Dream homes are a nightmare for buyers

20/05/2006 The Star

THEIR dream homes had everything they wanted but the ugly water patches that appeared later were something buyers did not bargain for.

Six months after moving into his property at SL13 Bandar Sungai Long near Kajang, Tan Han Siong noticed a thin brown line in the dining area. Upon close scrutiny, the line turned out to be unsightly moisture pockets running through the bottom length of the wall.

According to Tan, complaints were forwarded to the developer as the house was still under the defect liability period.

“However, things have gotten worse since the touch-ups were done. Now the moisture pockets have appeared on my kitchen wall and disappear behind the newly installed cabinets,” he said.

The businessman, who suspects that waterproofing was not done for his double-storey corner lot house, fears his kitchen cabinets might sustain damage. The cost incurred is not covered under the defect liability agreement.

SL13 Residents Association pro tem committee chairman Jason Yap also highlighted several other problems.

A medium-sized water patch has appeared above the ceiling fan on the lower level of his house and is spreading quickly.

“I was told the bathroom on the upper level might have a leak but it is 1.5m away from the patch. I fear the sub-contractor for the area did not do enough waterproofing to prevent seepage,” said Yap, who has a theory about why the moisture pockets are also present at his house.

“My house is on a lower level than that of my neighbour, so the moisture from the soil is seeping through my wall. The brown line just above the floor skirting is evidence of this,” he said, urging the developer to take serious action over the defects.

Resident Cheng Soo Far who shifted into the area in September has two empty pails on standby in her master bedroom because the roof has been leaking constantly. She said no action had been taken although several complaints were lodged with the developer.

“Someone from the company told me the wind brings the water in when it rains. If this is so, why were the roof tiles not nailed to the structure and who is going to compensate me for the damage to my furniture?” she asked.

Finding a way around the problem is offering another resident, known only as Mrs Ang some solace. When the wall in her master bedroom began showing signs of water seepage, she contacted the developer.

“The workers who came over painted over my pink wall, claiming it was a waterproofing technique. Although the white stripes somehow make the wall attractive, I am sure the problem has not been resolved,” she said.

Residents who met with the developer on separate occasions are unanimous in voicing their concern over the defects in their houses. They also feel the developer is “playing the stalling game'' to avoid carrying out major repairs as stipulated in the defect liability agreement.

When contacted, Sin Heap Lee Sdn Bhd property services department manager Rupert Yap said the affected residents should bear in mind that there had been more rain this year than in previous times.

“The strong winds are also a factor to consider because it causes roof tiles to fly off and water to lash against walls with more force than before. Leakages might occur as a result,” he said.

“We send out a team of workers to rectify problems once the house owners lodge a complaint but not all keep their appointments with us. Some are selective about the time so when the workers get there, the roof is no longer leaking.

“It is difficult for us to pinpoint the problem this way, so although rectification works are carried out, problems recur. To-date, we are carrying out repairs on nine homes and urge residents to cooperate with us,” said Rupert.

He added that the company had no intention of shirking its responsibilities under the defect liability period.