Top 10 Common Defects in New Build Homes and How to Address Them
Buying a new build home can be a dream come true, but even newly constructed properties aren’t immune to defects. One might assume that all builders act with virtue and aim to deliver perfect, but the harsh reality is somewhat different. With tight schedules and multiple trades working together, issues are inevitable. Spotting these defects early and addressing them is essential to avoid long-term problems and protect all of that money you’ve spent.
This list is in no way intending to suggest that you will encounter all - or even any - of these issues but, from experience, it’s a great rundown of areas to look out for.
Cracks in Walls and Ceilings
What to Look For: Hairline cracks in plaster or plasterboarded areas, particularly near doors, windows, or corners.
Why It Happens: Homes settle over time, and minor cracks are often a natural part of the process.
How to Address It: Most hairline cracks are cosmetic and can be filled and repainted during the warranty period. For larger cracks, report them to the builder immediately as they could indicate structural issues.
Poorly Fitted Doors and Windows
What to Look For: Doors and windows that don’t close properly, have gaps, or are difficult to operate.
Why It Happens: Misaligned frames or improper installation can cause functionality issues.
How to Address It: Ensure adjustments are made during your builder’s warranty period. Check seals to avoid heat loss or drafts.
Plumbing Leaks
What to Look For: Water stains on walls or ceilings, dripping taps, or dampness around sinks and toilets. In particular, check the overflow of bathtubs as this is quite often not connected correctly.
Why It Happens: Poorly connected pipes or fixtures during installation.
How to Address It: Report leaks immediately to prevent water damage. Check your plumbing during your walkthrough by running taps, flushing toilets, and inspecting under sinks.
Uneven Floors
What to Look For: Slopes, creaks, or gaps in flooring materials like wood, laminate, or tiles.
Why It Happens: Improper levelling during construction or poorly installed flooring materials.
How to Address It: Minor unevenness can sometimes be fixed with adjustments, but more significant issues may require the subfloor to be re-levelled.
Insufficient Insulation
What to Look For: Drafts, uneven room temperatures, or high energy bills.
Why It Happens: Insulation may have been improperly installed or missed in certain areas.
How to Address It: Use a thermal imaging tool to check for insulation gaps, which may require a professional with specific hardware. Builders are responsible for fixing these under warranty.
Electrical Issues
What to Look For: Non-functioning outlets, flickering lights, or misplaced switches.
Why It Happens: Wiring errors or incomplete electrical installations.
How to Address It: Test all outlets and switches during your walkthrough. Electrical issues can pose safety risks, so ensure the builder addresses these promptly.
“The average new build home has 157 reported defects. This has risen exponentially since 2005”
Defective Paintwork
What to Look For: Uneven paint coverage, brush strokes, or missed areas around edges and corners.
Why It Happens: Painting is often rushed during construction, especially in large-scale developments.
How to Address It: Highlight these areas to the builder and request touch-ups. Keep an eye out for mismatched paint shades between rooms.
Roofing Problems
What to Look For: Missing or loose tiles, poor gutter alignment, or water pooling.
Why It Happens: Roofing materials may not have been secured properly or gutters weren’t installed with enough slope for drainage.
How to Address It: Ensure the roof is inspected during your walkthrough. Ask the builder to fix any visible issues before completing the sale.
Heating and Ventilation Issues
What to Look For: Uneven heating, noisy systems, or inadequate ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens. Check all external weep vents to ensure they have been fitted correctly and aren’t just there for show.
Why It Happens: Incorrectly installed ducts or systems not tested before handover.
How to Address It: Test your heating system by running it. Ensure extractor fans work in high-moisture areas like bathrooms.
External Landscaping and Drainage
What to Look For: Pooling water, improperly graded soil, or missing turf and plants.
Why It Happens: Landscaping is often completed last, sometimes after homeowners move in.
How to Address It: Check drainage slopes and report any flooding or soil erosion. Confirm with your builder what landscaping elements are included in your purchase agreement.
Pro Tips for Managing Defects
Document Everything: Take detailed notes and photos of defects during your walkthrough.
Use a Snagging App: Tools like the Snaggit app make it easier to log and track issues for follow-up with your builder.
Know Your Warranty: Builders typically offer a 1-2 year warranty for defects, with extended coverage for structural issues.
Conclusion
Defects in new build homes are more common than many realise, but with careful inspection and clear communication with your builder, most issues can be resolved efficiently. Use this guide as your roadmap to ensure your home is in top condition, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your investment.
Remember, your new home should be a source of joy, not stress. Addressing these defects early will ensure it remains that way for years to come.
