Understanding the difference between a major vs a minor defect matters whether you are buying, selling or living in a property. Your building may not meet the current standard because there may be a major defect, or there may be a minor defect. Building inspectors can identify when there is either a major or a minor defect, and their report may list some of these items for you to consider before making a decision.
Defining Major Defect
Major defect is also defined, such that these days it would include ‘any defect which, in the reasonable opinion of the professional receiving the report, is likely to present a risk of serious injury to one or more of the building’s occupants or a risk of a substantial part of the building collapsing on itself.
Categorising Building Defects
Defects to a building are either major or minor. It is very important to make immediate repairs to major defects. Building defects are put into two categories: major and minor defects. A major defect must be repaired immediately because they are more critical. A minor defect in a building report refers to a fault or deficiency that does not compromise the structural integrity or safety of the building and is typically repairable with routine maintenance. These defects are generally cosmetic or superficial issues that can be easily addressed without significant expense or effort. Minor defects do not pose any immediate risk to the occupants or the overall functionality of the building.
Evaluating Major Building Elements
Major building elements are the elements that are absolutely crucial to the structural integrity of the building. This includes items such as the foundations, roof, beams and floors. If a defect falls into any of these categories, then it is deemed to be major. For example, a small crack that appears in the ceiling is something of concern but would not be as serious as the crack that extends into the beams, which is, in fact, a major defect.
Examples of Major Defects:
• Foundation Problems:
• Significant cracks in the foundation.
• Uneven or sinking foundation.
• Severe dampness or water penetration in the foundation.
• Structural Cracks:
• Large cracks in load-bearing walls.
• Cracks in beams or columns.
• Cracks extending from walls to ceilings, indicating possible structural issues.
• Roof Damage:
• Sagging or collapsing roof structures.
• Severe leaks causing water damage to structural elements.
• Damaged or missing roof trusses.
• Waterproofing Failures:
• Extensive water penetration leading to structural damage.
• Failed or missing waterproofing membranes in critical areas.
• Persistent and severe dampness or mould affecting structural elements.
• Fire Safety Issues:
• Faulty or inadequate fire safety systems.
• Lack of proper fireproofing in structural components.
• Defective or missing fire exits and alarms.
• Severe Corrosion:
• Extensive rust and corrosion on structural steel elements.
• Corrosion leading to the weakening of structural components.
• Defective Building Materials:
• Use of substandard materials that compromise the building’s structural integrity.
• Materials that do not comply with the National Construction Code (NCC) requirements.
• Inadequate Load-Bearing Capacity:
• Floors or walls that cannot support the intended load.
• Structural components that are not designed to handle the expected stress and strain.
• Significant Subsidence or Settlement:
• Major settling or shifting of the building structure.
• Visible tilting or sinking of the building.
• Plumbing and Electrical Failures:
• Major leaks or burst pipes causing structural damage.
• Faulty electrical wiring posing fire hazards.
Identifying the Root Cause
If a defect impacts one of the major building elements, the next question is what actually caused it. Major defects in domestic buildings might include:
Defective Design: Inadequate design can lead to significant structural issues.
Faulty Workmanship: Poor construction practices can cause major defects.
Substandard Materials: Using inferior materials can compromise the building’s safety.
Non-compliance with the NCC: Failure to meet code requirements can result in major defects.
If any of these defects are the cause, the hazard posed to inhabitants of the building is very high, and the likelihood of progressive collapse is high.
Identifying Minor Defects
A minor defect in a building report refers to a fault or deficiency that does not compromise the structural integrity or safety of the building and is typically repairable with routine maintenance. These defects are generally cosmetic or superficial issues that can be easily addressed without significant expense or effort. Minor defects do not pose any immediate risk to the occupants or the overall functionality of the building.
Examples of Minor Defects:
• Paint Weathering: Faded or chipped paint.
• Blemishes and Dents: Small cosmetic damages to walls or surfaces.
• Metal Corrosion: Rust on non-structural metal elements.
• Cracks: Minor cracks in walls, ceilings, or floors that do not affect the structural stability.
• Uneven Finishes: Slight imperfections in plastering or other finishes.
Minor defects are often referred to as ‘maintenance defects’ because they can be resolved through standard maintenance practices. These issues are noted in building reports to inform the property owner or buyer of areas that may need attention but do not require urgent or significant repair work.
Regular building inspections can ensure the property is still safe to live in and that all maintenance is done in compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. It is important to have your property inspected from top to bottom to ensure everything is as it should be and to detect any issues that may have gone unnoticed.
Benefits of Regular Inspections:
Early Detection: Identifies issues before they become major problems.
Cost Savings: Prevents expensive repairs by addressing defects early.
Safety Assurance: Ensures the building is safe for occupants.
Compliance: Confirms the building meets all regulatory standards.
To ensure your home or property meets all regulatory standards and is free from any issues, contact Coastal Building Inspections. Our team provides comprehensive, easy-to-read building and pest reports that clearly outline any detected issues. We also offer guidance on the necessary steps to address and resolve these concerns, ensuring your property remains safe and compliant.
