At Fearless Building Inspections, we conduct a comprehensive inspection report so you have everything you need in hand, whether for buying a house, selling your home or renovating your property.
Our property inspection reports have several sections that can help you make an informed decision. These categories include major defects, minor defects and maintenance issues, with an additional section for other notable items.
Let’s see what each one of these sections means.
What sort of issues are included in our building inspection report?
1. Major Defects
So, what are the major defects in building inspections? They are significant structural or systemic issues that demand immediate attention. This is because they threaten safety or even result in more damage to the property.
Some examples of major defects include, but are not limited to, foundation failures, severe timber rot in wet areas like showers, compromised roofing systems, collapsing piers, critical concrete degradation, which includes rebar corrosion, and significant drainage or waterproofing failures.
Acting quickly on these faults is critical—often urgent—to stop them from getting worse and to ensure long-term integrity of the building.
2. Minor defects
Minor defects aren’t an immediate danger, but they still need attention in the short- to mid-term.
These items extend beyond maintenance. However, they can lead to bigger problems if left aside.
Minor defects include cracks in cladding, window frames, or sashes, small roofing issues that don’t require a complete roof replacement. Fixing these issues as soon as they arise can prevent them from turning into major defects.
3 Maintenance Issues
Maintenance issues involve important non-structural repairs that can extend the longevity and functionality of the property. Our reports will highlight a selection of these items for your awareness. Common examples include rust treatment and corrosion protection, leaky taps or plumbing fittings, and general upkeep of external timber elements such as weatherboards.
4. Other Notable Items
This section includes important recommendations and observations that may not fall under the defect categories but are noteworthy for property improvement or future planning. Examples often include suggestions for enhanced insulation, upgrades to sub-floor ventilation, and improvements to up-slope drainage systems.
Evolution of Building Standards and Best Practices
Building methodologies and regulations are constantly evolving. The National Construction Code and Australian Standards are updated regularly, and the idea of “best practice” shifts along with them. Each new update can change how a property is assessed and what’s considered up to standard.
One example of this change is in waterproofing wet areas like showers. In the past, many bathrooms had timber floors and tiles but didn’t have proper waterproofing, which made them more likely to suffer from water damage.
These days, the rules are much tighter. A walk-in shower must have water stops, a gentle slope toward the drain, and solid waterproofing so moisture can’t penetrate the walls or floor.
Insulation has also improved dramatically. Many older homes have little to no insulation, while current regulations set clear targets for insulation and energy efficiency. This is essential, especially for houses in Hobart, where the winter can be harsh. That usually means under-floor insulation, double-glazed windows with thermal breaks, and thick layers in the roof, walls, and ceilings to keep the place comfortable and reduce energy consumption.
Furthermore, up-slope drainage or cut-off drains represent a critical development in site management. Many older houses in Hobart were built into sloping sites and may lack adequate up-slope drainage or waterproofing along the rear wall. This makes them susceptible to surface water and groundwater intrusion into sub-floor areas.
Contemporary design and regulatory requirements often require up-slope cut-off drainage and waterproofing to divert both surface and subsoil water away from the structure. This also extends to hard surfaces like paving and paths, which must be designed with appropriate cross-falls to direct surface water away from foundations.
Why Evolving Building Standards Matter
Understanding how building standards have evolved is key to getting the most out of our inspection findings. These changes help shape how we assess properties today and guide what improvements or upgrades may be needed to bring your home up to current standards.