New Build Inspections: Catch Defects Before It’s Too Late

A New Home Doesn’t Mean a Perfect Home

Buying or building a brand-new home should be exciting. No wear and tear, no previous owners, no costly renovations—just a fresh start. But here’s what many new homeowners in Geelong discover too late: new homes aren’t always built to perfection.

Builders work to deadlines, subcontractors handle different parts of the project, and mistakes happen. If you don’t inspect before you settle, you could end up dealing with leaks, poor workmanship, or even major structural problems.

A new build inspection is your chance to catch defects before they become your problem. It’s the difference between moving into a home that’s truly ready—or spending months chasing the builder for repairs.

Why New Builds in Geelong Still Have Defects

Many buyers assume that because a home is brand new, it must be defect-free. The reality? Even well-respected builders make mistakes. With new developments booming in areas like Curlewis, Lovely Banks, and Bannockburn, construction teams are under pressure to finish homes quickly—sometimes at the expense of quality assurance.

Here’s why new builds often have defects:

• Speed Over Quality – Tight deadlines mean corners get cut.
• Multiple Trades, No Final Check – Different subcontractors handle each stage, but no one ensures everything is completed properly.
• Minimum Compliance Doesn’t Equal High Standards – Just because a house passes a basic compliance check doesn’t mean it’s well-built.

A new build inspection before you settle ensures you’re not left dealing with the builder’s mistakes.

The Most Common Defects in New Builds

1. Structural Issues

• Slab cracks due to poor curing
• Load-bearing walls that aren’t aligned correctly
• Roof trusses not properly secured

2. Plumbing and Drainage Problems

• Water leaks in walls or under floors
• Poor stormwater drainage causing pooling around the foundation
• Incorrectly connected pipes leading to low water pressure

3. Electrical and Safety Compliance

• Power points installed incorrectly or missing where they should be
• Exposed wiring due to rushed electrical work
• Smoke alarms not installed to Australian Standards

4. Insulation and Energy Efficiency Issues

• Missing insulation in roof cavities
• Gaps around doors and windows reducing energy efficiency
• Poor ventilation leading to condensation and mold growth

5. Finishing Defects

• Uneven flooring or tiles not properly laid
• Poor paintwork with visible roller marks or drips
• Doors and windows that don’t open or close smoothly

Even small defects can become major problems over time—especially if they go unnoticed before you take ownership.

When to Get a New Build Inspection

Timing is critical for a new build inspection. If you wait until after you move in, you’ll have to chase the builder for fixes—and that can be an uphill battle.

The best times to book an inspection:

1. Pre-Handover Inspection (Before Final Payment)

• This is the most important check before settlement.
• Ensures all construction work is complete and meets standards.
• Allows you to document defects and have them fixed before you take ownership.

2. Post-Handover Inspection (Within the Builder’s Warranty Period)

• Many defects only become noticeable months after move-in.
• A second inspection within the 6-12 month warranty period ensures you catch issues before your builder is no longer responsible.

Case Studies: When New Build Inspections Prevented Costly Problems

Case Study 1: A Foundation Problem That Would Have Been Missed

A homebuyer in Bannockburn was ready to settle on their new home when an independent inspector found a crack running through the concrete slab. The builder had dismissed it as “normal movement,” but further inspection revealed that the slab hadn’t been cured properly. The buyer demanded repairs before settlement—saving them tens of thousands in future foundation repairs.

Case Study 2: A Leaking Shower That Could Have Led to Rot

A family in Lovely Banks moved into their home and noticed a damp smell in one of the bedrooms. Their post-handover inspection revealed waterproofing in the adjacent bathroom had been done incorrectly, allowing moisture to seep through the walls. Because they caught the issue within the builder’s warranty period, the builder had to redo the waterproofing at no cost to the homeowner.

Case Study 3: The Insulation That Was Never Installed

A buyer in Curlewis was struggling with high energy bills in their new home. An inspection found that insulation had never been installed in the ceiling, even though it was listed in the builder’s contract. The builder initially denied responsibility, but with an inspection report as proof, they were forced to fix the issue.

How to Choose the Right Inspector for a New Build

Not all building inspectors specialise in new homes. You need someone with experience identifying construction-specific defects, not just general wear and tear.

Look for:

• Independence – No ties to builders or developers.
• Experience with new builds – Not all inspectors focus on brand-new homes.
• Building defect reports – Clear documentation, photos, and recommendations.
• Quick turnaround – You need the report before final payment to act on it.

At Inspection Hub, we focus on new home inspections, ensuring every detail is checked before you settle.

Final Thoughts: A Small Step That Can Save You Thousands

A new home should be a fresh start—not a financial burden. Without an independent inspection, you risk moving into a home with defects that could cost you thousands in repairs down the line.

Key Takeaways:

• New builds can have hidden defects, even if they look perfect.
• Sign-offs don’t always focus on the builders quality assurance, only completion.
• A pre-handover inspection gives you leverage to have defects fixed before settlement.
• A post-handover inspection ensures no hidden issues go unnoticed before your warranty expires.

Before you sign off on your new home in Geelong, protect yourself from unexpected surprises. Book a new build inspection today and move in with confidence.