What Defects Do We Identify?
The details matter. We take a closer look at your new home and give you a clear record of what needs attention.
Open Builder Expertise
Practical building knowledge, backed by an Open Builder licence.
Clear Defect Reports
Photos, locations and clear descriptions to help your builder rectify defects.
Working for You
Thorough inspections and clear findings, so you can raise defects with confidence.
A closer look at your new home
The details that deserve attention.
A new home should be finished properly. We carefully inspect accessible building work, from doors and windows to cabinetry, tiling, paintwork and fittings. If your home is nearing completion, our handover inspection guide explains what is included and how to prepare for the visit.
We check how items operate as well as how they look, identifying damage, incomplete work and finishing defects that can be easy to overlook.
Your report includes photos, locations and clear descriptions, giving you a practical record to discuss with your builder and use when following up rectification.
Understanding the findings
What is a building defect?
A building defect may be damaged, incomplete or poorly finished work, or an item that does not function as it should. It can affect appearance or everyday use.
We assess findings against the requirements relevant to your property and inspection, including applicable standards, tolerances and manufacturer specifications.
Our reports explain what we identified and where it is located, helping you understand the findings and give your builder clear information about work requiring attention.
What we look for
Common defects we identify
From finishes and fittings to visible external work, each inspection is tailored to the property, construction stage and service booked.
Painting & Plasterwork
- Missed paint, runs, overspray and untidy cutting-in.
- Scuffs, damage and visible surface imperfections.
- Incomplete patching, rough sanding and pinholes.
- Unfinished gaps and residue on adjacent surfaces.
Doors & Carpentry
- Doors that bind, rattle or do not latch correctly.
- Uneven door gaps and poorly finished timber joints.
- Loose fittings, missing screws or door stops.
- Incomplete caulking around skirtings and architraves.
Tiling
- Chipped tiles and uneven tile edges.
- Incomplete, rough or inconsistent grout.
- Missing or untidy silicone joints.
- Damaged trim, floor-waste grates or visible debris.
Plumbing Fixtures
- Visible leaks at accessible taps, toilets and waste pipes.
- Faulty operation of accessible taps and toilet cisterns.
- Loose or incorrectly fitted seats and fixtures.
- Incomplete sealing around sanitary fixtures.
Cabinetry & Joinery
- Misaligned, binding or damaged doors and drawers.
- Chipped shelving and cabinet surfaces.
- Missing shelves, bump stops or finishing components.
- Poorly finished openings and incomplete caulking.
Electrical Finishes
- Unevenly fitted switches and power outlets.
- Missing covers or visible incomplete installation.
- Oversized openings around fittings.
- Visible damage to fittings and surrounding finishes.
Brickwork
- Cracked or chipped bricks and damaged mortar.
- Inconsistent or poorly finished mortar joints.
- Weep holes obstructed by mortar.
- Incomplete control joints, mortar smears and stains.
Stone Benchtops
- Chips, scratches and surface damage.
- Poorly finished or uneven joins.
- Inconsistent edge finishes.
- Incomplete sealing at adjoining surfaces.
Wardrobes
- Misaligned or poorly operating doors.
- Missing track components or incorrectly fitted seals.
- Damage to mirrors, frames and tracks.
- Incomplete installation and finishing.
Shower Screens
- Chipped or scratched glass.
- Damaged frames and missing hardware.
- Poorly operating doors.
- Incomplete or untidy silicone.
Windows & Glazing
- Stiff or poorly operating windows and doors.
- Scratched, cracked or damaged glass and frames.
- Missing hardware or incorrectly fitted seals.
- Incomplete or uneven caulking.
Balustrades
- Visible damage to glass, posts and framework.
- Missing caps, cover plates or other components.
- Incomplete installation.
- Poorly finished adjoining surfaces.
Carpet & Floor Finishes
- Damage, stains and poorly finished joins.
- Uneven surfaces, raised areas or debris beneath carpet.
- Incomplete fixing at edges and wardrobe areas.
- Poorly finished transitions between floor surfaces.
Roofing, Fascia & Gutters
- Visible damage or incomplete work where observable.
- Dents, open joints and distorted components.
- Damage to fascia and gutter finishes.
- Visible signs of leaks or retained water.
Rendering
- Chips, scratches and damage.
- Rough or inconsistent finishes.
- Excess render and poorly finished edges.
- Incomplete work at adjoining surfaces.
Fire Doors
- Missing hinge screws or visible hardware.
- Poor closing or latching operation.
- Incomplete or missing visible seals.
- Visible damage and unfinished installation.
Sprinkler Finishes
- Missing sprinkler cover plates.
- Damaged or scratched cover plates.
- Poorly fitted plates at ceiling finishes.
Ventilation Finishes
- Grilles that do not sit neatly against walls or ceilings.
- Excessive gaps around visible grilles.
- Incomplete caulking and surrounding finishes.
What these examples cover
Checks depend on access, visibility and the service booked. A visual inspection cannot assess concealed work. Electrical finishes and visible fire-service components are reviewed for observable defects; specialist testing and certification are separate services.
Roof observations depend on safe access and visibility. Optional drone roof inspections are available for eligible handover bookings.
Clear findings. Practical reporting.
A report you can use.
Your report should make the next conversation easier. We document identified defects with photographs, locations and concise descriptions, so you and your builder can understand what needs attention.
Findings are organised by the relevant trade to assist rectification.
See the issue
Photographs provide a visual record of the defects identified.
Find the location
Findings are recorded by location to help identify the affected area.
Review the repairs
Second inspections following our own first visit use the GoInspect findings already recorded.
Ready for the next step?
Know what needs attention.
Get a price and book your inspection online. If your property or concern needs a tailored quote, tell us the details.
Not sure of the inspection date yet? You can leave it blank when booking and contact us when the property is ready.
Questions About Your New Home Inspection?
Find answers about pricing, inspection times, builder access, reports, defects, handover, re-inspections and more.