Building defects: What are they and what should I do?

Building defects are a common cause of disputes between homeowners and building contractors. They can range from minor issues like small plasterboard cracks to expensive and potentially dangerous structural and waterproofing issues.

This article will discuss what building defects are and how to respond when they occur.

What is a defect?

The word defect is often used to mean two different things:

1. an observable problem with a building - for example: salts leaching through mortar joints and staining bricks; or
2. a failure by the building contractor to conduct works in accordance with the building contract - for example: a failure to install a waterproofing membrane in accordance with the plans.