If you are building a new home or a major extension, often you cannot wait to move in and begin enjoying it. However, before you move in, you need to make sure that all work has been done satisfactorily and this is where a building completion/defect report comes into play. Here is some more information.

What is a Building Completion/Defect Report?

A building completion/defect report is a report that you obtain once your new home or property has been built and completed. It can also be used on major additions or extensions to a building. It should also be done before the building is occupied, so that any cosmetic damage cannot be blamed on the occupant. This report outlines all of the defects and illegal or unacceptable building practices that are found in the new property as well as any incomplete work.

You should obtain this report within three months of the completion of your property and give it to the builders so that they may begin the process of rectifying the defects or finishing off any uncompleted tasks. After three months (or more accurately 13 weeks), the standard builder’s warranty liability period will expire and they will no longer be responsible.

Obtaining a Building Completion/Defect Report

If you need a building completion/defect report, you will have to engage the services of a qualified, licensed, and insured building consultant or inspector. These professionals are independent and as such will provide you with an unbiased report. The report will outline all of the cosmetic defects as well as more serious defects that may be present in the new construction in language that is easy to understand.