Renovating with Confidence: How Cassia Studio Works with SGDefectScan to Safeguard Your Dream Home (Pre & Post-Renovation Defect Scan)

Renovating your home is more than just picking nice tiles, choosing paint colours, or deciding on a

feature wall. For most homeowners in Singapore, it’s a big life moment—often involving large

budgets, long-term commitment, and the hope of finally building that perfect sanctuary. But with all theexcitement also comes a certain amount of risk. What if your newly collected BTO has hidden issues? What if your resale flat has structural flaws you can’t see? What if small problems today become major headaches after renovation?

At Cassia Studio, we believe the key to a successful renovation isn’t just good design—it’s about

doing things right from the start. That’s why we work closely with SG DefectScan, one of Singapore’s leading defect inspection firms, to ensure our clients begin their renovation journey with confidence, transparency, and clarity.

Why Pre-Renovation Defect Checks Are a Must

It’s easy to assume that new BTOs or fresh condo units are in pristine condition, but many

homeowners would be surprised to find out how common post-handover defects are. From hollow tiles to uneven floors, misaligned doors, poorly installed sockets, and even water leakage—such issues are not always obvious at first glance. In fact, according to media reports and homeowner experiences, many new units in Singapore contain a variety of minor (and sometimes major) defects that often go unnoticed until renovation begins—or worse, after renovation ends.

For resale flats, the situation can be even trickier. Older units, while spacious, often come with legacy issues—aging wiring, old plumbing, worn flooring, or patchy wall conditions. Unfortunately, many homeowners only discover these problems once their renovation is underway, when it’s too late or too expensive to fix without tearing things down again.

This is where Cassia Studio’s partnership with SG DefectScan makes a difference. We believe that

every renovation should begin with a clear understanding of the home’s true physical condition. By carrying out a professional defect scan before starting work, we gain critical insights into the

unit—allowing us to make better design decisions, avoid costly rework, and most importantly, protectthe homeowner’s investment.

Who is SG DefectScan and Why We Work With Them

SG DefectScan is a well-respected name in Singapore’s home inspection scene. Their team is made up of qualified professionals with deep knowledge of structural, plumbing, electrical, waterproofing, and finishing systems. Many of their inspectors are BCA CONQUAS-certified, meaning they are trained to assess properties against the same standards used in large-scale public and private developments.

They’ve been featured in news outlets like Channel NewsAsia and The Straits Times for their work in helping homeowners spot construction flaws and avoid renovation disasters. Unlike some

“fly-by-night” players in the defect-checking industry, SG DefectScan has built a reputation on

professionalism, technical knowledge, and independence. This credibility is why we trust them and continue to work with them across all our major projects.

At Cassia Studio, we don’t just do this for peace of mind. We do it because it makes our work better and gives our clients greater confidence that their homes are being renovated responsibly, ethically, and transparently.

How the Process Works at Cassia Studio

When a homeowner engages us for a renovation—whether it’s a new BTO, a resale flat, or a

condo—the first thing we do is schedule a site visit. But unlike many firms that jump straight into

measurements and design discussions, we start by calling in SG DefectScan to conduct a full unit

inspection.

This defect scan covers everything from floor flatness and tile adhesion to water seepage, electrical alignment, plumbing pressure, and more. The result is a comprehensive written report, usually delivered within 1–2 working days, accompanied by photographic evidence and professional observations. We take this report and study it carefully—not just to identify what needs fixing, but also to inform our design and renovation strategy moving forward.

For example, if the kitchen floor has an uneven screed, we can plan a new screeding layer and adjust the cabinetry heights accordingly. If power points are poorly placed or not grounded properly, we can plan the electrical layout to avoid relocation issues. If there’s moisture near the bathroom wall, we know to investigate waterproofing and recommend alternative finishes. In short, the defect report becomes our baseline document—guiding both design and project management.

Avoiding Delays, Mistakes, and Budget Surprises

One of the biggest frustrations homeowners face during renovation is when unexpected problems suddenly appear halfway through. A false ceiling has to be redone because the light points are misaligned. Floor tiling needs hacking because the base layer is too soft. Cabinets can’t be mounted because the wall plaster is too hollow. These are all real issues we’ve encountered over the years—not in our own work, but in rectification jobs from other contractors.

By identifying all these things upfront with a proper defect scan, Cassia Studio is able to avoid delays, prevent abortive work, and give clients a much clearer picture of what to expect. It also helps with budgeting. When you know in advance that electrical rewiring or floor leveling is needed, you can plan for it properly and decide whether to go ahead, defer, or adjust your reno plans accordingly. No nasty surprises.

Better Communication with our team and suppliers

Another benefit of working with SG DefectScan is that their reports help us communicate better with our team, suppliers, and in some cases, even the property developer or MCST. Because the reports are technical and independent, we can use them as a shared reference point when planning the work, rectifying pre-existing issues, or negotiating timelines and responsibilities. It removes ambiguity and finger-pointing.

We’ve also found that having this system in place encourages higher accountability and professionalism across the board. When everyone knows that a unit has been professionally assessed, they’re more likely to work carefully, ask questions early, and respect the process.

Post-Renovation Inspections—Closing the Loop

Our commitment to quality doesn’t stop when the last piece of furniture is installed. After every renovation project, Cassia Studio conducts a mandatory post-renovation defect scan, carried out by SG DefectScan. This thorough inspection ensures that all work is completed according to specifications, meets functional standards, and adheres to safety requirements.

This includes checking the alignment and finish of built-ins, verifying electrical and plumbing

connections, testing water pressure and drainage, and ensuring the overall workmanship holds up to scrutiny. It’s not just about finding faults—it’s about giving homeowners assurance that what they paid for is what they received.

If there are issues found—and occasionally there are—we resolve them before handing over the final project. We believe in accountability and transparency. That’s how you build trust, and that’s how we’ve built our reputation.

Real-Life Experience: Helping Homeowners Start Right

One recent case involved a young couple who had just gotten the keys to their 4-room BTO in

Hougang. They were excited, had their Pinterest boards ready, and wanted a Japandi-inspired theme for their home.

But after SG DefectScan inspected their unit, we found several hidden issues: a hairline crack along a beam, water seepage marks near a bathroom wall, and uneven floor gradient in

the service yard.

Instead of rushing into renovation, we revised our plans. The couple agreed to do the necessary

patching and waterproofing first. We then adjusted the cabinet heights, flooring transitions, and

carpentry tolerances to account for the real site conditions. The result? A renovation that finished on time, within budget, and with no major rectifications needed. That’s the power of planning well—and starting with the right information.

In Summary: Start Strong, Finish Better

At Cassia Studio, we don’t just build pretty homes. We build smart, durable, well-planned spaces that respect the homeowner’s time, money, and peace of mind. By working with SG DefectScan, we’re able to ground our renovations in real data, technical insights, and professional standards.

It’s not about over-promising or gimmicks. It’s about doing things properly—from Day One. And that’s what we promise every client who walks through our door.

Ready to Renovate Without the Guesswork?

Let Cassia Studio guide you—confidently, carefully, and responsibly.

Book a consultation with us today, and let’s talk about how we can turn your flat into a home you’ll be proud of. With SG DefectScan by our side, we promise: no shortcuts, no surprises, just smart

renovations done right.