If this is going to be your first time hiring a domestic helper in Singapore too, I hope this article will be helpful to you.

1. Part Time Maid or Full Time Maid

Hiring a maid has never cross my mind as I prefer more privacy. However, as my husband’s business expand and having to juggle between our business, kids and housework. The options of getting a domestic helper is eventually open as we are also planning for our next pregnancy. However, I am still pounding whether to get a part time maid or full time maid.

So here are the pros and cons of hiring a maid, be it full time or part time. You can evaluate the below factors based on your family needs.

PART TIME MAID

Pros:
 It is less Expensive.
You will get to enjoy more privacy.
 There is no need to provide accommodation for them.
 There will be less dispute with the them since they go off after cleaning is done.
Worry free about their personal welfare.

Cons:
They help out only at the allocated time scheduled.
They only do the housework for you.

FULL TIME MAID

Pros:
You have them around most of the time to help you.
Elderly and Kids can be taken care of.
 Your house is cleaner most of the time.
 More time for you to rest.
 Free up your time to focus on things you wan to.

Cons:
 More Expensive
You need to bear their personal care and other miscellaneous expenses.
 Less privacy with them around.
You need to provide a room for her to stay.
You need to supervise, set requirement and expectation for them to follow.
You have to be mindful of the maid overall welfare avoid any disputes.
Your family might reliance on the maid eventually and taking things for granted.
They might have their own personal problem which might affect work performance or even hurt your family members.
You need to be extra careful where you leave your valuable at home.
 You get to worry about a lot of things somehow after hiring a full time domestic helper.

2. Who Can Hire Foreign Domestic Helper in Singapore?

You can hire a foreign domestic helper if you are one of the following:

• A Singapore citizen
• A Singapore permanent resident
• An employment pass holder
• A dependent pass holder

3. Her Appearance, Height, Weight, Country etc.

Let’s face it, we normally discuss these factors only with our closer friends and family members. These are the “stereotypes but subjective” factors we usually look into prior interviewing them since you have to screen through their resume first before shortlist a few of them.
These are seldom discuss openly online since it’s stereotypes and subjective. But here’s what I would like to share with you (Some are advise from closer friends while some are advice from forum.). Please treat this as a pinch of salt in making your own decision. In any way, sometimes it’s based on luck as well.

Appearance:

Is she good looking? Is she wearing any make up or did she dye her hair? Some mothers I know will avoid short listing the above criteria. Their viewpoint is if she is financially tight, she wouldn’t have had the money to buy make up or dye her hair, which means she might not be motivated to work in Singapore. Some of them are afraid to hire pretty one to avoid affairs or jealousy from happening (In case). What’s your point?

Height:

Is she taller than you? This advice came from a friend of mine. She said while most maids are 150-160cm, you wouldn’t want them to be taller than you. Her take was if you want to have the authority to have the power to give orders, enforce obedience when giving them instruction, you want them to look “up” on you. A side note from me: If they are too short, they might have difficulties putting the plates on the upper dish rack after washing the dishes and you have to do it yourself instead (Encounter by a friend). What’s your point?

Weight:

Is she oversize? You can estimate her real size by checking her height and weight. You can’t tell much by the photo since they don’t provide side view picture. Most people wouldn’t want to hire obesity as they are lethargic and slow at doing things. Some mothers worried that they might be a big eater too. What’s your point?

Country:

Indonesian, Filipino and Myanmar maids are the most popular choices among Singaporeans.

Filipino:

One of the main reasons why they are popular is Filipino maids are more fluent in English, which means she will understand your instructions clearly and carry the task assigned properly. However, some mummies are drawn back by the ideal because they are quite good arguing their way through to get things away. Also, they like to stick to their HP like Wechat and Facebook (they have larger support/community here) and usually they costs more too.

Indonesian:

Muslims in Singapore usually prefer to hire Indonesian maids because of the same religion they share. Some Chinese who can speaks Behasa prefer to hire them too since they can communicate with them and if you are lucky, some might speak simple mother tongue. Singaporeans find them more easy going and they cost lesser too. However, you need to be very patient in teaching and guiding new maids from Indonesian as their familiarity of our living standard differs from them greatly. One thing to note is they might have more worries back home.

Myanmar:

The cheapest among these 3 countries. Myanmar people usually has a very friendly and peaceful character. They are very diligent workers and has a strong desire to have a better life for themselves when they come to Singapore as not many have the chance to work in Singapore. However, they speak little or no English and are usually quite young.

4. Fresh New Maid or Transfer Maid

Fresh New Foreign Domestic Helper:
The good thing about hiring new maids is that you can train her with your style of cleaning and cooking etc. There will be lesser arguments and they will adapt to your requirements and expectation easily as they have little or no comparison between you and her previous employers (already have her style of doing things).
However, you will need a lot of patients to teach them since they are still adapting the lifestyle standard in Singapore. If you are expecting your first child, it is wiser to hire them earlier so they can get familiar with the housework stuff before handling a baby.

Transfer foreign domestic helper:
The good thing about transfer maid is that they are more experienced maid with lesser guidance. However you might be thinking what’s the reason for the transfer? Most friends advice me to avoid transfer maid introduce by maid agency as you wouldn’t know the real “truth” of the transfer. Most of them are problematic maid too.
However, it is safer to accept a transfer maid with your friends’ recommendation (their previous employer) instead. Their previous employer which is also your friend will then give a truthful opinion.

5. How Long Does it Take to Hire?

Fresh new foreign domestic helper (never work in Singapore): 4 to 6 weeks from date of approval
Transfer foreign domestic helper (already in Singapore and seeking a new employer): 1 week from date of approval.

6. How To Hire a Foreign Domestic Helper in Singapore? 

Find out more here Source: www.ecitizen.gov.sg/Topics/Pages/Foreign-domestic-helpers-How-to-hire.aspx

7. How Much does a Domestic Helper in Singapore Costs?

Part time domestic helper usually cost between $10-20 per hour depending on the job you assigned to them.
The cost of hiring a full time domestic helper in Singapore will be as follows:

Upfront Costs During The Hiring Process

1. Employer’s Orientation Program (EOP): $28 to $30 for Classroom EOP and $40 if you are taking online EOP (Find out more here)
2. Settling-in Programme: $75 (if the domestic helper is coming to Singapore to work for the first time)
3. Monthly Levy: $265 (normal rate), $60 concession  (Find out more here)
4. Medical Examination: $50-$75 depending on clinic (Done within 14 days of arrival in Singapore)
5. Work Permit Application and Issued: $60 (Application is $30 and another $30 once pass is issued.
6. Security Bond: $5000 in the form of guarantee (Find out more here) Usually purchase together with no 7.
7. Medical & Personal Accident Insurance: $350-$480 every 2 years. (Medical: $15,000 coverage & Personal Accident $40,000 coverage.)
8. Agency Fee: $200- $2000 depending on maid agency and whether you are getting new maid or transfer maid. This can be avoided is you decide to do the paperwork yourself or minimize if you do direct hire yourself.
9. Miscellaneous costs: $20-$600 if you are hiring transfer maid etc.

Hence, the estimated upfront cost is about $5000-7000

Ongoing Costs after hiring

1. Salary: $500 to $800 per month. Depending on their experience, language spoken and which country they are from. 
2. Monthly Levy: $120 to $265 per month. Read here to find out if you are qualify for the concession scheme.
3. Medical Checkup: $30-$60 per visit every 6 months (Recommended)
4. Medical & Personal Accident Insurance:  $350-$480 every 2 years. See above upfront costs no. 7.
5. Air Ticket Home: $200- $600. Depending on destination, flight choice and peak/non peak month.
6. Passport Renewal: $100 to $400. Depending on their nationality or if you renew directly with the embassy or through the agency.
7. Home Leave Paperwork: $250 – $ 400 per trip
8. Miscellaneous: $400-$500 per month. Personal care, meals, electricity bills.

Thus, the estimated ongoing cost is about $1300 per month

8. Maid Interview Questions 

Here’s a couple of interview questions to assist you in choosing your ideal maid.

Things you want to find out from them after screening through their resume:

Find out how motivated she wants to work in Singapore

 How many family members do you have under one roof?
 Is your family members working?
– If not working, are they healthy to work, otherwise why are they not working?
– If they are working, what are they working as to find out roughly how much they are earning.
 If she is single, did she have a boyfriend. If yes, what’s their plan to settled down. (Be prepared that she might go back home for marriage)
 Do you need to remit money back every month?
 What is your biggest concern if she comes to work in Singapore.
 Who is going to take care of your kids after coming to Singapore? (To check if her children are well taken care of)

Basically you want to find out if she have any family financial commitments which results her to come to work in Singapore. If she needs money badly, she is more willingly and motivated to work in Singapore.

To find out the skills & experiences she has.

For New Maid
 Do you need to do housework or share the housework with your other family members?
 Do you have children? How old are they? (To understand her experience in taking of different age children.)
 If no, is she willing to learn how to take care of baby and toddlers?
 What will you do if a baby is crying non-stop and no one is around?
 Do you have elderly that you need to take care of? Who is looking after them?
 If she has no experience in taking care of elderly. Is she willing to learn how to take care of them?
 What will you do if the elderly doesn’t want to eat the medicine and is throwing tantrums at you?

For Experienced Maid
 How many years did you work under your previous employer. Why? You want to make sure her answer is the same as her resume.)
 What is your main duties with your previous employer? Other than that, what did she do at their house?
 How many family members are there in your previous employer’s house? Who are they?
 How big was their house? what time you need to wake up?
 Do you cook independently or with the help of your employer?
 What can you cook? Which is your best recipes? Did you learn any new recipes from your previous employer?
 Did you get off day? If yes, what did you do during off day? If no, what do you hope you will be doing.

Getting to know her, her wants and needs.

 What is your strength as a domestic helper?
 Do you have any hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time?
 What will you do if you are unhappy with us?
 What will you do if you have too many things to handle?
 Do you have any friends in Singapore? (To gauge the support/community she has)
 Do you know how to use mobile phone or social media like Facebook or Wechat? (To gauge the support/community she has)
 What’s your usual sleep hours like?
 Do you have any medical conditions? Do you take any medications? (You are responsible for her medical expenses)
 Inform her the no. of times and minutes XXX she gets to call her family members per month. (To avoid any conflicts)

Additional questions for experienced maid or transfer maid:-

 Why did you leave your previous/current employer?
 Do you have any arguments with your employer? How do you solve it?
 How many times do you get to contact your family members through phone? Is it sufficient?
 When do you think is appropriate and in-appropriate time to use the phone?

Her Main Job, Duty and Your Expectation, Requirements After Hiring Her.

It is good to let the maid know what she will be expecting before you hire her. Hence, you want to inform her whatever you think she should know.
 How many family members you have in the house.
 Her task assigned.
 Is she comfortable with the task assigned. (Ask her to give you the rating from 1 out of 10.)
 I need you to wake up at XXX to prepare breakfast for everyone and get the kids ready. Are you okay with it?
 I have X children age X and X and I’m expecting a second baby soon, can you handle?
 Washing of lingerie is to be done at shower area and not at the basin (Don’t expect their standard of hygiene is the same as us, so it’s better to inform her first)

Share this articles to your friends or mummies who are planning to hire a maid soon. I am sure they will thank you for this.

The post Hiring Domestic Helper in Singapore. 8 THINGS You Should Know appeared first on Bride to Mum.

Beside downloading the HDB defect checklist, here’s what I think you should know and prepare before entering the house to do your defect check.

1. PICK AUSPICIOUS DATE TO OPEN DOOR

After receiving the updates from HDB on the key collection date, find out and pick an auspicious date to open the door. For us, it happens that we can do it on the same day upon collecting the house key. Check with your parents what to bring along for the open door ceremony.

2. HDB DEFECTS CHECKLIST FEEDBACK FORM 

A set of HDB defect checklist feedback form(Provided by HDB whn you collect the keys) will be given to you upon collecting your key.

This is how the form looks like.

As you can see, there’s only 5 lines for writing and reporting the defects, which means you will likely need extra copies to write the defects, so get more copies from them, otherwise you can download it here.

You are required to report the defects in your flat to the building service center managing your flat within 7 days upon receipt of the keys or before any renovation works starts.

3. DOWNLOAD HDB DEFECT CHECKLIST

As a first time house owner, we might miss out a thing or two during the defect check. To be safe, I’ve found the defect checklist online which I find it quite comprehensive but I’ve made some changes to it. Make sure you check everything, else once the renovation starts, it will be hard to get HDB to do any rectification.

Here’s the HDB defect checklist (3 pages) which you can download HERE for FREE.

4. THINGS YOU NEED FOR YOUR HOUSE DEFECT CHECK

Tapping rod or pole
This is the tile hollow checker which you can get from most hardware stores. Don’t ever use coin, that is tedious and backache process. We are lucky that we don’t have many hollow tiles.

Markers & masking tapes & duct tape
I  use marker to write the defects descriptions on the masking tapes. Remember to write the numbering down so it will be easier for anyone to refer back to the defect feedback forms. At the end of the check, I use colour duct tape to box out the defect so it will be easier to spot it rather than the camouflage masking tape pasted on the white flooring or walls.

Stools x 2
You can rest on the stools when you get tired since the house is dusty and you don’t want to rest on the floor. You can get the stools from Ikea, only $5.90/each.

 Old Newspaper or Magazine
You need a clean surface to put your belonging like bags, mineral water and any other barang barang as the floor is dirty.
You can discard after each use and take a new pieces every time you come.

Mineral Water & Snacks
When you are thirsty and hungry… especially if your nearby has no shops which you can easily buy food from.

Pail
You need to pour the water in the washroom’ floor to check if the water will flow to the intended outlet.

Torchlight
For checking dark corners of the house. Sometime, you will check until sunset and this will come into good use.

Curtain rod and cloth (Optional)
If your house does not comes with the toilet door, you will need a temporary door solution since you will need to use the toilet. What I did was smart I thought, I took a curtain rod and old curtain cloth and use them as a temporary door.  If you don’t have old curtain cloth, you can get a big cloth and some safety pin instead. The curtain rod can be purchase cheaply from Daiso.

Toilet rolls and tissue box
To wipe your hands or any stains.

Soap & Towel
Your hands get dirty so yah…

Camera (Optional)
Remember to take picture after you labels all the defects. This is to check the before and after the rectification are made. You can use your mobile phone camera though, but use a higher resolution camera if your mobile phone’s camera isn’t.

Measuring Tape
In case you need to measure anything.

Paper and Pencils
In case you need to write any notes.

Fiber Broom  and Dustpan
To sweep the floor. Get those with hard bristles one. You can get it from Daiso.

5. TIPS & ADVICE

Here’s some tips & advice I hope you peeps should know after I had done my HDB defect check, so no one will ever repeat the same mistakes as we do.

BATHROOMS

Tips 1. Check the Bathrooms first when sufficient lights are still presence
We start from the bathrooms first since there is still sufficient lights coming in the noon time. I mean the bathrooms are usually the darker areas and you don’t want to end up checking during late noon or evening.

Tips 2. Always check items that are wrapped in plastic sheets
Yes, I know they are new. But always remove the plastic sheets and check for defects too. We found out that both the toilet seat covers are heavily scratched even they are wrapped!
Totally unacceptable.

Tips 3. Make sure your shower head lever can be adjusted
We never thought of checking on this one since it’s also not written in the defect checklist, so we only realized the defect only after we moved in for 1-2 weeks. =(

So make sure you check!

BEDROOMS

Tips 4. Be more forgiving to the parquet flooring
This is very individual preferences. I’m not sure about you but I don’t really fancy parquet flooring as it is hard to maintain. So I’m not surprise to see some scratches or dents here and there. Moreover, my partner and I wasn’t really very particular about these as we anticipate more scratches after the renovations works especially with kids around, so we only report those serious defects.
Besides, we have seen many couples complaining that their flooring only get worse after the replacement is done so we are withdraw to the idea of having the parquet flooring replace.

Tips 5. Check the windows carefully
Safety comes first, make sure the glass panels are installed properly. Besides that, always make sure the window lever can be open smoothly as we found out a couples of the window lever is quite stiff to use.

To add, we found a flawed in one of the window panel, there’s a wavy bubble inside and we ask for the replacement as we are unsure if it will break next time.

We have nice views in all 3 bedrooms!
Hoohoo~~~

STOREROOM

Tips 6. Can the door handle be locked and any rust?
The storeroom door handle can be locked by turning it up ways. We only found this flaw after one of our neighbor shows us, so make sure yours can be locked.

As there is always a foul smells coming out from the storeroom even after staying for years, we always forbid her to open the storeroom as she always try opening it.

Tips 7. Balcony drainage installed properly?
We have a balcony and we found that the drainage panel is laying on the floor instead of the installing it on the wall.
This is how it should look like after we installed it back our self.

KITCHEN

Tips 8. Report if you are unsure
Well, we are not professional and so we marks those BIG “X” on the wall tiles which we thought it might be hollow. Better to be safe than sorry…
Funny thing is we end up hacking both the walls and custom build shoe cabinet and kitchen cabinet back to back. 

LIVING ROOM

Tips 9. Get a tapping rod to check the floor tiles
We did a mistake of using a very short rod and coin to check which is very tedious works, so please get a tapping rod to check the floor tiles! We end up having to take turns massaging one another.

Luckily, we found only a few chipped floor tiles. Box up with coloured tapes and not white masking tapes!! It’s hard to find.

Tips 10. Bring all the tools, water and snacks
Make sure you packed your HDB defect barang barang like you are packing your survival kit bag.

You will find that what you have packed will be gems and comes to good use especially if you are living in isolated places with no other shops nearby.

So are you ready to check your house with the HDF defect checklist?
If you have friends or neighbours who are getting their keys soon, share this articles with them.
They will be glad and thank you for that.

Download your HDB defect checklist HERE if you have not done so.

The post HDB DEFECT CHECKLIST: BTO SINGAPORE appeared first on Bride to Mum.

I vividly remember when we first applied our first HDB BTO flat. He just asked me out of the blue and so we went to check out the latest BTO HDB sales flat at the HDB sales website and then we just click and submit the application.

Very typical Singaporean couple style… apply for flat first, then get marry. Ahhh… He did not even propose to me yet! =(

Anyway here’s what I think you should know to get you well prepared for during the key collection day.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING

When you come to collect the keys to your flat, you must bring the original copy of these documents, of all persons listed in the application:

1. Identity cards of ALL persons (including occupiers) listed in the application.
2. Marriage certificate (ORIGINAL) if you are buying a flat under the Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme and applied for the Additional CPF Housing Grant (AHG)
   (For our case, we provide our wedding banquet hotel confirmation letter and invoice as our wedding is 1 month after the key collection date. You can check with your customer service manger who is serving you (indicate on the letter)
3. Original birth certificate of your children, if they are below 15 years old Or if you are buying the flat under Third child priority scheme.
4. Certificate of Fire Insurance (To be purchase at ETIQA counter on the same day at HDB Hub)
5. Latest CPF statement/Payslips/Company letter.
6. Power of Attorney if you are unable to attend the appointment personally (if you are overseas, the attorney representing you must bring one certified true copy by the solicitors and two photocopies).
   You can download the authorisation form here from HDB website.
7. Completed GIRO form if you are paying monthly loan installment partially or fully by cash
8. NETS card. You are required to pay for some miscellaneous charges with NETs

HDB KEY COLLECTION VENUE

Address: HDB Hub, 480 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh, Singapore 310480
Main line: 6490-1111 (weekdays: 8:30am to 5:00pm)
Website: www.hdb.gov.sg/cs/infoweb/contact-us
Carpark: You can park at the HDB Hub. Alternatively, you can park at the public carpark at Blk 86 Toa Payoh Central (3 min walking distance)
Google Map: goo.gl/maps/9eC8uPoaYe22

Arrive 30 minutes before the appointment time. You never know how’s the traffic like and you don’t want to end up waiting all over again if you miss your queue no. Moreover, you need to purchase your fire insurance at ETIQA counter prior to taking your key collection queue ticket.

HDB KEY COLLECTION PROCESS

Please note that you are required to collect the keys to the flat within 1 month from the date of the notice letter received. Otherwise, you can visit HDB website > Go to My HDB page > Login with your Singpass to change the appointment dates.

Step 1: Purchase Fire Insurance from ETIQA, counter 1 at Atrium HDB Hub (Level 1)

If you are taking loan from HDB for the purchase of your flat, you are REQUIRED to buy a fire insurance policy from ETIQA Insurance (It should cost you less than $6.60). Thereafter, they will issue you a certificate of insurance. You are required to obtain this certificate on the SAME day of your scheduled appointment, BEFORE you register your attendance at the Reception counter or self help machine at Level 1, HDB Hub Atrium.

Step 2: Register your Attendance at Reception counter or Self-Help machine at Atrium HDB Hub ( Level 8)

Step 3: Sign Lease Agreement (Level 8)

Wait for your number to be called. The HDB officer will go through the paperwork process and get you to sign all of them.

You should have already decide and discuss with your spouse about the housing loan period if you decide to loan with HDB. Read more here about HDB housing loan. Please note that the maximum repayment period for HDB housing loan is capped at 25 years, or up till the buyer is 65 years old, whichever is shorter.

Thereafter, you will be given a tax invoice to pay the conservancy charge at level 3 before going back again to collect the keys and documents.

Step 4: Pay the Conservancy Charges (Level 3)

Conservancy charges are the monthly service & conservancy charges (S&CC) which is required to be paid every month. They goes towards the maintenance and upkeep of the common property at your estate like maintenance of lifts, lighting, cleaning etc. within the Pasir Ris – Punggol Town council.

After making the conservancy charges at the counter, bring the receipt to level 8 again.
We paid $68.50 using Nets card.

Remember to apply for Giro payment if you wish to do so for future payment to avoid for penalty charges.

Step 4: Collect Your Keys (Level 8)

Here’s where the excitement comes!
The HDB service officer will officially hand you the sets of keys and documents in a A4 black folio.

Congrats to you! Take a picture and keep for memory sake!
I forgot about this one.

Step 5: Open Utility Account at SP Services (Level 2)

Finally, activate your electricity and water! It will be activated immediately after you open an account.

Gas will not be activated. You will have to make an appointment with them to get SP service personnel to activate for you after your kitchen stove is up after the renovation.

Keep all your documents and receipt properly.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKES?

It takes 30-45 minutes depending on the traffic and the appointment time.

Suggested to Read: Here’s the HDB Defect Checklist: Bto Singapore you will need. (Download it for FREE)

So we got really excited and head straight to our new house. I’ve photoshop my unit no away. =)

Here’s the preview of our door opening ceremony on the same day after collecting the key.

No rolling of pineapple.
My mother in law only provide us with a pack of rock sugar and a red candle. We are suppose to leave it there after lighted up the candle.

Some preview of our house. Super big living room and we are blessed, bigger than what we had imagined.

And a nice view too!!!

The kitchen and service yard.

Our master bedroom has a nice view too…

The toilet in our room.

Hope this guide will be of help to you so you know what to expect and prepare for.

Congratulations and a toast to you for finally become the owner of the house.

If you like this post, please click like at the bottom of this page or share it to your neighbors who are receiving their keys soon.

Appreciate it.

Suggested to Read: Here’s the HDB Defect Checklist: Bto Singapore you will need.
(Download it for NOW)

The post HDB Key collection process: BTO Singapore appeared first on Bride to Mum.