Building Defect and Dispute Reports Perth

Inspector West prepares independent building defect reports for homeowners across Perth, Rockingham, Mandurah and the Peel region. Reports cover new homes before handover and during the builder’s maintenance period, renovation and extension work, and storm or insurance damage. Each report is prepared by Brian Collins, a WA registered building contractor (BC13603) and building practitioner (BP13603) with more than 33 years of building experience.

Reports are prepared to be clear, impartial and suitable for use in discussions with builders, insurers and Building and Energy.

Who this service is for

Homeowners whose builder has not rectified defects and who need an independent record before taking the matter further.
New home owners preparing for handover or approaching the end of the builder’s maintenance period.
Owners with renovation, extension or trade work that is incomplete or defective.
Homeowners with storm, water or impact damage who want an independent assessment alongside the insurer’s.
Lawyers and advisers acting for homeowners who need a factual building report.

Types of defect report

New home defect reports: a practical completion inspection before handover identifies defects while the builder is still on site and best placed to fix them. Defects that appear after handover can be documented during the maintenance period set out in the building contract.
Pre-complaint defect reports: a report documenting each defect, its location, its likely cause and how it compares with the relevant standards, which a homeowner can use when raising the issues with the builder or giving formal notice.
Insurance and storm damage reports: an independent report on storm, water, impact or other damage, recording its extent and whether it appears consistent with the reported event or with pre-existing wear, deterioration or defective work.

What is inspected

The inspection focuses on the items in dispute and can extend to the whole building where required. It can include:

Cracking in walls, slabs, paving and ceilings, with locations and approximate widths.
Roof coverings, flashings, gutters and the roof space.
Wet areas, waterproofing and tiling, and signs of leaks, including moisture readings.
Windows, doors, joinery, finishes and general workmanship.
Site drainage, retaining walls and external works.
Work that appears incomplete or does not match the approved plans and specifications.

Where a structural engineer, plumber or other specialist is needed, this is stated in the report. Any material suspected of containing asbestos is noted for specialist assessment only. Inspector West does not test for or identify asbestos.

Common causes of cracking in brick walls, and when an engineer may be needed, are explained in Are Cracks in Brickwork a Problem?

What the report includes

A photographic record of each defect and its location.
A plain description of each defect and its likely cause.
Reference to relevant Australian Standards, the National Construction Code and the contract documents where applicable.
An indication of the rectification required and its priority.
Notes on areas that were not accessible and any specialist referrals.

Reports can be prepared with reference to Building and Energy’s guidelines for building complaint reports. Delivery timeframes depend on the scope and are confirmed with the quote.

The Building and Energy complaint process

In WA, homeowners can make a building service complaint to the Building Commissioner through Building and Energy. The usual steps are:

Raise the issues with the builder and keep records of all correspondence.
Give the builder written notice of the proposed complaint at least 14 days before lodging a formal complaint.
Lodge the complaint with Building and Energy. A building service complaint generally must be made within six years of the work being completed.

For most home owner complaints, Building and Energy arranges its own inspection at no cost to the parties, so a private report is not always needed to lodge a complaint. An independent report remains useful before a complaint, to set out the defects clearly in the notice and in negotiations with the builder, and for matters Building and Energy does not inspect itself, such as high-rise work. Tribunal attendance and expert witness engagements are available by arrangement.

Why Inspector West

Reports are prepared by a WA registered building contractor (BC13603) and building practitioner (BP13603), registered since 2011, with more than 33 years of building experience.
Findings are impartial and factual, describing what was observed and why it matters.
Clear photographic reports are easy for builders, insurers and assessors to follow.
Homeowners can speak with Brian directly to go through the findings.

Areas served and quotes

Defect and dispute reports are available across the Perth metropolitan area, from Joondalup to Mandurah and out to the hills, including Rockingham, Baldivis and Kwinana, and throughout Mandurah, Pinjarra and the Peel region. Regional areas, including Bunbury, are available by arrangement. See the Perth and Rockingham pages for local information, and the Services page for new home stage and handover inspections.

Every matter is different, so a fixed quote is provided before work begins, based on the number of issues, the size of the property and the report format required. Call 1300 080 554 or 0409 280 488, email brian@inspectorwest.com.au, or request a quote. Please have the building contract, plans and any correspondence with the builder or insurer ready.

Building defect report FAQs

Do I need a private report to lodge a complaint with Building and Energy?

Not always. For most home owner complaints, Building and Energy arranges its own inspection at no cost to the parties. A private report is still useful for setting out the defects clearly when giving notice to the builder and during negotiations.

What is a notice of proposed complaint?

It is written notice given to the builder at least 14 days before a formal complaint is lodged with the Building Commissioner. It sets out the complaint, the remedy sought and the evidence relied on, and gives the builder a chance to respond.

How long do I have to make a building complaint in WA?

A building service complaint generally must be made within six years of the work being completed. Acting early is recommended while the evidence is fresh.

Can you inspect my new home before handover?

Yes. A practical completion inspection before handover provides a written list of defects to raise with the builder while they are still on site.

Can you assess storm or insurance damage?

Yes. An independent report records the extent of the damage and whether it appears consistent with the reported event or with pre-existing deterioration or defects, which can assist in discussions with your insurer.

Do you attend the State Administrative Tribunal?

Tribunal attendance and expert witness engagements are available by arrangement. Any such engagement is discussed and quoted separately before work begins.