KUALA LUMPUR: Buying a new home does not always mean leaving construction defects behind, with recurring waterproofing problems potentially costing homeowners thousands of ringgit after the developer's Defect Liability Period (DLP) expires.
A survey by the National House Buyers Association (HBA) and Nippon Paint Malaysia found that nearly nine in 10 homeowners whose DLP had ended reported waterproofing problems afterwards, raising concerns over the long-term quality of homes and the financial burden of rectifying defects.
Among affected homeowners, 42.4 per cent spent at least RM5,001 on waterproofing repairs, including 14.2 per cent who paid more than RM10,000.
The findings highlight how defects that emerge or recur after the DLP can leave homeowners facing repeated repair costs, disruption and uncertainty over whether the underlying problem has been properly resolved.
HBA honorary secretary-general Datuk Chang Kim Loong said the expiry of the DLP should not mean homeowners stop paying attention to the condition of their properties.
"When waterproofing problems recur or only become apparent later, homeowners can find themselves dealing with repeated repairs, disruption and high out-of-pocket costs," he said.
Chang said homeowners should identify and document defects early, ensure that repair work addresses the actual cause and seek clearer information about the waterproofing systems installed in their properties.
The survey found that 78.2 per cent of affected homeowners required at least two repair attempts or said their problems remained unresolved. Another 61.1 per cent reported recurring issues or were unsure whether the initial repair had fully addressed the problem.
The timing of the defects is also significant. Some 76.3 per cent of homeowners who experienced waterproofing problems after their DLP said the issues emerged either immediately or within the first 12 months after the period ended.
Of these, 12.3 per cent encountered problems immediately after the DLP, 37.7 per cent within six months and 26.3 per cent within a year.
The findings suggest that the end of the formal defect rectification period does not necessarily mark the end of a homeowner's exposure to construction-related problems.
Moreover, many respondents had already encountered waterproofing defects while their homes were still under the DLP. About 88.9 per cent reported waterproofing-related defects during the period, while 76.9 per cent had submitted at least one related defect report.
External walls, bathrooms, and balconies or terraces accounted for 77 per cent of the main areas affected by post-DLP waterproofing problems.
The symptoms extended beyond visible water leaks to include mould and mildew, damp walls, peeling or bubbling paint, ceiling stains and cracks.
Nippon Paint Malaysia general manager Tay Sze Tuck said waterproofing should be viewed as a long-term property protection issue rather than a problem to address only when visible damage appears.
"Once homeowners start spending thousands of ringgit on waterproofing repairs, having to repeat that process becomes more than an inconvenience. The cost can accumulate very quickly when the underlying cause has not been properly identified, and the same problem continues to return," he said.
The financial consequences can extend beyond the immediate repair. Some 74.4 per cent of affected homeowners said waterproofing problems had led to further issues, including mould or hygiene concerns, interior damage, electrical risks and structural damage.
Tay said the source of a leak was not always where the damage appeared, making accurate diagnosis essential before repair work began.
"A stain on a ceiling, peeling paint or mould on a wall may be the visible symptom, but homeowners need to understand what is happening behind it. Getting the diagnosis right is important because every unsuccessful repair can mean another round of cost, disruption and damage," he said.
The survey also exposed gaps in homeowners' knowledge of how serious defects might be and how best to address them.
Half of those affected said assessing the severity of the problem or identifying its root cause was their biggest challenge. Others struggled to determine whom to trust, whether repairs would last, which method to choose and whether the quoted costs were reasonable.
This uncertainty may be contributing to delays in addressing defects. About 80.4 per cent of affected homeowners did not act immediately after noticing signs of waterproofing trouble, instead monitoring the problem, waiting for it to worsen or taking action only when damage became visible indoors.
Access to information about the original waterproofing system was another concern. While 78.7 per cent said knowing the brand or system used in their homes was important to some degree, 66.5 per cent said they had either not been informed or could not remember which brand or system had been installed.
The findings underline the importance of inspecting new homes carefully, reporting defects within the DLP and keeping records of complaints and rectification work. Homeowners should also seek a proper assessment when problems recur rather than repeatedly paying for surface-level repairs.
For buyers, the cost of a new home may therefore extend beyond the purchase price and monthly loan repayments. Persistent defects can create an additional financial burden long after the keys have been handed over.
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