Defect Explainers

How air leaks show up in new homes and what inspectors look for. Learn where draughts occur, why they happen and what to check before handover.

Unsealed architraves around external doors and windows can affect finish quality, comfort and energy efficiency in new homes

Laundry Cabinet Defects in New Homes: What’s Normal and What’s Not explained clearly. Learn how to spot water damage, poor alignment, and PCI issues before handover.

Bathroom vanity defects in new homes explained clearly. Learn what’s normal, what’s not, and what should be fixed before handover.

Kitchen Cabinet Defects in New Homes: What’s Normal and What’s Not — a practical guide to understanding defects, handover expectations, and when to push for repairs.

Water Damaged Melamine Panels in New Homes: Why Replacement Is Usually the Only Proper Fix — what causes swelling, when it appears, and why replacement is often the correct outcome.

Unsealed Melamine Shelf Cut Outs: A Small Detail That Can Lead to Bigger Issues in New Homes. Learn what to look for before handover.

Is Your Shower Waterproofing High Enough? The Hidden 150mm Defect Most New Homes Miss — understand when it matters, when it’s checked, and how to avoid costly hidden issues.

Hebel boundary walls not sealed or finished correctly can lead to durability and moisture issues. Hebel Boundary Walls Not Properly Sealed? What It Means and When to Raise It explains what to look for and when to act.

Why Your New Home Door Frame Looks Crooked (And When It’s Actually a Defect). Understand causes, inspection timing, and when misalignment is a real issue in new builds.

Why Are There Unpainted Areas Behind Doors or Cupboards in My New Home? A practical guide explaining whether it’s a defect, why it happens, and what homeowners should do at handover.

Unsealed electrical fixtures are a common new build defect. Learn where it occurs, why it matters, and when it should be fixed.

Bowed walls and uneven skirting in new homes can be caused by framing, wall finish or installation issues. Learn when it is normal and when to raise it as a defect.

A hidden waterproofing defect that can lead to costly damage. Learn why water stops near shower openings matter and how inspections prevent issues.

Missing silicone behind baths and basins is a hidden defect in new homes that can lead to moisture damage over time if not properly addressed.

Why doors rattle at handover in new homes and what it means. Learn the causes, whether it is a defect, and what should be fixed before completion.

Are Your Articulation Joints Bridged? A Common Brickwork & Render Defect in Melbourne New Builds explains how movement joints work and why bridging can cause long term issues.

Lock up stage is a critical point in your build. Learn the most common defects found and why an inspection at this stage can prevent costly issues later.

Paint defects are one of the most common issues found at handover. Learn what should be fixed before you accept your new home.

Rainheads play a critical role in roof drainage, but installation defects are common in Melbourne new builds. Learn how these issues occur, the risks involved, and when inspections can identify them.