Structural Defects In Logan
Structural defects can pose a very serious safety risk for your Logan property
Whether you're a homeowner, landlord or renter, you need to know about this issue. In this blog, we will define structural defects, look at their causes, provide examples and explain how to address them.
What are stuctural defects?
The Australian Standard for building inspections defines a structural defect as being “a fault or deviation from the intended structural performance of a building element.”
However, they are not all created equal.
Australians Standards make a distinction between major and minor defects.
Major defects are “of sufficient magnitude where rectification has to be carried out in order to avoid unsafe conditions, loss of utility or further deterioration of the property.”
Minor defects are defects where rectification does not need to be carried out.
The causes of structural defects
The causes of structural defects vary.
However, common factors that often lead to structural defects include poor workmanship in the building process, lack of protection from moisture or if the home is built on unstable ground.
Certain types of ground, like sand or reactive soil, are too unstable and move beneath the foundations of a structure.
The movement of the ground causes the house to shift in an uneven way, resulting in damage and defects.
Examples of structural defects
Examples of major structural defects include loose balustrades and rails, termite damage found in walls, unstable treads on steps as well as excessive rust in the roofing and gutters.
These major defects present safety issues that threaten the safety of residents and visitors.
Examples of minor structural defects include paint flaking, debris in the gutter, impact damage to interior walls, lino deterioration and ceiling stains.
These present no immediate danger to residents or visitors.
What to do if your Logan home has structural defects
If you suspect your home has structural defects, you should consult with a qualified building inspector.
A qualified building inspector will make a comprehensive visual inspection of your property, making note of any defects they see.
After completing the inspection, they will give you a report.
This report will have a building defects list that outlines defects as either major or minor.
It will act as a guide for you as you move forward.
How to address structural defects
Once you read your building report, you will know exactly what defects need to be addressed.
You should hire a builder to fix all major defects. Failure to do this leaves your home with dangerous hazards.
For minor defects, immediate action is not as necessary. However, you should keep an eye on these minor issues to ensure they do not become major issues.
Book an annual appointment with a building inspector for the best possible monitoring of minor and major defects.
Hiring a building inspector in Logan
When hiring a building inspector in Logan, you want to ensure that you hire an inspector with local history, local knowledge, and a proven track record of success.
Furthermore, research any inspector you consider hiring. Their website can tell you vital information about them.
Look up reviews of this inspector. A good business will have many 4/5 star reviews.
Next, give them a call. Speak to the staff, ask about their qualifications and get a sense of their professionalism.
Make sure to repeat these steps multiple times with different inspectors. By comparing different businesses, you will be able to choose the best option.
Contact us today
Dedant offers high quality, value for money inspections. With over 10 years of experience and consistent 5-star reviews, we are a local family owned business you can trust.
For your Logan building and pest inspection or building inspection, contact us on 07 3807 0122 or via our website.
