Pakenham East Building
Inspections

Defect Investigation Reports in Pakenham East

When something has failed and the argument is about why, the report has to answer that question in writing.

  • One element examined properly
  • Measured against the engineering
  • Cause stated, not implied
  • Photographed in sequence
  • Written for both sides to read
  • Suitable for a dispute file
  • Engineer referral where needed
  • Two to four business days
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What is included

What is included in a Pakenham East defect investigation report

A defect investigation is assessed against the approved drawings and engineering for the property, the National Construction Code, the Victorian Guide to Standards and Tolerances 2015 and the relevant Australian Standard for the element in question.

Cracks measured

  • Gauge width and run length
  • Category assigned
  • Plaster, brick or slab
  • Repaired cracks reopening

Movement checks

  • Floor levels taken
  • Door and window racking
  • Cornices pulling away

Leaks from wet areas

  • Failed waterproofing signs
  • Cracked grout and loose tiles
  • Damp skirting next door

Water from the roof

  • Flashings around flues
  • Gutter overflow inside
  • Water stained ceilings
  • Sarking under the tiles

Finding the water

  • Meter readings mapped
  • Thermal camera images
  • Damp course bridged

Outside skin of the house

  • Window head flashings
  • Cladding junctions
  • Render meeting brick

Drainage on the lot

  • Pipes joined to stormwater
  • Water held at the footings
  • Fill against walls

Paperwork review

  • Approved drawings
  • Engineering for the lot
  • Contract and variations
  • Defect liability timing

Next step

  • Plain English repair scope
  • Letter to the builder
  • Lodging with BPC
  • Expert witness report

31 checkpoints across 9 areas on a standard Pakenham East defect investigation report. On a site still under construction we need the lot open and the builder told we are coming. Where a stage is not yet complete we say so in the report rather than pass it.

Sample findings

Sample findings from a defect investigation near Pakenham East

Four elements of one failing balcony structure, recorded on an investigation in Officer.

Damage to balcony balustrades, recorded on a defect investigation in Officer
Balustrade damage on an external balcony
Damaged structural flooring to an external balcony, recorded on a defect investigation in Officer
Structural flooring deteriorated underfoot
Damaged sections of limestone masonry, recorded on a defect investigation in Officer
Limestone masonry breaking down in sections
Damaged structural beams supporting a balcony, recorded on a defect investigation in Officer
Structural beams damaged beneath the deck
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Why Pakenham East owners choose us

Independent. Licensed. Insured.

  • A precinct still under construction
  • Booked around the pour
  • Written for a builder to action
  • One inspector, all seven stages
Guides

Defect Investigation Reports guides for Pakenham East

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FAQ

Defect Investigation Reports in Pakenham East: common questions

How is this different from a general defect report?

A defect report lists many items across a whole house. An investigation takes one failure and establishes what caused it, which is what you need when the builder disputes responsibility rather than the existence of the problem.

Can it be used at the tribunal?

It is written so it could be, but a tribunal expects an expert witness report drawn to its practice note, which is a separate document we prepare. Many disputes never get that far, because a clear investigation report settles them earlier.

Do you certify the repair?

No. We record what failed and against what requirement. Where the remedy needs structural design, that is an engineer's certificate, and the report says so rather than guessing at it.

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