VG Inspect finds hundreds of defects per month across new homes in SEQ. The majority are straightforward to fix before handover — a paint touch-up, an adjustment to a door hinge, a missing grout joint. But some defects, if not caught before you sign the handover certificate, become extremely expensive rectification projects.
Here are the 10 most costly new home defects to fix after handover — based on real rectification costs across Queensland.
1. Non-Compliant Waterproofing After Tiling ($5,000 to $15,000)
Shower membrane height non-compliance found before tiling: zero cost to fix. Found after tiling: full tile removal, substrate replacement, membrane reinstallation, re-tiling. One shower: $5,000 to $8,000. Multiple wet areas: $15,000 and beyond.
2. Missing Wall Bracing After Plasterboard ($8,000 to $25,000)
Missing structural bracing found at frame stage: straightforward correction. Found after plasterboard installation: opening up walls, installing bracing, repairing plasterboard, repainting. A single missing brace: $3,000 to $5,000. Multiple non-compliant walls: significantly more.
3. Termite Barrier Gap After Concrete Pour ($3,000 to $12,000)
Termite management system gap found at pre-pour: simple rectification. Found after the slab is poured: excavation, partial slab removal or chemical supplementary treatment, reinstatement. Costs vary widely but never cheap.
Ready to book your inspection? A VG Inspect QBCC-licensed inspector attends every job.
Book an Inspection4. Site Drainage Directing Water Toward the Building ($4,000 to $20,000)
Drainage fall toward the building found at PCI: ground regrading at the builder's cost. Found after settlement: excavation, drainage system installation, landscaping reinstatement. On a sloping lot with significant cut and fill, this can be an expensive engineering project.
5. Incorrect Roof Fixing in Wind Regions ($6,000 to $20,000)
Roof fixing deficiency found at frame or PCI: rectification at the builder's cost. Found after a major wind event: insurance claim, repairs, potential disputes. Preventing it: included in the PCI.
6. Driveway Control Joint Failure ($3,000 to $8,000)
Missing driveway control joints found at slab stage: zero cost. Found after the concrete cracks uncontrollably: driveway demolition and replacement. A standard driveway: $3,000 to $8,000.
Ready to book your inspection? A VG Inspect QBCC-licensed inspector attends every job.
Book an Inspection7. Footing or Slab Non-Compliance (Variable — Potentially Very High)
Slab non-compliance found at pre-pour: correction before the pour. Found after: engineering assessment, potential underpinning, partial demolition in severe cases. Costs are highly variable but can reach six figures in serious cases.
8. Incomplete or Incorrect Electrical Work ($2,000 to $8,000)
Missing safety switches, incorrect circuit protection, or unlicensed electrical work found at PCI: rectification at the builder's cost. Found after settlement and insurance claim: costs may not be covered depending on the nature of the fault.
9. Plumbing Defects Causing Water Damage (Variable)
Plumbing defects — incorrect fall on drainage lines, incomplete connection, substandard jointing — found at inspection: builder rectification. Found after water damage occurs: insurance claim, reinstatement costs, mould remediation.
Ready to book your inspection? A VG Inspect QBCC-licensed inspector attends every job.
Book an Inspection10. Missing or Incorrect Contract Items (Variable)
Items specified in your contract but not delivered — appliances, tiles, fencing, landscaping — are straightforward to require before handover. After signing, they become disputes. Some are simple to resolve. Others require legal action.
Book your inspection before handover. QBCC licence 1318443.