Defect Explainers

Brickwork is one of the most visible external finishes on a new home, so it is natural for homeowners to pay close attention to how it looks once construction is progressing toward completion. During the building process, however, the appearance of brickwork can change several times as different trades move through the site, scaffolding is removed, and external works are finalised. Brickwork is typically reviewed around lock-up stage before interior work begins, which forms p

Building a new home involves many stages, many trades, and many technical details. During this process, it is not unusual for an independent inspection report to include observations that the builder may not immediately agree with. When this happens, it does not automatically mean something has gone wrong. In many cases, it simply reflects that construction work is being reviewed from different professional perspectives. Many homeowners are surprised when items are noted duri

Building a new home happens as a sequence of connected steps rather than one continuous process. Each stage exposes different parts of the structure and services, and as work progresses, some elements become concealed while others become visible. Because of this, independent stage inspections are usually arranged to align with these natural construction milestones. Understanding when is the right time each new build stage inspection is typically booked helps homeowners follow

When a new home is under construction, there is a noticeable shift that occurs once the internal wall linings are installed. Up to that point, the structure is open and highly visible. Timber or steel framing can be seen clearly, services are exposed, and many of the building components are accessible for observation. Once plasterboard is fixed in place and internal finishes begin, much of that visible information becomes concealed. This transition is a normal and necessary p

Gutters play a simple but important role in a home’s drainage system. They collect roof water and guide it toward downpipes so it can be carried safely away from the building. For this process to work effectively, gutters rely on a consistent fall along their length. Where the fall is insufficient, commonly referenced as less than a minimum of 1:500, water may not drain as intended. Roof drainage installation is often reviewed around lock-up stage, which sits within the broad

What homeowners are usually referring to when they mention common frame stage defects in Melbourne Frame stage defects are issues identified once the structural frame of a home has been erected and fixed in place, but before internal linings, cladding, or finishes are installed. At this point, the framework that supports walls, roofs, and openings is fully visible. Common frame stage defects in melbourne include matters such as bracing nail spacing, hoop iron connections, lin

Understanding what this issue involves In wet areas such as bathrooms, ensuites, laundries, and some powder rooms, water stops are installed at doorways or floor transitions. Their role is to help contain water within the wet area and reduce the chance of water flowing into adjoining rooms. This defect occurs when the water stop does not finish level with the final tiled floor. Most commonly, the water stop ends up too low and becomes buried beneath the finished tiles rather

Waterproofing defects are one of the most commonly identified issues during residential building inspections. They are most often associated with wet areas such as bathrooms, ensuites, laundries and balconies, where regular exposure to water is expected as part of everyday use. For homeowners building or buying, understanding how waterproofing defects occur, and when they are best identified during the construction process, helps put inspection findings into context and suppo