Statutory Warranty Defect Inspection
An independent building report documenting defects while statutory warranty periods still apply.
Who this report is for
Owners of a home built or substantially renovated within the statutory warranty period who have found defects and need them documented independently.
When to order it
As soon as you become aware of a defect. Statutory warranty periods in NSW are limited and differ for major and non-major defects, so the value of this report falls sharply once a period has expired. Confirm your dates with NSW Fair Trading or a solicitor.
What is inspected
- Inspection and documentation of each defect you have identified
- Identification of related defects you have not yet noticed
- A description of the likely cause of each defect, based on the physical evidence
- An assessment of whether each defect appears major or non-major in character
- Photographic evidence, and thermal or moisture evidence where the defect involves water
- A written report suitable for putting to the builder, the insurer or your solicitor
What you receive
- An independent written report on each defect, with cause and evidence
- Photographs, and moisture or thermal imaging where relevant
- Findings set out clearly enough to be relied on in correspondence
- A discussion with the inspector about what the evidence does and does not support
Important exclusions and limitations
Publishing this is unusual. It should not be — you should know where the gaps are before you rely on the document.
- This is building evidence, not legal advice. Whether a defect is covered, and by which warranty period, is a legal question — take the report to a solicitor or NSW Fair Trading.
- It does not guarantee any outcome from the builder, the insurer or a tribunal.
- It is not an expert witness report unless that is separately scoped and agreed.
- Structural certification requires an engineer, and the report says so where that applies.
Technology and equipment used
- Professional FLIR thermal imaging
- Moisture measurement and mapping
- FPV micro-drone access where safe and permitted
Thermal imaging identifies temperature anomalies and supports professional interpretation; it is not proof of a hidden defect on its own. Drone use depends on weather, airspace, privacy and site conditions and supplements physical inspection rather than guaranteeing complete coverage.
Turnaround
Need it fast? An urgent report is delivered within 6 hours of the inspection when you ask for one at the time of booking. Standard turnaround is confirmed in writing with your booking, before the inspection takes place.
Pricing
The guide price for this report starts at $445 (inc GST) for a standard job of this type. The confirmed figure is subject to travel distance and job complexity, and also depends on the property type and size, access, the scope of the report, urgency and any specialist equipment or testing required. You receive a confirmed price and a written scope before anything is booked.
- Property type and size
- Location and travel
- Access to the areas that need inspecting
- The scope of the report
- Complexity, and how many concerns are involved
- Urgency
- Any specialist equipment or testing required
Service areas
This report is available across Sydney, The Illawarra, Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven. Outside these areas, call 1300 140 579 and ask — travel is often workable.
Questions
Questions about this report
How long do I have?
NSW sets different statutory warranty periods for major and non-major defects, running from completion. The periods are short enough that delay genuinely costs people their claim. Confirm your exact position with NSW Fair Trading or a solicitor, and book the inspection while you do.
Will this report win my case?
No report can promise that. What it does is put independent, photographed, physically-reasoned building evidence in front of whoever decides — which is a materially stronger position than a description over the phone.
The builder says it is normal settlement.
Sometimes that is true. The report addresses it directly: what the crack pattern, width, location and progression actually indicate, and whether it is consistent with ordinary movement or with something structural.
Will the report say whether an engineer is needed?
Yes. Where a finding needs calculation, certification or specialist investigation — structural movement, slab performance, geotechnical questions — the report says so, explains what has been observed and what the further investigation is for, rather than reaching a conclusion the inspection cannot support.
Request a report
Tell us the property and the problem
You will get a confirmed price and a written scope before anything is booked. No deposit is taken to answer a question.
Would rather just talk it through?
1300 140 579Describe the property and the concern. You will get a straight answer about which report fits, including when the answer is that you do not need one.
- NSW Licensed Builder
- Professional Indemnity Insured
- $20 Million Public Liability Insurance
- More than 20 years of hands-on building experience
- Independent — the report is written for you
Enquiry received.
Thank you — your request has been sent and you will get a reply with availability, scope and cost.
If you are working to an auction or a cooling-off deadline and need an answer quickly, call 1300 140 579.