Interior designers, would-be home owners and MPs have welcomed the Housing Board’s move to include better finishings in new flats, saying the move raises the bar for what public housing around the world should look like.
But some of them also raised concerns about wastage and costs, as well as building quality.
New HDB flats launched since February will come with fittings more commonly found in condominiums, such as concealed floor traps in toilets and larger floor tiles, the HDB said yesterday.
Flat prices will not be affected, as the HDB said it will absorb the cost of the fittings, which are marginally more expensive.
Mr Clarence Yeo, director of interior design firm AARK Associates, said he sees the new fittings as an upgrade, and expects many of his clients – first-time home buyers, who are younger and well travelled – to appreciate them.
“If the design our clients choose suits what the HDB has provided, then this means they can channel a bit more money to another item in their dream home,” he said.
Nee Soon GRC MP Lee Bee Wah praised the condo-like additions, saying: “Through such improvements, our public housing has stayed affordable and desirable over the years. We are practically the only nation to have done this.”
But the MP, an engineer, added that she was concerned about workmanship and the durability of fittings, citing how she has had to help some residents with complaints of defects in their new flats.
She also urged the HDB to ensure that there are sufficient facilities – such as adequate corridor lighting and more all-ages playgrounds – in Build-To-Order flats.
Ang Mo Kio GRC MP Gan Thiam Poh said the changes are in line with Singaporeans’ rising expectations of what quality housing means.
“When you live in a nice, elegant place, there is a sense of pride, and it’s good if our HDB families feel that,” he added.
But Mr Gan also suggested that the HDB have buyers opt in for these finishings, so as to prevent renovation wastage.
“We cannot rule out that some owners may have their own ideas of what their flat would look like and completely tear out the finishings, which would be a waste,” he said.
Teacher Eliza Teo, 28, who plans to bid for an HDB flat with her boyfriend soon, said the fittings add “a touch of class without breaking the bank”. “It’s nice to know that your flat would be in move-in condition, and you can spend your money on furniture you can keep for the long haul or even art and other nice extras,” she said.
“Source:[Condo-like fittings in new HDB flats welcomed, but MP stresses need to ensure durability] © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Permission required for reproduction”
