Defects and Observations in Building Inspection Reports. Definitions with Great Real-life Examples!

Defects and Observations: Definitions with Great Real-life Examples!

Building Inspection Reports often include terminology that many people aren’t sure about. So let’s take a look at the different types of Defects and Observations that are included in the Building Inspection App Reports so we can better understand how the Defects and Observations differ with a whole range of real-life examples to help understand the Reports produced.

1. Major Defects

What is a Major Defect?

Definition: A defect that poses a significant risk to the safety, stability, or integrity of the property, or one that requires substantial rectification work to correct.

Real-life examples of Major Defects:

• Structural movement or instability
• Roof leaks or extensive roof damage
• Severe dampness or water penetration
• Substantial termite or pest damage
• Foundation or footing issues
• Structural cracks or damage to load-bearing elements
• Unsafe electrical wiring or installations
• Major plumbing leaks or sewerage system failure
• Significant structural deterioration or corrosion
• Hazardous materials, such as asbestos or lead paint
• Major safety hazards, such as unstable balustrades or stairs
• Fire safety concerns, such as inadequate fire-rated construction or missing smoke detectors
• Major defects affecting essential services or utilities, such as heating or cooling systems
• Structural defects that affect habitability, such as inadequate ventilation or drainage
• Non-compliance with building codes or regulations leading to significant risks or non-functionality.

2. Minor Defects

What is a Minor Defect?

Definition: A defect that does not significantly affect the safety, stability, or integrity of the property, but still requires rectification or maintenance to prevent further deterioration or damage.

Real-life examples of Minor Defects:

• Cracked or chipped non-structural tiles
• Minor water stains or discoloration on ceilings or walls
• Minor grout or sealant deterioration
• Loose or squeaky floorboards
• Minor plumbing leaks or dripping faucets
• Superficial cosmetic damage, such as scuffs or scratches
• Minor electrical issues, such as non-functional outlets or switches
• Small cracks in non-load-bearing walls or non-structural elements
• Wear and tear on fixtures, handles, or hinges
• Minor peeling or flaking paint or wallpaper
• Surface-level rust or corrosion on non-essential components
• Loose or wobbly handrails or grab bars
• Minor drainage issues or inadequate slope
• Small gaps or separations in caulking or weatherstripping
• Minor signs of pest activity or damage, such as ants or mild rodent droppings.

3. Safety Hazards

What is a Safety Hazard?

Definition: A defect that presents an immediate risk to the health or safety of occupants or visitors, requiring immediate attention and rectification to eliminate the hazard.

Real-life examples of Safety Hazards:

• Exposed live electrical wiring or faulty electrical installations
• Damaged or non-functional smoke detectors or fire alarms
• Unsecured or unsafe handrails or guardrails
• Structural instability, such as leaning walls or compromised supports
• Gas leaks or malfunctioning gas appliances
• Major water leaks or flooding
• Broken or missing steps or stairs
• Hazardous materials, such as asbestos or lead-based paint
• Faulty or non-compliant balcony railings
• Exposed or damaged sharp edges or protrusions
• Inadequate or unsafe access or egress routes
• Non-functioning emergency lighting or exit signs
• Blocked or non-operational fire escapes or emergency exits
• Insufficient or non-compliant pool fencing or barriers
• Presence of toxic substances, such as mold or mildew, affecting indoor air quality.

4. Maintenance Items

‍What is a Maintenance Item?

Definition: A defect that is primarily a maintenance or wear-and-tear issue, requiring regular upkeep or repairs to maintain the property's condition and functionality.

Real-life examples of Maintenance Items:

• General cleaning and upkeep of the property
• Routine maintenance of HVAC systems
• Regular gutter cleaning and downpipe maintenance
• Replacing worn-out or damaged weatherstripping
• Repairing or resealing minor cracks in walls or ceilings
• Servicing and maintaining plumbing fixtures and pipes
• Regular maintenance of electrical systems and appliances
• Cleaning or replacing air filters in ventilation systems
• Lubricating hinges, locks, and door/window mechanisms
• Regular roof inspections and minor repairs
• Repainting or touch-ups of interior or exterior surfaces
• Cleaning or maintenance of flooring surfaces
• Inspecting and maintaining exterior woodwork or siding
• Sealing or regrouting minor cracks or gaps in tile work
• Periodic inspections and maintenance of landscaping or garden areas

5. Non-Compliant Items

What is a Non-Compliant Item?

Definition: A defect that does not meet relevant building codes, regulations, or standards, indicating a departure from the required level of construction or safety.

Real-life examples of Non-Compliant Items:

• Electrical installations not meeting current electrical codes or regulations
• Plumbing fixtures or pipes not installed according to plumbing standards
• Inadequate or non-compliant insulation levels in the building envelope
• Lack of proper fire-rated construction or non-compliant fire safety measures
• Absence of required safety barriers or handrails
• Non-compliant stair dimensions or riser/tread ratios
• Insufficient ventilation in enclosed spaces or rooms
• Inadequate or non-compliant drainage systems or stormwater management
• Use of prohibited or unsafe building materials, such as asbestos or lead-based paint
• Non-compliance with accessibility requirements or disability access standards
• Failure to meet energy efficiency or sustainability standards
• Non-compliant or outdated gas fittings or installations
• Lack of proper ventilation or exhaust systems in kitchens or bathrooms
• Inadequate or non-compliant fire detection or suppression systems
• Violation of local zoning or building regulations in the property's use or occupancy.

6. Observations

What is an Observation?

Definition: An item that may not be classified as a defect but is worth noting for informational purposes or as a suggestion for improvement.

Real-life examples of Non-Compliance Items:

• General wear and tear that does not constitute a defect
• Cosmetic issues, such as scuffs or minor scratches
• Faded paint or discoloration due to normal aging
• Minor cosmetic imperfections, such as dents or nicks
• Recommendations for general maintenance or routine upkeep
• Suggestions for improving energy efficiency or sustainability
• Noting the presence of existing warranties or guarantees
• Identification of potential areas for future maintenance or monitoring
• Suggestions for enhancing security measures or safety precautions
• Comments on the overall appearance or aesthetics of the property
• Observations regarding the quality of workmanship or materials used
• Recommendations for minor improvements or updates to enhance functionality or aesthetics
• Suggestions for landscaping or exterior improvements
• Comments on the adequacy of storage space or organization options
• Noting the presence of desirable features or unique architectural elements.

By understanding the different types of Building Inspection Defects and Observations, Building Inspectors and their clients can get even more value from the Inspections done and the Inspection Reports that follow.

Building Inspection Software traditionally provided word type reports with a lot of legal type terminology and structure making it difficult to read and understand. Building Inspection App Reports have been designed to be as reader-friendly as possible, simplifying the terminology to be real, colour coding sections for easier reference and response that make sense while, importantly, still being fully compliant with all appropriate standards.