Minor building defects should not be ignored, and here’s why
Major and minor defects can plague both old and new buildings alike. Therefore, always maintain caution regarding any sign of damage. This post will discuss the gravity of detecting and addressing minor defects in a building.
What’s the difference between a minor and a major building defect?
Simply put, major defects relate to structural damage and a failure to comply with Australia’s construction code. Examples of these include the following:
- Waterproofing defects
- Problems with the fire alarm system
- Cladding non-compliance
- Structural damage.
On the other hand, minor defects usually do not pose much of a threat. Many of these problems involve aesthetic nuisances that can accumulate within the premises. Some examples are:
- Small cracks
- Signs of corrosion
- Uneven or damaged outer finishes.
10 reasons why it’s crucial to detect minor defects in a building
Just because a building’s defects classify as minor doesn’t mean that they can be ignored. It’s crucial to always watch out for the presence of these defects for the following reasons:
1. Minor defects negatively impact aesthetics
One of the reasons to prioritise detecting minor defects is that they are just not pleasant to the eyes. These defects can significantly impact the aesthetics of a residential property or building, depending on the severity of the damage and always watch out for any damage before they escalate or accumulate.
2. Minor defects can still be detrimental to health or safety
Even though minor building defects are mostly just aesthetic flaws, there may be some cases when they can pose a bigger threat. For example, general building deterioration can lead to excessive dust production, negatively affecting human health.
Another example is the presence of asbestos in older buildings and homes. Superficial cracks or gouges in walls or ceilings can look innocent but may release asbestos. Note that asbestos was completely banned nationwide in 2003. This means that buildings older than that still have a chance to contain fixtures and parts that contain asbestos.
3. Even minor defects need prior planning to address
Minor defects are relatively easy to address. Usually, all it takes is a coat of paint or some cement. However, construction and renovation tasks still require plenty of planning. This is one of the main reasons minor damages can go unattended for extended periods. Many homeowners or building owners would much rather wait for multiple defects to surface before addressing them.
As was mentioned, putting off these repairs because of the hassle of planning is detrimental in the long run. Make sure to detect and fix these problems as soon as possible. Contact a licensed building inspector for help.
4. Minor building defects can be a sign of an underlying problem
The presence of negligible defects like cracks on the walls, chipped paint, or signs of corrosion, may indicate an even bigger problem. This is possibly one of the most important reasons for detecting defects as soon as possible. For example, thin cracks on the walls and ceilings are not usually a cause for concern. However, if these quickly reappear after being repaired, it may be a sign of a foundational problem with the building.
Another example is when there are signs of corrosion in metals. Usually, natural processes like rain or high humidity can cause corrosion and discolouration. However, gas leaks or pipe issues could cause the problem in more serious cases.
5. Minor defects can escalate into major ones
If left unattended, minor defects can further escalate and cause major damage to the building. For example, small cracks can become larger, warping may lead to structural defects, and normal wear and tear may get worse.
Prevent these from happening by always looking out for any defect in the area. Call a building inspector such as Exceptional Building Inspections before these damages become serious.
6. Minor defects can become harder to deal with later.
The difficulty of dealing with defects becomes exponentially higher the more serious the problems are. Since minor defects escalate as time passes, deal with these as soon as possible. Have these defects repaired while they are still easy to manage.
7. Minor defects are relatively less costly to fix
Aside from being easier to fix, minor defects tend to cost less to repair. This is still the case even if multiple small defects accumulate, so never let any minute damage escalate into more expensive, major defects.
8. Even minor defects can lower a property’s value
Those who are looking to sell their property must always watch out for any defects within the premises. Minor defects do not knock off as much value from the property as major defects do. However, multiple minor flaws can pile up and take a serious toll on the property’s market value. Avoid this as much as possible and be doubly on guard against defects when selling a home or building.
9. Buildings without defects are easier to sell
Aside from higher property values, ease of sale is another important consideration. Buildings without any defects at all are much easier to sell. Again, always be on the lookout for damage when selling property. Better yet, consult with a professional building inspector before showing the premises to interested buyers.
10. Detecting and fixing a minor defect gives peace of mind
As mentioned earlier, even small defects can pose a threat to safety. So, to help gain peace of mind, address all these defects as they pop up. The hassle of always constantly inspecting the building is worth it if the owner knows that safety is not compromised. There’s no cost steep enough or job tedious enough where safety is concerned.
A building inspection can highlight both minor and major defects
Some types of defects stand out and become immediately visible. However, it takes a trained eye to spot the more subtle defects. Therefore, a professional inspector’s experience is necessary to handle these cases. Hire a licensed building inspector to find these defects and help plan out repairs. At Exceptional Building Inspections we are more than qualified for the job! Call us on (02) 4950 4197 or 0412 188 199 to book an inspection as soon as possible. Alternatively, click here to send us an online message and we will get right back to you.