What counts as defective work
Defective work includes building work that is not carried out with due care and skill, does not comply with the contract, plans or specifications, breaches the Building Code of Australia or relevant standards, or uses unsuitable materials. Common examples include waterproofing failures, structural defects, water ingress, and non-compliant fire safety work.
Your remedies
Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to have the work rectified, recover the cost of rectification, or claim damages. The right strategy depends on the contract, the nature of the defect, who is responsible, and the applicable time limits.
Evidence and experts
Defect claims usually turn on expert evidence. We work with building consultants and other experts to document defects properly and build a claim that stands up in negotiation, adjudication or proceedings.
How we can help
- Identifying and documenting building defects
- Rectification demands and cost recovery
- Damages claims for defective work
- Non-compliance with the Building Code and standards
- Engaging and managing expert evidence
- Defect disputes in NCAT and the courts