Understanding Defects in Your New Home

🏡 Understanding Defects in Your New Home

Non-Structural vs Structural – What to Look For (and How to Look)

As your new home settles in, you may notice things that seem off—cracks, marks, or small changes. Some of these may be normal, while others may be classified as defects under your warranty.

This guide helps you understand what a defect is, what you should include in your 12-month warranty list, and how to assess issues based on QBCC standards, especially when it comes to finishes and glancing light.

🧱 What Is a Defect?

A defect is any part of the building work that doesn't meet reasonable standards of quality, durability, or appearance based on the contract, plans, specifications, and the QBCC Standards and Tolerances Guide.

There are two types of defects:

• Non-structural (often cosmetic)

• Structural (affecting the building’s safety or stability)

🔍How to Assess a Defect: QBCC Viewpoint Guidelines

Before diving into the types of defects, it’s important to understand how QBCC recommends you assess finishes:

📏 Standard Viewing Distance:
Inspect surfaces from a distance of at least 1.5 metres under natural light, with the viewer standing normally (not crouching or using a flashlight at an angle).
Looking closer than this—or under artificial or glancing light—may show up imperfections that are not actually considered defects.

💡 Glancing Light:
Issues visible only in strong glancing light (like sunlight shining across a wall at sunset) are not considered defects unless also visible under normal viewing conditions.

🔧 Non-Structural Defects

These do not affect the safety or stability of the home, but may affect appearance or function.

Common examples include:

• Hairline cracks in plaster or cornice joins (especially as the home settles)

• Paint imperfections not visible from 1.5m in normal lighting (per QBCC guidelines)

• Grout pinholes or irregular tile edges only visible close-up or in glancing light

• Sticky doors or drawers, misaligned cabinetry

• Loose handles, wobbly fittings, or minor cosmetic damage

• Non-functioning power points or lights

• Silicone shrinkage or discolouration

🔍 Tip: Use the 1.5m rule when checking surfaces—many visible-from-up-close imperfections are not defects under QBCC standards.

🏗️ Structural Defects

Structural defects affect the integrity, safety or liveability of your home. These must be reported immediately.

Examples include:

• Cracks greater than 5mm in width in walls, ceilings or floors

• Slab heave or significant movement of foundations

• Roof sagging, bowing trusses, or leaks due to structural failure

• Water ingress from flashing or external envelope issues

• Significant frame movement causing warping of doors or windows

• Uneven floor levels that fall outside QBCC tolerances

• Severe tile cracking not caused by impact

🛑 If you notice anything that could be structural, contact us immediately. These issues are treated differently and usually require fast escalation.

📝 Preparing Your 12-Month List

Here’s how to assess and document what should go on your warranty request:

✅ Walk the home in natural daylight—use the 1.5m viewing rule.
✅ Ignore glancing light reflections—these do not indicate a defect.
✅ Photograph everything you report, even if minor.
✅ Group issues by room or category (e.g. paint, doors, tiles).
✅ Be clear, but realistic—some things may be maintenance, not warranty.

⚠️ Not Everything Is a Defect

Some imperfections fall into the realm of homeowner maintenance, especially after the first year. These include:

• Natural settlement cracks in cornices or along door frames

• Shrinkage gaps in cabinetry or trim

• Paint touch-ups required after picture hanging or furniture movement

• Mould caused by lack of ventilation or condensation

• Wear and tear from daily use

🏡 Remember: Homes are built by hand, not machines. Some level of variation is natural and expected.

📚 Want to Learn More?

You can read the QBCC Standards and Tolerances Guide here (2022 edition):
👉 https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/Standards_and_Tolerances_Guide_2022.pdf

🤝 Need Help?

If you're unsure whether something is a defect, just contact our Client Care team. We're happy to guide you through the process and ensure your home is performing as it should be.