Building Defect Reports
A build that is nearing completion, or a home still under construction, should match what was approved and what was promised in the contract. When it does not, owners are often left arguing with a builder over workmanship with nothing more than opinion on either side as the disagreement drags on and the relationship breaks down further.
Without a clear, independent review, it can be difficult to separate a visible concern from work that may not match the approved plans or building contract. A building defect report is an independent, visual assessment of the work carried out, compared against the Building Code of Australia, the NSW Guide to Standards and Tolerances, the building contract, and the relevant consent conditions.
My Certifier prepares defects reports for work under construction and recently completed buildings across the Illawarra, South Coast, Sydney and the Southern Highlands.
What Is A Building Defect Report?
A building defect report records the findings of a visual assessment of building work. The work is considered against the approved plans, the Building Code of Australia, the NSW Guide to Standards and Tolerances, the building contract and relevant consent conditions.
The report helps identify and document areas of concern in a structured format. It can support discussions about the quality of the work, whether the work is consistent with the approved documents and what may need further attention.
A defects report is a documented comparison, not a guess, so both sides of a dispute are working from the same evidence.
When A Defect Report May Help
A construction defect report may help when an owner has concerns during a build, when recently completed work appears inconsistent with the agreed scope, or when an owner and builder disagree about workmanship or compliance.
The service is suitable for owners of buildings under construction and for builders who need an independent professional opinion. Getting the issues recorded early can help both parties focus on the work and the relevant documents instead of relying on informal descriptions or photographs alone.
What We Assess
Our inspection focuses on visible building work and the project documents relevant to that work. Depending on the project and the concern raised, the assessment may consider:
- The approved architectural and construction plans
- Applicable provisions of the Building Code of Australia
- The NSW Guide to Standards and Tolerances
- The building contract
- Relevant development consent or approval conditions
- The visible quality and consistency of the completed work
Because every project is different, My Certifier will first hear your concerns and review the information available before confirming the scope of the assessment.
What The Defect Inspection Process Involves
First, contact My Certifier and explain the project, the stage of construction and the concerns that need to be assessed. Providing the approved plans, contract and relevant consent documents at the start helps establish the correct points of comparison.
Our building expert then carries out a visual inspection of the relevant work. The findings are reviewed against the available project documents and applicable requirements.
My Certifier prepares the report and provides it to you for use in discussions with the other project party or your professional advisers.
How Long Does A Building Defect Report Take?
A defect report may be completed in as little as a few days. The exact timeframe depends on the building, the extent of the concerns, access to the site and the documents available for review. My Certifier can discuss timing after learning more about the project.
Why Choose My Certifier
An opinion carries weight in a dispute only when it comes from someone properly qualified to give it.
My Certifier is led by Che Leonard, a Restricted Class 1 and 10 Building Certifier registered with NSW Fair Trading and a member of the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors, the Association of Accredited Certifiers and the Swimming Pool and Spa Association.
Che is also a Licensed Builder, bringing hands-on construction experience to every defects assessment, alongside a working knowledge of the Building Code, the NSW Guide to Standards and Tolerances and standard building contracts. That combination means a defects report from My Certifier reflects both what the code requires and what proper workmanship actually looks like on site.
My Certifier provides building defect reports across the Illawarra, South Coast, Sydney and the Southern Highlands. Based in Shoalhaven Heads, we service surrounding NSW areas, including Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Nowra, Moss Vale, Camden, Campbelltown, Sutherland and Sydney.
Get An Independent Defects Report Now
If you need an independent visual assessment of work under construction or a recently completed building, speak with My Certifier. Tell us what has happened, what stage the project has reached and which parts of the work concern you. We can then discuss the documents required, the inspection scope and the expected timeframe.
Contact My Certifier to enquire about a building defect report.
📞 Phone: 0417 593 496
✉️ Email: che@mycertifier.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Commonly Requests a Defects Report?
Owners of buildings under construction or recently completed, and builders, most often when a disagreement has arisen over the quality or consistency of the work.
Can a Defects Report Be Used To Support a NSW Fair Trading or NCAT Complaint?
Yes. A defects report provides an independent professional opinion that can support a complaint to NSW Fair Trading, the Building Commission NSW, or a matter before the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
What's The Difference Between a Defects Report And a Condition Report?
A defects report assesses whether completed work meets the approved plans, Building Code and contract. A condition report records the existing condition of a property, usually before nearby construction begins.
Does My Certifier Provide Defects Reports Outside Sydney?
Yes, My Certifier provides services across Illawarra, South Coast, Sydney and the Southern Highlands.
Registered Building Certifiers
