When the warranty ends but the leaks begin

Damp patches on walls or ceilings might seem minor at first glance, but for many Malaysian homeowners, they can signal the start of expensive and persistent waterproofing issues. A recent survey commissioned by the Home Buyers Association and Nippon Paint Malaysia reveals that nearly all respondents whose warranty period had expired faced waterproofing problems afterward.

Over a third spent over RM5,000 on repairs, while 14% invested more than RM10,000. Surprisingly, more than three-quarters of these homeowners required multiple repair attempts or were dissatisfied with the initial fix. One-quarter of affected homeowners reported recurring issues or uncertainty about the effectiveness of the repairs.

Most of the affected areas were external walls, bathrooms, balconies, and terraces, with mold, damp walls, peeling paint, ceiling stains, and cracks as common warning signs. These problems often spread beyond the initial leak, causing interior damage, mold, electrical risks, and structural issues. Approximately three-quarters of affected homeowners reported that these failures led to additional concerns.

Identifying the actual entry point of water is crucial, as the area where water appears is not always the site of entry. Half of the affected homeowners struggled to assess the severity of the problem, pinpoint the root cause, choose the appropriate repair method, or determine if the quoted price was reasonable.

Waiting for the problem to worsen was the norm, with 80.4% of homeowners not acting immediately upon noticing the issue. They often monitored the situation, waited for it to worsen, or only addressed it when visible damage appeared inside the home. HBA honorary secretary-general Chang Kim Loong emphasized that homeowners should document defects early and ensure repairs address the root cause, not just the visible damage.

A leak is rarely just about the visible stain. Early detection, maintaining records during the warranty period, and understanding the source of water intrusion may help prevent a minor defect from escalating into a much more costly problem.