Every defect we've ever found, searchable and free.
A decade of anonymised inspection reports, structured by category, era, material and severity. Cited against Australian Standards where applicable.
manually refreshed
Twelve domains. Real inspection patterns.
Structural
Load-bearing failure, slab heave, framing defects, lintel cracking.
Moisture
Rising damp, condensation, leaks, water ingress through envelope.
Termite
Active colonies, conducive conditions, prior damage, treatment gaps.
Electrical
Switchboard non-compliance, RCD gaps, ageing wiring, exposed cabling.
Plumbing
Pipe leaks, fixture failure, hot-water defects, drainage backflow.
Roofing
End-of-life tiles, flashing failure, gutter capacity, sarking absence.
Drainage
Stormwater discharge towards building, soakwell capacity, surface fall.
Fire safety
Smoke alarm coverage, hardwiring, separation walls, exit paths.
Asbestos
Suspected ACM in eaves, fences, internal sheeting, vinyl backings.
Soil & foundation
Reactive clays, footing inadequacy, retaining wall failure, subsidence.
Compliance
BCA / NCC departures, balustrade height, glazing, pool fencing.
Finishes
Paint, render, tiling, hardware, joinery, cosmetic surface defects.
The defects worth knowing first.
- Entry № 001 · Compliance
Climbable Horizontal Members or Excessive Gaps in Balustrade
I inspected a balustrade on a deck, balcony, or stair with a drop greater than 1m and found horizontal rails, lattice, or decorative infill a child could foothold, or I measured gaps between vertical members wider than 125mm. When I test the lower portion with a sphere gauge I find climbable surfaces in the zone 150-760mm above finished floor. Reference: NCC 3.9.2.5 (non-climbable zone in effect since 1996). I see this on both post-1996 builds and older homes that were rebalustraded without the rule being considered.
Severity Critical · 4–5/5Era 1970–2000, 2000–2015, post–2015Source standard - Entry № 002 · Moisture
Bath Hob and Surround Missing Waterproof Membrane
I inspected the bath hob, step-down, and vertical wall returns and could not confirm a continuous waterproof membrane behind the tiling. Reference: AS 3740. In my experience overspray and splash then tracks into the sub-tile substrate over time. I see this most on renovations completed before the post-2004 tightening, and still on recent unlicensed work.
Severity Critical · 3–5/5Era pre–1970, 1970–2000Source standard - Entry № 003 · Termite
Concealed Slab Edge
The slab edge is hidden from view by paving, soil, garden beds, or render, preventing visual inspection of the most likely termite entry point on a modern brick-veneer home. AS 3660.1 and the termite-management standard both require a minimum 75mm of exposed slab edge at every external wall so an inspector can see whether termites have bridged between the soil and the wall framing.
Severity Critical · 2–5/5Era 2000–plus, 1970–2000Source real - Entry № 004 · Structural
Concrete Slab Cracking and Heave
Cracking in concrete ground floor slabs caused by reactive soil heave, shrinkage, or inadequate reinforcement. Common in Perth sandy soils and Sydney clay soils with seasonal moisture variation.
Severity Critical · 2–5/5Era 1970–2000, 2000–presentSource real - Entry № 005 · Structural
Cracking in Load-Bearing Masonry Wall
Diagonal or stepped cracking in load-bearing masonry walls indicating differential settlement or foundation movement, commonly found in older Perth and Sydney homes on reactive clay soils.
Severity Critical · 3–5/5Era pre–1970, 1970–2000Source real - Entry № 006 · Electrical
Exposed Electrical Wiring in Accessible Area
Electrical wiring not properly enclosed in conduit or behind wall linings in areas accessible to occupants, including subfloor spaces, garages, and laundries. Presents shock hazard and does not comply with AS/NZS 3000 wiring rules.
Severity Critical · 3–5/5Era pre–1970, 1970–2000Source real
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