Building Defect Reports & Inspections

A Building Defect Report is a detailed report itemising defective or incomplete construction works, and is often prepared in cases where a builder or contractor has ceased trading, or refuses to acknowledge their responsibility for defective or incomplete work.

A similar building inspection report can be commissioned after the building work has been completed and the property occupied, but before the expiry of the builder’s statutory warranty/Home Owner’s Warranty insurance period, to notify the original Builder/Developer of building defects. These reports are known as an End of Warranty Report.

Defects within new buildings are areas of non-compliance with the Building Code of Australia, various Australian Standards and published acceptable tolerances and standards. Older buildings, or buildings out of their warranty period, may not comply with the current standards but must be judged against the standard at the time of construction or refurbishment.Where a report is required to focus on only a small or specific area of concern, we are also able to provide a more concise report, known as a Special Purpose Report.

In some cases it may be beneficial to carry out some ‘invasive’ testing and/or exploratory works to investigate the underlying building elements and substantiate building defects and their causes. We can arrange for this work to be carried out; further details about our Investigation & Diagnostic Services services are available on our website.

Our building inspection reports are customised to a level of detail which suits our Clients’ individual requirements. This ensures that we deliver quality, cost-effective reports which are specifically suited to the purpose for which they will be used. After an initial consultation and discussion with our Client, followed by a building inspection and investigation of the issues raised, Habitat Building Consultancy can prepare a comprehensive defect report detailing the defects identified, accompanied by a photographic record. Our Building Defect Reports can be used to assist with dispute resolution in mediations between the parties involved, including mediations chaired by the Building Inspector from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).

We also provide a more detailed Building Defect Report known as an Expert Report for submissions as evidence in NSW Civil & Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) hearings.

Alternatively, our building defect reports can be used as supporting documentation for a Home Owner’s Warranty Insurance claim to notify the insurer of the list of defective items being claimed for; the insurer will typically use the report to assess the claim items.

If we can assist you with such a report, or if you wish to know more about the process of lodging a Home Owner’s Warranty Insurance claim, please do not hesitate to contact us.