You know what we always say – there is no place like home. It is our sanctuary, after all. We have invested significant time, effort and money into building our dream homes, so we naturally want everything to be perfect.
But recent cases of incidents at home – from exploding tiles to shattering glass, home fires, theft and more – have highlighted the vulnerabilities that homeowners face. These events can inflict both emotional and financial distress. Let us take a look at home incidents in recent years.
What are the Types of Home Repairs Faced by Singapore Homeowners?
Just like any other physical structure, our homes naturally age and deteriorate over time. To maintain a safe and comfortable living environment, regular maintenance and repairs are essential. In Singapore, homeowners generally encounter two types of home repairs: minor and major.
Minor Repairs
Minor repairs typically involve addressing small-scale issues that arise from wear and tear. These are often simple fixes that can be easily tackled by homeowners themselves or with the help of a handyman.
By promptly addressing these minor problems, homeowners can prevent them from escalating into more significant and costly issues to their home.
Examples of minor repairs include:
- Plumbing: Fixing leaky faucets, running toilets, or clogged drains.
- Electrical: Replacing faulty switches, flickering lights, or loose wiring.
- Carpentry: Repairing squeaky doors, loose hinges, or damaged cabinet doors.
- Painting: Touching up paintwork or repainting walls or ceilings to maintain a fresh appearance.
- Tiling: Replacing cracked or loose tiles to ensure safety and aesthetics.
Major Repairs
Major repairs, on the other hand, encompass more extensive and complex issues that require specialised skills and expertise. These repairs are often costly and time-consuming, but they are crucial for maintaining the structural integrity and safety of your home.
Notably, major repairs often arise due to neglected or delayed minor repairs, underscoring the importance of proactive maintenance.
Examples of major repairs include:
- Structural repairs: Addressing cracks in walls, foundation problems, or roof leaks.
- Plumbing overhauls: Replacing entire pipe systems or fixing major leaks that could cause significant water damage.
- Electrical rewiring: Rewiring the entire house due to outdated or unsafe wiring, or upgrading the electrical system to meet modern standards.
- Renovations: Undertaking substantial alterations to the layout or structure of the house, which may require permits and professional expertise.
- Waterproofing: Sealing leaks in the roof, walls, or floors to prevent water infiltration and potential damage.
What is the maintenance clause in a tenancy agreement?
If you’re renting an apartment, your maintenance jobs will be covered by a contractual agreement known as a maintenance clause.
A maintenance clause in a tenancy agreement outlines the responsibilities of both the landlord and tenant regarding the upkeep and repair of the rental property. It’s a crucial component of any tenancy agreement in Singapore, as it helps to avoid misunderstandings and disputes down the line.
Typically, the clause specifies which party is responsible for different types of home repairs. Generally, landlords are responsible for major repairs, such as structural issues or problems with major appliances, while tenants are responsible for minor repairs resulting from wear and tear, like replacing light bulbs or fixing leaky faucets.
The maintenance clause may also specify a maximum amount that tenants are liable for in terms of repair costs. It’s important for both landlords and tenants to carefully read and understand this clause before signing the agreement to ensure clarity and prevent potential conflicts during the tenancy.
Types of Unexpected Repairs
While major and minor repairs are a natural part of homeownership, some repair needs arise unexpectedly and can disrupt your life and finances significantly. These unforeseen events serve as a stark reminder of the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. Here are some common types of house problems and unexpected home repairs that Singapore homeowners may face:
1. Exploding Tiles
In October 2023, a homeowner received a rude surprise when he came home to see shattered floor tiles in his home, as if “someone took a jackhammer to it”[1]. Upon reviewing CCTV footage of the incident, it was found that a line of tiles had cracked and caused a chain reaction with other tiles.
In a separate incident[2], another individual faced a similar ordeal where his kitchen wall tiles had popped up and come off. In this case, he had been living in the flat for about 15 years, and estimated that the tiles were around 20 years old. It was an unfortunate predicament, with the homeowner having just left his job, with “no money to renovate the place”.
In 2021, the Ministry of National Development[3] wrote that flat owners are responsible for the maintenance of their flats, including repairs for general wear and tear. However, the Housing Development Board (HDB) will help the flat owners repair dislodged tiles originally provided by HDB for a period of up to 15 years.
Such incidents can be caused by reasons such as sudden weather changes, weak adhesives, heavy foot traffic and structural movements. Unfortunately, these factors often cannot be controlled, leaving homeowners vulnerable to unwelcome surprises. A rough quote by a tiling service provider[4] cites a minimum of $4,420 for a 28 square metre living room floor in a typical 5-room HDB flat, with 70 feet of skirting (the tiles between the wall and the floor). This is exclusive of other services such as hacking, haulage, disposal and protective sheet.
2. Shattering Glass at Home
Glass can shatter spontaneously, posing unexpected dangers. In one instance, a bathroom glass door in a condominium suddenly shattered by itself, injuring two. According to the developer, that was not an isolated case, with several such instances having taken place over two years. If you were to do a quick Google search for “glass shatter Singapore”, you will realise this happens way too often.
In fact, in 2021, Channel NewsAsia report[5] showed that at least 530 exterior glass panels were reported to have shattered over the past decade – including doors, tables and bowls. While such instances are considered rare, and over the years, safety and quality measures have been put in place, every incident is one too many.
Replacing a glass door typically costs between a few hundred and the low thousands[6], depending on the type of door you prefer. There may also be debris-removal costs incurred.
While glass door shattering by itself and general glass breakage may not set you back too much in repair and replacement costs, it can cause injuries that lead to hefty medical bills.
3. House Fires
Most of us are probably no stranger to the spate of house fire incidents in Singapore over the past few years. In a report by The Straits Times[7], the SCDF responded to 967 fires in the first half of 2023, compared with 918 fires over the same period in 2022. More than half of these fires occurred at home, which included public housing and private residences. House fires can sometimes be devastating – in one instance, a homeowner shared with TodayOnline that 80% of her newly renovated flat had been destroyed by a fire[8]. Fortunately, she was able to claim 60 per cent of the damages from her insurance provider.
Such instances can bring along both financial and emotional ramifications, with families having to deal with challenges such as finding alternative accommodations, taking time off from work, renovating their homes, and purchasing new furniture.
Another homeowner told TodayOnline that she spent about S$30,000 to S$40,000 on renovations after the fire. She also had to resign from her job as she was unable to balance her work and additional housework and renovation supervision. This, understandably, took a toll on the family’s finances.
4. Theft
Housebreaking is not a common problem in Singapore, but it does occur. In September 2023, a man broke into three houses[9] to commit theft amounting to more than S$3,000. Earlier in July 2023, another man was arrested for allegedly stealing items worth S$160,000[10] from a home.
There is No Place Like Home: Protect Your Abode With Home Insurance
Home insurance can be a saving grace in the face of unexpected incidents like those mentioned above.
And while fire insurance is mandatory for HDB flats, in the event of a fire, it may not be sufficient to cover the costs associated with damage to the home. In general, basic fire insurance covers a property’s physical structure such as its walls and ceilings. It usually does not cover areas such as valuables, belongings, and home improvement features.
Furthermore, home insurance not only provides coverage for property damage but also extends to personal accidents. For instance, under HL Assurance’s Home ProtectLite, the insured and spouse will be covered for $5,000 each.
Some other key benefits provided under this home insurance are:
- 24-hour home assistance services
- Removal of debris
- Replacement of locks and keys due to burglary or robbery
Protect your financial well-being and get peace of mind with home insurance from HL Assurance. Enjoy a promotion of 40% discount on a 3-year plan or 50% discount on a long-term plan of 5 years.
Written by Shu Rin Hoe – 19 December 2024
Malaysia
Hong Kong