Recent feedback from flat owners regarding the bad condition of their new Build-to-Order flats has got me worried ("Punggol 'Waterway' flats get wetter than expected"; Thursday, and "MPs to raise issue of HDB flat defects"; last Saturday).

In a few months' time, my new flat will be ready, and I am very worried that I will face the same problems as these people.

Would the Housing and Development Board (HDB) consider allowing a flat owner to check the unit before he makes payment and collects the keys?

The concept is the same as when one goes shopping: Choosing the product, followed by making payment.

Given that an HDB flat can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, it is all the more important to ensure that defects that could cost an owner more money and inconvenience to fix are kept to a minimum.

Alternatively, perhaps the HDB could inspect flats more thoroughly first and rectify any problems before handing them over to the buyers.

Lim Seok Mui (Miss)