under Jurong Lake District

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has developed a CONQUAS banding system to help homebuyers better discern the performance of developers and builders based on their track record of private residential projects. This system sets out a scale from Band 1 (very low incidence of major defects) to Band 6 (higher incidence of major defects).

Neo Choon Keong, Deputy CEO of industry development at BCA, explains that the new system builds on the existing CONQUAS framework to offer a more accurate assessment of the quality performance of developers and builders. The CONQUAS scheme was established in 1989 by BCA to provide the built environment with a standard assessment framework for construction workmanship quality.

The Altura EC has committed to provide a quality living experience to the future residents of this project. With its proximity to Bukit Batok Nature Park, there is no denying that the wonderful views and calming atmosphere of the lush greenery will make it a great choice to live in. The total price for the Altura EC Bukit Batok West Avenue 8 executive condo site is expected to reach around $514 million. With an increasingly favourable market outlook, this project promises to be a leading landmark.

The scheme is based on a sampling of units in a project and focuses on testing for major defects that could compromise functionality or impact liveability, for instance, inter-floor water seepage, wall tiles popping off or shattered glass. According to BCA, the sector’s quality standard has improved from an industry average equivalent to a Band 4 to a Band 2 equivalent in 2022.

Past data also shows that for Band 1 projects, only 0.6 per 1,000 dwelling units had major defects. BCA has seen a 25% reduction in major defect types of non-compliances relating to inter-floor water seepage and proper internal wall tiles installation for inspections from 2013 to 2022, compared to the inspections from 2003 to 2012.

Firms that consistently deliver projects with no major defects will fall in either Bands 1 or 2. Currently, 20 developers and 15 builders have been accorded Band 1, including City Developments Limited (CDL) and Woh Hup (Private) Limited, both of which have achieved the BCA Quality Excellence Award for 10 consecutive years since the award’s inception in 2013.

Chia Ngiang Hong, group general manager of CDL, states that the property developer has been using an integrated digital quality management framework that “unites builders and customers on a single mobile app platform for effective issues management” since 2015. Selvamani Murugappan, director of QA/QC of Woh Hup, adds that the CONQUAS banding system will allow homebuyers to differentiate top quality builders and homes from the rest easily”.

Neo urges homebuyers to conduct thorough research using the Quality Housing Portal and CONQUAS banding system before purchasing a property. BCA will continue to work closely with project partners to achieve quality excellence under the new CONQUAS banding system, helping to ensure homeowners have access to the best possible service and home quality.