New Building – End of first 6 month period – Maintenance Period Inspection
Under the Queensland BSA’s “Rectification of Building Work Policy” builders are required to correct any minor defects or omissions which were documented and agreed to at handover within six months after completion of the work as well as additional reasonable defects identified within the first six month of practical completion.
It is advisable to engage a suitably qualified building inspector to carryout an inspection of the dwelling prior to the 6 month expiry date to identify what may be considered reasonable defects that require builder’s attention.
The inspection focuses on uncompleted defects or omissions identified during the original handover inspection (if available) and documents and reports any additional defects that have arisen since completion of the dwelling, which may include category 1 and category 2 defects (major and minor defects).
Finishes that were accepted by the owner at the time of construction or at hand-over/practical completion may be difficult to repeal, with the exception of non-conforming issues relating to statutory obligations, e.g. building codes and the like.
Our assessments also takes into account and compares with accepted industry standards and practices.
Category 1 Defects –
- adversely affects the structural performance of a building;
- adversely affects the health or safety of persons residing in or occupying a building;
- adversely affects the functional use of a building;
- allows water penetration into a building.
Category 2 Defects –
- it does not meet a reasonable standard of construction or finish expected of a competent holder of a contractor’s of the relevant class; or
- it has caused a settling in period defect in a new building.
- New Home – End of Warranty Inspections – Category 1 Defects (6.5 year statutory warranty period)
Licensed building contractors in Queensland have responsibility for category 1 defective building work (leaking roof, leaking shower, health and safety issues, structural inadequacy, etc) of residential building works undertaken by them for a statutory period of no less than 6.5 years from the date of practical completion.
The reason for the inspection is to uncover and report on category 1 defects that may exist.
The inspection will reveal any significant issues which may exist and which may need to be addressed and rectified by the builder as part of the Builder’s obligation under the statutory warranty period.
It is advisable to engage a suitably qualified building inspector to carryout out an inspection of the dwelling, at least 6 months prior to the 6.5 year expiry date.
Time frame for lodgement of a compliant with the BSA should be within 6 years and 3 months from date of practical completion, for category 1 defects.
