12-Month Maintenance Inspections
Know what needs attention.
A fresh look at your new home after you’ve lived in it, with a photographic record of visible defects and workmanship concerns to discuss with your builder.
What is a 12-month maintenance inspection?
A 12-month maintenance inspection checks for visible defects and workmanship issues that have become apparent after you move into a new home. Some issues are easier to notice once doors, windows, finishes and fixtures have been in everyday use.
We inspect safely accessible areas within the agreed scope and record the defects identified in a clear digital report. Tell us about particular concerns when booking so the inspector knows what you have noticed.
What do we check?
Our inspection focuses on visible defects and workmanship in safely accessible areas. The property, completed work and agreed scope determine what can be inspected.
Walls, ceilings & finishes
Visible cracking, paint and plaster issues, movement indicators and damage requiring assessment.
Doors, windows & cabinetry
Operation, alignment, joinery and visible workmanship concerns noticed during everyday use.
Tiles, floors & wet areas
Visible tiling and flooring defects, sealant deterioration and signs of moisture concerns.
Accessible external work
Visible issues in brickwork, concrete, external finishes and other agreed areas of the property.
Visual inspections cannot reveal every concealed defect. Specialist testing, engineering certification and inaccessible areas are outside the standard visual inspection scope. Explore the defects we identify.
Don’t wait to report a concern.
If you notice a problem earlier, document it and notify your builder promptly. A “12-month inspection” does not mean every defect, complaint or insurance claim has a 12-month deadline. Check your contract and the rules that apply in your state.
For Queensland homeowners, see the QBCC guidance on defective work and timeframes.
A clear report. A useful next step.
See an anonymised maintenance inspection report from a lived-in home, with photographs and descriptions of the reported concerns. Client and property details have been removed.
- Photographs of each reported defect
- Clear descriptions and locations
- Responsible trades, where applicable
- A digital PDF to retain and share
Standard residential reports are generally issued the same day. We usually also send the report directly to your builder when their email has been provided.
Sample maintenance report · Select to view the PDF
From booking to next steps.
- 01
Choose & book
Get your price online and provide your property and contact details. We confirm the inspection timing and access arrangements.
- 02
Inspect & report
An experienced inspector checks the agreed areas and documents the findings with photographs and clear locations.
- 03
Discuss & rectify
Use the report to discuss the identified items with your builder. A further inspection can be arranged for an additional fee where needed.
Your questions,
answered.
Need help choosing an inspection? Call (07) 3063 0793 or contact our team.
Must the inspection happen at exactly 12 months?
No. It can be arranged earlier, allowing time to notify your builder and discuss the report. Your contract and the applicable complaint or insurance timeframes determine which deadlines matter.
Is this the same as a handover inspection?
No. A handover inspection is arranged as construction finishes. A maintenance inspection reviews the home after it has been lived in, when additional visible issues may have become apparent.
What should I prepare?
Make a list of concerns, provide photos of intermittent issues if you have them, and share relevant previous inspection reports or builder correspondence. Arrange access to the areas you want checked.
Does the report guarantee my builder will repair everything?
No. The report records the findings from our inspection. Responsibility, rectification and any dispute process depend on the item, the building contract and applicable requirements.
Can you inspect a concern sooner?
Yes—contact us with the details. We can help identify the appropriate inspection scope rather than waiting for the first-year review.
Get a clear picture of your home.
See your inspection price online. You can request a booking before the date is known.