BTO First 30 Days: Ultimate Checklist for Moving In

Moving to a BTO HDB is a great achievement, and several Singaporeans work hard for the same. And, if you are someone who’s already there, but not quite. Read this blog to ensure that your BTO renovation and moving in go smoothly.

Learn about the entire process and learn all that you need to know before hiring a home removal service in Singapore. Besides, the key collection process has a pre-defined process that has to be followed strictly.

There is a thirty-day window to actually move in, even after collecting the keys to your new home. So, dive in to learn all that you need to do before you can hire reliable yet cheap movers in SG!

How Do I Report Defects To BSC For My New BTO?

When you move into a BTO (Build-To-Order), you have to report all structural flaws to the Building Service Centre within 30 days of key collection for free fixes. Also, check the water drainage for all the pipes.

Pour buckets of water down the toilet and balcony floors to check for poor drainage or pooling. Apart from ensuring that you identify any damage to the Mark hollow floor tiles, wall cracks, or scratched windows, using colored painter’s tape.

Log Defects via the HDB Portal. Upload clear, numbered photos of every single flaw directly onto the official online HDB defect system. Never allow your ID to hack walls or floors until you get clearance of your defect list from the BSC (Building Service Centre) team.

When Should I Apply for HDB Renovation Permits?

You must finalise the interior blueprints early, or have your interior designer finish detailed spatial drawings at least 3 weeks before the key collection date. Submit your permits through the HDB Resale Portal.

This helps ensure that your chosen contractor is fully HDB-registered and submits all structural hacking requests online. The approval timeline is 3-7 days. It may also take the HDB up to a week to review permits; do not schedule loud drilling works until it is approved.

Paste the official approved HDB renovation notice outside your front door to avoid heavy Town Council fines. Adhere to the strict 9 am to 5 pm noise window to avoid disturbing the neighbours. Loud hacking works are strictly limited to weekdays and banned on the weekends.

It also implies that for the home removal service in Singapore, you hire someone to carry out the move on weekdays. Meanwhile, moving on Sundays and Public Holidays is not allowed.

How Do I Set Up Sp Services Utilities For BTO Before Moving In?

For setting up your utilities, download the unified SP app. Register your new account with Singpass on the mobile app right after collecting your house keys. This is an essential step for transferring your utilities.

Moreover, book an official turn-on appointment so that you have your utilities running right as you move in. When you schedule a physical opening slot, someone must be present at the flat to verify gas connections.

After that, submit opening meter readings instantly to the new SP utility account for starting your new readings. Photograph your water and electric meters on day one to ensure you are only billed for your usage.

Look through alternative OEM providers to secure cheaper fixed-price electricity plans than SP. Set up convenient Giro auto-billing by linking your bank account to auto-pay monthly bills. This way, your water or electricity never gets abruptly cut off.

What Are The Official HDB Move-in Rules?

Restrict the move to weekdays so that you are not disturbing your neighbours. Heavy drilling, wall hacking, and tile cutting are strictly illegal on weekends and Public Holidays. Ensure that all the construction noises are strictly scheduled between 9 am and 5 pm.

Notify your neighbours or have the building authority inform them about the move. You can slide polite notes under your neighbours' doors to warn them about upcoming loud hacking schedules.

Also, keep corridor spaces totally clear.

Never allow the cheap movers in SG that you hired to stack heavy cement bags or discarded wood piles in common estate walkways. HDB rules state that loud wall-hacking segments must be wrapped up within 3 consecutive working days.

FAQsWhat is the cheapest long-distance moving option?

The absolute cheapest long-distance moving option is a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) move using a rental van or an on-demand logistics platform.

How much does a top moving service cost in Singapore?

The top movers charge up to SGD 1600 for moving an entire household of goods, depending on the size of the home and volume of goods.

What is the average cost of an international move?

For moving internationally out of Singapore, you might have to budget an amount from SGD 3000 to 20,000.

How to get rid of bulky items in Singapore?

Hire licensed removal services, or HDB residents can book up to three bulky item removals per month through the town council.

What should I buy first for a new BTO flat?

Focus your first-month budget entirely on a good mattress, a refrigerator, and a washing machine. Buy durable outdoor blinds or window panes early to protect your washing machine from heavy monsoon rain.

Conclusion

When moving into your build-to-order home, you get 30 days to inspect and report all the repairs and renovations you need in your new home. This month-long period between key collection and the final reporting is essential to ensure that your new home meets your requirements.

After this renovation period, you can hire a home removal service in Singapore. The actual move right after renovation can take a toll on you. So, ensure that you hire reliable moving services that make the move seamless.

Moreover, you now have a rough idea of how the key collection and renovation process for moving into a BTO goes and what exactly you need to do. Hopefully, this guide comes in handy to help you prepare for your next BTO move.

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