Building Inspection Major Defects, Commonly Found in Sydney Properties

AS4349.1 ‘Inspection of Buildings – prepurchase inspections – residential buildings’ defines a ‘Major Defect’ as “A defect of sufficient magnatude where rectificatyion has to be carried out in order to avoid further deterioration, loss of utility or amenity or unsafe conditions.

Based on experience, Major defects tend to fall into several key categories such as: structural defects, water penetration and leaking related, operational or utility problems (things not working), general deterioration or damage (normally age related), timber pest related such as termites, decay or borers, as well as workmanship defects, installation problems or omissions (unfinished work), safety hazards (could relate to any aspect of the building) and finally site considerations such a drainage problems or retaining wall failure.

Ultimately however, our building and pest inspectors are not worried out categories, they are thinking holistically about the property and its structures. The report will provide ‘context’ for the appraisal of the building by comparing to other properties of a similar type and age that have been reasonably well maintained. 

The report should be clear about which issues are important and which defects are less critcal.

Ultimately all building have issues, the imporant part is to understand the context and what repairs involve.