Maintenance Inspections
Maintenance inspections are carried out once you have moved into your new home. They are an important way to ensure that any defects, which may only become apparent after living in the home, are identified and addressed. If any issues are found, it is the builder’s responsibility to fix them.
There are three types of defects that homeowners need to be aware of, each with a specific timeframe for reporting to their builder:
- Minor defects – must be reported within 90 days.
- Non-structural defects – must be reported within 2 years.
- Structural defects – must be reported within 6 years.
When we carry out a maintenance inspection, we are thorough and methodical. The purpose of the inspection is to document any defects and raise them with your builder, so they can be fixed. That is why our maintenance inspection provides you with peace of mind.
Minor Defects Maintenance Inspections:
A minor defects maintenance inspection focuses on the small, cosmetic issues that may appear in your new home shortly after you move in. While these defects do not affect the safety or structural integrity of your home, addressing them early is important to maintain the quality and appearance of your property. In addition, the cost of repairing these minor defects is the responsibility of your builder.
During a minor defects inspection, we carefully check every part of your home to document any issues and provide you with a clear report. This ensures your builder can address the defects promptly, giving you peace of mind that your new home meets the expected standards of workmanship and finish.
Common examples of minor defects include:
- Minor paintwork issues such as scratches, chips, uneven application, or small cracks
- Minor plaster or wall defects including small cracks, dents, or marks
- Doors that are misaligned, sticking, or have handles that do not operate smoothly
- Windows with alignment issues, seals that need adjustment, or locks that require attention
- Flooring with small scratches, uneven surfaces, gaps, or squeaks in timber, tiles, or vinyl
- Cabinetry and joinery where doors or drawers are misaligned, sticking, or have minor surface damage
- Tiling and grout with minor chips, uneven tiles, or grout marks
- Fixtures and fittings such as taps, showers, sinks, or toilets that may need minor adjustments
Non Structural Maintenance Inspections:
A non-structural defects maintenance inspection focuses on issues that affect the finishes, fixtures, or functional elements of your home but do not compromise its structural integrity. These defects may become noticeable after living in your home for some time, and identifying them early helps maintain the quality, functionality, and value of your property. The cost of repairing these defects is the responsibility of your builder under the statutory warranty.
During a non-structural defects inspection, we carefully examine all areas of your home, including walls, floors, doors, windows, plumbing, electrical fixtures, and installed appliances, to document any issues. We provide a detailed report that allows your builder to address the defects promptly, ensuring your home meets the expected standards of workmanship and finish.
Common examples of non structural defects include:
- Cracks in walls or ceilings that are larger or persistent than minor cosmetic marks
- Uneven or squeaking flooring that affects usability
- Doors and windows that stick, fail to seal properly, or have alignment issues impacting function
- Cabinetry, shelving, or joinery that is misaligned or does not operate smoothly
- Plumbing issues such as leaks, dripping taps, or faulty shower or toilet operation
- Electrical issues including switches, power points, lighting, or other fixtures not working correctly
- Tiling issues such as uneven tiles, cracked tiles, or grout problems affecting usability
Structural Maintenance Inspections:
A structural defects maintenance inspection focuses on issues that affect the framework and stability of your home. These defects can impact the safety and long term durability of the building. Identifying them early helps protect your investment and ensures your home remains safe. Structural defects are covered under a 6-year statutory warranty, and the cost of repairing these defects is the responsibility of your builder.
During a structural defects inspection, we carefully examine all key areas of your home, including foundations, walls, beams, floor framing, roof structures, retaining walls, decks, pergolas, and other structural elements. We provide a detailed report documenting any issues, allowing your builder to address the defects promptly and ensuring your home meets the expected standards of construction, stability, and safety.
Common examples of non structural defects include:
- Foundations showing significant cracking, settlement or movement
- Walls with large or persistent cracks affecting stability
- Beams or columns showing signs of bending, damage or movement
- Floor framing that is uneven, sagging or damaged
- Roof structures with sagging, misalignment, or other issues affecting support
- Retaining walls that show cracking or movement
- Decks, pergolas or balconies with structural issues
- External concrete elements such as paths, driveways or slabs showing subsidence or major cracking
Why Trust New Home Building Inspections
- Member of Master Inspector Association of Australia
- Registered Builders & Inspectors
- Licensed with the Victorian Building Authority
- Completely independent Building Inspectors
- Fully insured
- Reports within 24 hrs
- Over 30 years experience
- Thermal imaging available
- Qualified Timber Pest Inspectors
- Cert IV – Building Construction
- Cert IV – Occupational Health & Safety