Poor Finish/Gaps in Exterior Window Reveals
Poor Finish/Gaps in Exterior Window Reveals is a commonly-found finishes defect SURE inspectors have documented across 76 inspection reports. Highest concentration in Alkimos.
Causes
- Incomplete finishing.
- Inexperienced labor or lack of attention to detail during concrete work for recesses
- Substandard workmanship during light fixture installation or ceiling finishing
- Substandard workmanship during switch installation or wall finishing
- Inadequate installation of floor covering and omission of trim
Symptoms to look for
- Glazing bars do not extend to the full required length, leaving visible gaps or an unfinished appearance
- Irregular surfaces, incorrect levels, or rough edges within designated wet area recesses.
- Uneven texture, rough spots, or other flaws in the window reveal finish.
- Uneven or poorly aligned surfaces at wall lining and frame junctions.
- Rough, uneven, or poorly finished edges around the latch cut-out
Remedies
- Rectify levels and smooth finishes in wet area recesses to ensure proper application of waterproofing membranes and effective drainage.
- Builder to review the wall/floor tile junction in conjunction with overall tile set-out and alignment throughout the area
- Rectification works should be undertaken as required to achieve a neat, consistent, and acceptable standard of finish
- Builder to review the tile upstand and adjoining finishes in conjunction with surrounding floor and wall tiling
- Rectification works should be undertaken as required to achieve a consistent and acceptable standard of finish
Where we see this most
These suburbs show the highest concentration of poor finish/gaps in exterior window reveals in our inspection data (minimum five observations). Click a suburb to see its full defect profile.
Worth asking our inspector about this specifically.
This is common across Perth stock and usually fixable without drama, but the scope of the fix varies. Every SURE inspection includes 12 months of free advice. Call out the defect by name and we check for it directly.
Curated entries in Finishes
- Curated 1–3/5Common Cracks and Settlement in Pathways
Cracking and uneven settlement in concrete footpaths, driveways, and porch slabs is one of the most frequently observed external defects in Perth homes, present in 11.66% of all reports. Most findings are minor and reflect the expected behaviour of unreinforced concrete slabs on reactive soils, though tree-root intrusion and poor drainage can accelerate movement to a point where trip hazards develop.
- Curated 1–4/5Surface Rust on Pergola Frame
Surface oxidation on steel pergola frames is one of the more frequent cosmetic findings in Perth pre-purchase reports, appearing in 11.19% of all inspections. Left untreated, surface rust progresses through the coating into the base metal, eventually compromising the structural integrity of posts and beams. Early intervention with surface treatment is straightforward; through-corrosion is not.
- Curated 2–4/5Cracked Floor Tiles in Wet Areas
Cracked, loose, or drummy floor tiles in bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens. Allows moisture penetration to the substrate, potentially compromising waterproof membrane integrity and causing concealed water damage.
- Curated 1–3/5Damaged Eave Lining
Damage to the underside lining of the eaves - including cracking, holes, gaps at junctions, and poorly cut penetrations around downpipes - is recorded in 8.78% of all inspection reports. Beyond the cosmetic concern, openings in eave lining allow birds, possums, and insects to access the roof cavity and can accelerate timber deterioration where moisture also enters.
- Curated 1–3/5Eave Deterioration and Ageing
General weathering and paint breakdown on eave linings, timber rafter ends, and quad trim is one of the most common findings on Perth homes built before 2000. Left unattended, deteriorated eaves allow moisture into the roof perimeter, accelerating rot in rafter ends and creating conducive conditions for timber pests.
- Curated 1–3/5Defective Door Handles, Hinges, and Locks
Malfunctioning or worn door hardware including loose handles, squeaking hinges, misaligned latches, and non-functioning locks. High-frequency defect across all building eras, typically cosmetic but can affect security and fire egress.