Common Defects

Common Building Defects

Homes, much like the people who live in them, can start to show signs of wear and tear as they age. But it must be noted that building defects aren’t exclusive to older homes. New properties that have been built to a sub-standard quality can also present structural defects, which is why it’s crucial to undergo a building defect inspection before you commit to purchasing any property.

Casey Building Inspections is able to inspect for a wide range of building defects, both interior and exterior. This includes the building’s structural soundness and its surrounds. We will create a foundation inspection checklist based on your needs to ensure we are looking out for any particular concerns and hidden problem areas.

Typical Building Defects We Inspect For:

• Termites
• Roof leaks
• Structural defects
• Uneven floors and poor foundations
• Deck and balcony leaks
• Unsafe decks and balconies
• Leaking pipes in showers

• Leaking plumbing
• Poor drainage
• Damaged and leaking gutters and down pipes
• Mould
• Damp and wet sub floors
• Timber rot and decay

A comprehensive building defect inspection will uncover evidence of these issues presenting themselves in your home. While some of these problems might be irritating and unsightly at worst, others can in fact become dangerous and even life-threatening. This is precisely why it’s important to have a thorough foundation inspection completed by a licensed professional.

Types of Inspections and Reports

In addition to providing comprehensive building defect reports and inspections, we also offer a variety of property assessment services for everyone from first home buyers though to seasoned property buyers:

• Pest inspections
• Pre-purchase inspections
• Vendor inspections
• Assessments of tradesmen’s work

• Dilapidation reports
• Handover reports
• Special reports

In each case, we will work to a comprehensive house inspection checklist to ensure we are not missing anything and that we can provide the best recommendations for rectification.

For more information on common structural defects – and how we can help you get peace of mind with a simple foundation inspection– please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone, email, or online contact form.

What Is a Major Structural Defect?

Under Victorian domestic building law, a distinction is drawn between a major structural defect and other, more minor building defects. The legal definition of a major structural defect generally covers a defect in a load-bearing part of a building, such as the footings, floor, roof, or walls, that is serious enough to cause, or that is likely to cause, the inability to use the building for its intended purpose, or that threatens collapse or a loss of structural performance. A minor defect, by contrast, may be a workmanship issue that does not affect the building’s structural performance. Understanding this definition matters most when structural defects in buildings are found close to the end of a warranty period.

Knowing this distinction matters because it affects your rights and warranty periods as an owner. During a building defect inspection, we identify and classify defects so you understand not just what has been found, but how serious it is.

Signs of Structural Building Defects

• Cracking in walls, particularly diagonal cracks wider than a few millimetres
• Doors and windows that stick or no longer close square in their frames
• Uneven or sloping floors
• Visible movement or separation where walls meet ceilings
• Persistent dampness around footings or subfloor areas