Defects at Punggol executive condo

[reporter2]

http://www.straitstimes.com/singapor...y-stairs-leaks

Defects at Punggol executive condo

RiverParc Residence penthouse owners face rusty stairs, leaks

Jul 17, 2015

Lim Yi Han


First, it was the unmistakable stench of sewage that plagued one unit in the executive condominium (EC) in Punggol.

Now several penthouse owners at the 504-unit RiverParc Residence are complaining about rusty staircases and water seepage.

One resident, Mr Ang Chee Tiong, who works as a supervisor in the pharmaceutical industry, said that he noticed rust on the staircase leading to his roof terrace after he collected his keys last September.

The EC's defects team repainted the staircase at least thrice but the rust returned, said Mr Ang, 50. He paid more than $1 million for his three-bedroom apartment.

"There was water seepage in two toilets and a walk-in wardrobe area as well and it's worrying," said Mr Ang. "Before I moved in - in January - I noticed cracks in the glass panel of my sliding door in the balcony and the paint on the wall was peeling. "

He informed the developer of the defects and they were rectified.

But Mr Ang still spent $40,000 to put up wallpaper and wall panels in his unit, and also replaced the flooring in case of future defects.

He said: "I didn't expect to have to fork out extra money, and it's very disappointing."

Mr Ang, who lives with his wife, 42, and two children, aged 13 and nine, said his master bedroom toilet has also been put out of use for three weeks, due to rectification works as a result of the foul smell coming from the roof terrace.

Yesterday, The Straits Times reported that owners of a fifth-floor unit in the same EC had been suffering the stench of sewage emanating from their toilet for months.

Another resident, Mr Chris Yeo, said: "This unit is less than a year old but there are problems already. (The developer) has touched up my staircase twice but it's no use."

The salesman, 35, who moved in last September and lives alone, paid about $1 million for his three-bedroom penthouse. He said: "The interior and material used for the staircase need to be replaced. I'm worried about how long this can last."

A spokesman for the developer Qingjian Realty said: "Whenever a defect is raised, we will make an effort to go down and meet with the residents and rectify to our best ability. But some defects take longer to resolve."

[watchlist88]

I was wondering if this was a case of cutting corners during construction or poor workmanship so I tried to do some calculations. Based on average lodged caveats for around 1200 sqf units, it is about $670psf. Assuming developer added 30% for profit and marketing etc, the construction and land price came up to be $510psf. Minus off $260psf for construction cost you are left with only $250psf for land cost . I did not get to find out about the land cost but is it that cheap a few years ago ? If developer bidded higher than $250psf for land price, then I suspect this is a case of cutting corners to save money and maximise profits.

[Arcachon]

Why nobody post who is the developer and the construction company.

Cry father cry mother also no use, Post who's the one who make your day is more important.

[wt_know]

isn't already stated in the article developer is Qingjian

[Jem]

That's why I listen to my mum. Nvr buy the top floor hehe