What is a Building Defect?
A building defect refers to any kind of flaw, fault, or discrepancy in a structure that presents a risk to safety or otherwise diminishes the quality of the structure. It can range from minor cracks or gaps in walls or floors to major structural issues such as faults in roofs and foundations. Even seemingly insignificant defects can worsen over time if left unaddressed, leading to greater property damage and potential danger.
Building defects can be categorised into major and minor defects, depending on their severity and impact on the structural integrity and functionality of the building.
What are Major Building Defects?
Major building defects refer to issues that pose a significant risk to the safety, stability, or habitability of the building. They can arise from a number of factors, such as defective design, substandard workmanship or materials, or failure to comply with the standards set out in the National Construction Codes (NCC). These defects can include structural failures, such as cracks in the foundation or walls, unstable roofs, or problems with the building’s electrical or plumbing systems. Major defects require immediate attention and often require extensive repairs or even rebuilding to ensure the building’s safety and compliance with building codes and regulations.
When it comes to detecting major defects, a qualified and experienced building inspector should be hired to assess the structure for any problems. During their inspection, they will look out for potentially hazardous conditions caused by poor workmanship, inadequate materials, or inadequate support. They will also check for possible water ingress, as this can cause serious damage over time if left untreated. After inspection, any identified defect must be treated promptly to ensure that the building is safe to occupy, meets quality standards and that no further damage is caused by ongoing water ingress or structural weakness.
What are Minor Building Defects?
Minor defects are issues that do not pose a significant risk to the building’s overall structure or functionality but may still affect its aesthetics, performance, or comfort. These defects can include cosmetic issues such as uneven finishes, peeling paint, loose tiles, uneven floors, or minor leaks. While minor defects may not require immediate attention, they should still be addressed to prevent further deterioration and maintain the building’s value. If discovered early enough, many of these minor defects can be easily fixed with appropriate repair methods.
It is important for an inspector to identify minor defects during the inspection process, as these can worsen over time if left untreated. Even though a minor defect may not pose an immediate safety risk or require expensive repairs, identifying it early on allows the necessary steps to be taken to maintain the building’s condition and ensure no significant problems arise in the future. With proper maintenance planning based on identified defects, substantial damages can often be avoided for many years ahead.
What is a Building Defects Inspection?
A building defects inspection is a comprehensive evaluation of newly built residential properties conducted by qualified building inspectors. It is an important step in assessing the condition of a property before project handover or occupancy. The primary objective of the inspection is to ensure the safety, functionality, and integrity of the building.
During a building inspection, a range of structural and non-structural elements are assessed in detail to identify any existing or potential defects. This includes checking for cracks in walls, floors or ceilings; abnormally high moisture levels in ceilings and cavities; ventilation issues; condensation on walls, windows and other surfaces; water ingress through areas around door-frames and window frames; movement of external walls due to subsidence or poor construction methods; site drainage systems that may not be compliant with building standrads, etc.
Moreover, a detailed Building Defects Report can include customised recommendations for repairs of the identified defects. This makes pre-emptively addressing issues easier and quicker, allowing for swift resolution of any concerns or worries you may have about the condition of your building. Additionally, the report can provide photographic evidence to accompany its findings, making sure that you’re confidently aware of any potential defects or safety risks present in a building’s construction.
Why Conducting Building Defects Inspection is Important?
The importance of conducting defects inspection of newly built houses before handover cannot be overstated. As discussed before, building defects can range from minor issues, such as paint chipping, to major structural problems that compromise the safety and integrity of the house. By inspecting for defects before the handover, homeowners can identify and rectify any issues with the construction or finishing of the house, ensuring that they receive a property that meets their expectations and is free from any major flaws.
Here are the main reasons why defects inspection of newly built houses is important:
- Defects inspection of newly built houses is important to ensure that the house meets the required quality standards and is safe for occupancy.
- Conducting defects inspection allows for the identification and rectification of any construction defects or issues before the homeowner takes possession of the property.
- It helps in detecting any structural issues, such as cracks in the foundation, unstable walls, gaps between walls, or faulty roofing, which can pose significant risks to the occupants. For example, improperly installed flooring beams can lead to unsatisfactory performance of floors such as excessive bounciness. By conducting an inspection, homeowners can identify these potential hazards and have them rectified by the builder before moving in. This not only ensures the safety of the occupants but also prevents any accidents or injuries that may occur due to these defects.
- Identifying and addressing defects early on can prevent costly repairs or renovations in the future. Identifying and rectifying building defects can be a costly and time-consuming process. If these defects are not addressed before the handover, homeowners may end up having to bear the expenses of repairs or renovations themselves. By conducting an independent building inspection, homeowners can ensure that any defects are identified and addressed by the builder before they take possession of the property.
- It provides an opportunity to check the quality of materials used in the construction, such as flooring, paints, fixtures, etc., ensuring they meet the expected standards.
- By conducting defects inspection, homeowners can hold the builders or contractors accountable for any deviations from the agreed-upon specifications or standards.
- Inspecting for defects also allows homeowners to better understand the condition of their new property and make informed decisions about necessary repairs or additional improvements.
Here are a few examples to illustrate the importance of defect inspection:
- If a newly built house has a defective waterproofing system, it can lead to water seepage, mould growth, and damage to the structure over time.
- If the foundation has cracks or significant honeycombing, it can compromise the structural integrity of the house.
- Inadequate site drainage during the construction can lead to differential movements of the footings and possible cracks throughout the house after handover.
- If the windows or doors are not fitted properly, it can result in energy wastage, noise infiltration, and decreased security.
Buying a home is a significant investment, and homeowners deserve to receive a well-built and safe property that meets their expectations and provides a comfortable living environment. By inspecting for defects, homeowners can identify any issues with the construction or finishing of the house and ensure that they are rectified before taking possession. This not only ensures that they receive a quality product but also protects their investment in the long run.
What is the difference between Building Defects Report and Forensic Structural Investigation Report?
It is crucial to understand that a building defect report serves a different purpose than a comprehensive forensic investigation report. While a building defect inspection aims to identify and document all defects present in a property, a forensic investigation focuses on determining the underlying causes of specific damages to a building. In the case of a building defect report, it includes photographic evidence of every defect, no matter how seemingly insignificant they may appear, such as paint imperfections. However, unlike a detailed forensic investigation report, it does not provide discussions on the root causes of the defects, extensive recommendations or the scope of work for necessary repairs. Nevertheless, it does offer expert advice on the appropriate next steps to be taken.
Who benefits from Building Defects Inspection?
Property managers, Strata managers and property owners greatly benefit from a Building Defects Report. These reports play a crucial role in uncovering hidden defects that may not be visible to the naked eye. By identifying these defects, property managers and owners can avoid the costly mistake of purchasing a home with significant structural failure or extensive non-structural damages. In addition to financial implications, there is also the responsibility of maintaining the building and ensuring the satisfaction of all homeowners. Therefore, it is essential for property managers and owners to obtain a detailed building defect report before completing the project handover. This ensures that any potential issues are addressed and resolved before the transfer of ownership, protecting both the property’s value and its occupants’ well-being. By investing in this service, property managers and owners can have peace of mind knowing that they have taken proactive measures to mitigate any potential risks or liabilities associated with building defects. Ultimately, obtaining a detailed building defect report is an essential step in ensuring the long-term success and profitability of any property investment.
Complaints about Defects After Building
Complaints about defects after building are a common issue in the construction industry. It is important for both homeowners and builders to be aware of their rights and obligations when it comes to handling issues with defects after building.
When a homeowner notices a defect in their newly built or renovated property, they should immediately contact their builder to discuss the issue. It is best to document any conversations between the parties, either through written communication or photographs, if possible. The homeowner should also provide the builder with an opportunity to inspect the defect before taking any further action.
If attempts to resolve the dispute directly with the builder are unsuccessful, then homeowners may consider engaging Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria (DBDRV) for assistance. The process involves the homeowner submitting an online application to DBDRV. The dispute can then be assessed, and, if necessary, mediation or conciliation between the parties can take place.
In some cases, it may be necessary for a third-party building inspector to inspect the property and issue a report on their findings. It is recommended that this report adheres to VCAT standards, in case the issue remains unresolved at DBDRV and needs to be resolved through a legal proceeding. For more information, refer to our Legal and VCAT Expert Witness services.
What is Included in MFS’s Building Defect Inspection?
MFS takes its Building Defect Inspections seriously and covers a comprehensive range of issues. Our experts thoroughly investigate water ingress, which can lead to a multitude of problems if not addressed promptly. Leaking balconies are another common concern that we prioritise, as they can cause significant damage to the overall structure. Additionally, our inspections focus on identifying poor drainage and inadequate falls, as these can result in water pooling and further complications. Leaking planter boxes are also examined meticulously, as they have the potential to cause moisture-related issues within the building. Lastly, our team pays close attention to structural cracking and differential footing movements, ensuring that any defects or abnormalities are documented and reported accurately in our Building Defects Report.
MFS Building Defect Inspections target the following issues:
- ✓ Water ingress
- ✓ Leaking balconies
- ✓ Poor drainage and inadequate falls
- ✓ Leaking planter boxes
- ✓ Structural cracking
- ✓ Differential footing movements
- ✓ Concrete spalling
