Dear Developer of Beacon Heights Condominium at 8 Mar Thoma Road S328689 We, the residents (particularly those in the 2+1 & 3 bedrooms units) are greatly grieved by the defects found in our units. The most common and troubling of the defects detected is that of the door leading from the kitchen to the yard. The design of door is functionally wrong as the locking handle mechanism is on the outside (yard area) and not inside the kitchen. Let me explain why this locking mechanism on the outside is wrong and why we need to have a new kitchen/yard door that actually functions well. To view the video, please click on the below link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8XUDElYSU4 Reasons why we need a complete replacement of the kitchen door: 1. Locking from the outside (only applicable to those in 3 bedroom units) To lock the door, one has to physically extend his/her hand out through the kitchen window. This is a flawed design with no thought of the user in mind. This is possible for the 3 bedroom units but those in the 2+1 bedroom units will not be able to do so as there is no window in the kitchen hence no access to the door handle. 2. Locking is necessary Locking this kitchen door from inside the unit is necessary because it keeps out “unwanted visitors” into our units. We all want to live in a safe and secure environment and therefore having the option to lock the door is not an option, but a necessity. Having the lock on the outside is as good as dangling a key or leaving your main door wide open for “unwanted visitors” into your home. In addition, having the door locked will prevent gusty winds from slamming it. There is no magnetic catch on the door frame so the kitchen door will automatically open (even if it is closed) when there is air movement in other parts of the unit. Owners have experienced this when they open/close their main door which will cause air movement within the unit. This problem will be more prevalent when there are stronger winds, which would be common for those who live from mid to high floors, especially so in the monsoon seasons. 3. Changing of locking mechanism to the kitchen will not solve the problem The main contractor has suggested changing the locking mechanism to the kitchen. However, due to the way the door folds (door panels fold inwards), the handle will prevent the door panels from folding fully. Therefore, changing the locking mechanism to the kitchen will not solve the problem. Having highlighted the above issues, we hope you will understand and empathise with us on why these are compelling reasons to request for a new kitchen/yard door that not only serves its primary function, but assures our safety and security. Given the fact that most residents have been waiting to move in since March 2012, time is of the essence. We understand that about 162 units are affected by this. To avoid any delay in moving in, we would like for you to allow the residents to employ their own contractors to change the door and thereafter, bill the installation cost and the cost of the new door to you. I would also like to bring to your attention to other defects brought up by residents who have left comments under their signatures. Please do look into those items as well. This petition will be emailed to the developer and the management office by 12 Jun 2012. Please add your signature below if you face the same problem and want a new kitchen/ yard door .

EMAIL REPLY FROM MANAGEMENT OFFICE & DEVELOPER ON 21 JUN 2012 9:45am

"An update from the developer, in regards to all owners who have petitioned for the change in yard door that the main contractor will inter-change the door lockset and handle for the yard bi-fold door such that it faces kitchen to those owners who request for the change in the orientation of the door handle.

These are the latest update we received.
 
Thank you & rgds

M. Hashim L."

So ultimately, they are not willing to change the door. Do inform the main contractor if you wish to get the orientation of the lock changed.                  

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