm the contractor is eligible for HDB works where required, and arrange the order of works so rectification and renovation do not interfere with each other.

Useful HDB resources

For official BTO key collection details, check your HDB notifications and MyHDB. For renovation restrictions and defect reporting, consult HDB's current guidance at https://www.hdb.gov.sg/ and confirm requirements for your unit.

Need help planning your BTO renovation?

Send The Makers Design Studio your floor plan, flat type, key collection estimate, renovation budget and preferred style. We can discuss an interior design direction and quotation tailored to your home. https://www.themakersdesignstudio.sg/