After the excitement of seeing your built-in carpentry installed in your new BTO flat, many homeowners pause — only to later realise, “Oh, I didn’t check this/that”. A well-executed carpentry audit right after installation can save you from hidden defects, extra costs, and future headaches. This guide walks you through the comprehensive post-installation audit checklist, what to look out for, how to document defects, how to engage your contractor for fixes, and how to secure your warranties — all tailored for Singapore’s HDB BTO context in 2025.
At HDBGROUPRENO.SG, we provide full support for our clients during this audit phase — we give you the checklist, we walk you through the unit, we help you log issues and follow-up with our team.
1. Why a Post-Installation Audit Matters
- Built-in carpentry is one of the largest cost components in a renovation; small misalignments or defects may escalate.
- Singapore’s climate and the compact nature of BTO flats increase risk of warping, mis-fit, poor ventilation in built-ins.
- Early detection of defects gives you leverage to claim warranty items or rework before you move in fully.
- A documented audit helps maintain your resale value — well-maintained built-ins give better impression to future buyers.
2. The Audit Checklist: What to Inspect
A. Dimensions & Fit
- Check that wardrobes, cabinets flush neatly and doors open/close smoothly.
- Verify depth and height match the design (especially full-height wardrobes).
- Check gaps behind modules (for ventilation) – none should be excessively wide.
B. Hardware & Mechanisms
- Test all soft-close hinges, drawer slides, wardrobe sliding doors for smooth operation.
- Check that handles, knobs are secure and aligned.
- For kitchen cabinets: check countertop join, cut-out around hob, alignment with appliances.
C. Finish & Surface Quality
- Inspect edges of laminates for lifting, peeling, bubbles.
- Look for visible screws or poor join lines on panels.
- Colour consistency across panels, no warping or bulging under load.
D. Ventilation & Moisture Tolerance
- In wardrobe bases near wet-areas (bathrooms/kitchens), check for signs of moisture ingress or swelling.
- Cabinet backs should have ventilation gap where appropriate.
E. Functionality & Layout Efficiency
- Evaluate if storage zones work as intended: hanging space, shelf space, drawer access.
- Test sliding doors clearance, check that neighbouring doors/modules don’t obstruct.
- Verify lighting (if included) in wardrobe/console functions and is properly wired.
F. Documentation & Handover
- Receive as-built drawings/photos of the carpentry works.
- Warranty/defect rectification period must be documented.
- Confirm payment milestone was aligned with installation completion.
3. Common Defects to Watch Out For
- Mis-aligned doors or drawers that don’t close flush.
- Laminate lifts at edges, visible delamination.
- Warped shelving or sagging modules, especially near water pipes.
- Tracks of sliding doors jam or squeak.
- Cabinets that are too shallow for typical hangers/clothes or have impractical layout.
- Electrical fittings within built-ins (USB ports, LED strips) malfunctioning.
4. What to Do When You Find Issues
- Photograph defects clearly, mark location, list description, and date.
- Submit to contractor within specified defect-report period (commonly 14-30 days from handover).
- Track rectification timelines; ensure spare parts/hardware replacements are included.
- Retain all invoice/contract/warranty documents.
- If major structural issues (e.g., warping, swelling) persist, escalate to HDB-licensed contractor or defect inspector.
5. Cost & Timing Considerations
- Audit happens immediately upon installation (week 7–9 of renovation timeline) — quick turnaround gives smoother fix.
- Minor hardware fixes: often S$100-500 range. Major module re-fabrication: S$1,000-2,500+.
- Budgeting for audit is minimal (often included in contractor service), but the cost of ignoring defects can be far higher.
- HDBGROUPRENO.SG’s group-buy model includes post-handover audit service for all participating BTO owners.
FAQ (Optimised for SEO Snippets)
Q1: When should I perform a post-installation carpentry audit for my BTO flat?
👉 Ideally within one week of carpentry installation completion, before full move-in or furniture placement.
Q2: What should be covered in the carpentry warranty for my built-in units?
👉 Materials, workmanship, hardware mechanisms (hinges/sliders), structural stability for at least 1-2 years.
Q3: Can carpentry defects affect my HDB resale value?
👉 Yes — poorly done built-ins can turn off potential buyers or reduce perceived value; documented audit and rectification help maintain resale appeal.
