Picture Source: Quality Guidebook for Homeowners by CIDB Malaysia

Defects Assessment

Getting the keys to your new place is one of the joyous highlights of your life. But the joyful moment can be cut short if you are unaware of the next step. Many are oblivious to one crucial step that must be taken before the occupation of the space. Defects Assessment is the step that should never be taken lightly. In the long run, this action will save you a tremendous amount of money.

Defects Assessment is done to identify the imperfection in the interior and exterior of the building. There are two types of defects when it comes to new property namely, patent defects and latent defects.

Patent defects are unhidden defects that can be easily identified during reasonable inspection while latent defects are the hidden ones that go unnoticed initially. Potential defects cause havoc after some time which can result in financial burden.

Hence, once you get the keys and before you move in or before you renovate your new house, it is crucial to conduct a thorough Defects Assessment.

QLASSIC

QLASSIC is Quality Assessment System for Building Construction works and aims to benchmark the level of quality of the construction industry in Malaysia, have a standard quality assessment system for quality of workmanship of building projects, assess quality of workmanship of a building project based on the industry’s acceptable standards, as well as evaluate the performance of contractors based on quality of workmanship.

It is to be noted that even though there are independent building assessors who you can hire to conduct Defects Assessments on your property, you can also do it by yourself. Adhering to QLASSIC will ensure your property is thoroughly examined and is free from defects which can cost you a fortune.

QLASSIC covers six internal aspects of a property which are the floor, walls, ceiling, doors, windows, and fixtures. Fixtures include a wardrobe, kitchen cabinet, vanity top, mirror, bathtub, water closet, shower screen, sink, basin, signage, railing, unit number plate, and grill door. Besides these, it also covers mechanical and electrical fittings.

Each of these aspects is scrutinised based on their finishing, alignment and evenness, cracks and damages, hollowness and delamination, jointing, roughness and patchiness, joints and gaps, materials and damages, functionality, and accessories defects.

Adherence to QLASSIC is very easy and practical since the detailed and elaborate checklist provided can be used as a guide while assessing your house.

Picture Source: Quality Guidebook for Homeowners by CIDB Malaysia

Your Rights

The Housing Development (Control & Licensing) Act 1966 (Act 118) & Regulation stipulates that the purchaser can demand for rectification of any defect, shrinkage or other faults found in the building within the Defect Liability Period (DLP). Take note that you can request that your property is assessed using QLASSIC by the developer's assigned professional assessor.

Besides having the rights to own a new house, you also have the rights to own a defect-free and near-to-perfection home. QLASSIC will pave the way towards your dream house.

Want to know more? Download the “Quality Guidebook for Homeowners” by CIDB Malaysia here.