Why do Clients need a Construction Defect Liability Inspection on a New Home?

In WA builders have residual responsibilities to property owners for construction defects over extended periods of time. The WA Building Commission (“Commission”) can support property owner’s progress resolution of construction defects against builders for up to six years post practical completion.

A construction defect liability inspection is designed to review the entire construction and identify any construction defects which in the normal course of events should be remediated by the builder. The inspection is undertaken by a building inspector, who is a WA Registered Builder and represents an independent review of the construction.

The construction defect liability inspections should provide the property owner with confidence that the property has been constructed as required and that any construction defects are appropriately documented so as to open discussion with the builder with an aim to having any identified items rectified.

It is important to note that as a general rule, any issue or damage to the property that can be attributed to occupancy will generally need to be excluded from defect liability inspections.

What are the benefits of a Defect Liability Inspection?

A defect liability inspection is an independent review of the entire construction post-handover and can be undertaken at any stage up to six years post practical completion. The inspection is designed to reconcile the construction items that can still be visually inspected against the approved construction plans, the Building Code of Australia, relevant Australian Standards, industry standards of acceptable workmanship and accepted industry tolerances.

The inspection will be presented in a detailed report which the property owner can provide to their builder to progress remediation of any residual construction defects.

The inspection should provide objectivity and independence to any residual items that in the normal course of events would represent a reasonable claim against the builder.

It is important to note that a defect liability report is not intended to be utilised as an independent expert report for a WA Building Commission matter.

What’s covered in the Defect Liability Inspection?

Our goal during a defect liability inspection is to review the entire construction to the extent that the individual items can still be visually seen. As a general rule the following areas, where included within the scope of a construction contract will be reviewed:

• Overall quality of the finishes, i.e. paintwork, plastering, tiling
• Fixtures and fittings
• Roof Cover (where possible)
• Roof Frame, insulation and sarking
• Brickwork and cladding
• Walls, internal and external
• Ceilings
• Flooring
• Doors and frames, internal and external
• Windows and frames, internal and external
• Patios, pergolas, alfresco areas, balconies and stairs
• Cabinets and wardrobes
• Fences and out-buildings

About your Houspect Building Inspector

In WA, building inspections and building inspectors are unregulated. As a consequence it is important that you have total confidence in the quality, skills, experience and professionalism of your building inspector. At Houspect WA:

• Every one of our building inspectors is a WA Registered Builder in their own right. Their Builders Registration number is recorded in every report.
• Every building inspector has a minimum of 20 years direct construction industry experience.
• Our building inspectors are fully insured with Professional Indemnity and Public Liability.
• Every inspection report produced by Houspect WA is subject to a minimum of two levels of quality assurance review prior to being released.
• Our state wide clients and building inspectors are supported by a dedicated, knowledgeable and experienced customer service team based in our Balcatta operations centre.
• All calls, enquiries or bookings are addressed promptly and professionally by our customer service team during our business hours of 8.30 am to 5.00 pm.
• Our building inspectors are located across the entire Perth metropolitan area and in most major regional centres in WA.

Houspect WA or its Directors maintain a number of important professional memberships including:

• Master Builders Association of WA
• Housing Industry Association
• Strata Community Association of WA
• Australian Institute of Conveyances WA

During the 20 plus years of operating in WA, Houspect has conducted in excess of 50,000 quality building inspections.

Buy, build and invest with confidence with Houspect WA.

For more information or to book a Defect Liability Construction Inspection, call Houspect on Ph: 9240 8855, email us at info.wa@houspectwa.com.au or complete our online enquiry form.