What should a homeowner reasonably expect when an independent building inspector identifies defects?
Defects can arise during construction. For us, the more significant issue has been what happens after they are identified.
On 4 September 2026, our independent roof-frame inspection identified three issues requiring action on our New Choice Homes build.
More than a month later:
• One issue is only partially resolved. A relatively straightforward issue involving supports for future ceiling fans took more than three weeks and significant follow-up to progress. During that process, we were told that struts had been removed and, incorrectly, that the fans were no longer being installed. We were later told the battens had not been removed and were complete. We have repeatedly sought clarification about what struts were removed, how many, why they were removed and whether their removal affects the roof. Those questions remain unanswered.
• The porch beam connection was resolved on 7 October — 33 days after the inspection.
• The third issue remains unresolved. Two additional pitching plates were installed using nails only. The inspector identified that an appropriate fixing method needs to be determined and the work rectified.
We also identified a separate, very visible issue ourselves: gaps in the roof Anticon foil.
After raising it, we were advised that the issue had been rectified and invited to inspect it.
We attended the site four days later.
Visible gaps remained.
For us, this raises a fairly basic question about defect management during residential construction.
Once an independent professional has identified a defect, should a homeowner reasonably expect:
• clear acknowledgement of the issue
• appropriate technical advice where required
• rectification within a reasonable timeframe
• accurate information about what has been done
• confirmation that the issue has actually been resolved?
That does not seem an unreasonable standard.
The detailed chronology, inspection findings and current status of the issues are available on our defects register.