What Is Defective Work?
Defective work (also called defective building work) is any building or trade work that does not meet the required standard. This standard is determined by the building contract specifications, the National Construction Code (NCC), relevant Australian Standards, and the general expectation of reasonable workmanship. Defective work can range from cosmetic issues (uneven paint, misaligned tiles) to serious structural problems (cracking foundations, inadequate waterproofing).
Common Examples
Defective work is one of the most common sources of building disputes in Australia. Common examples include:
- Structural defects — cracking walls, uneven floors, roof leaks, inadequate footings
- Waterproofing failures — leaking showers, balconies, or basements
- Non-compliant work — electrical installations that do not meet AS/NZS 3000, plumbing that fails to meet AS/NZS 3500
- Finish defects — poorly fitted cabinetry, uneven tiling, paint defects, gaps in joinery
- Incomplete work — missing items that were included in the contract
What to Do About Defective Work
If you discover defective work:
- Document everything — take dated photos and videos of the defects
- Notify in writing — send a written notice to the builder describing each defect and requesting rectification within a reasonable timeframe
- Allow reasonable access — the builder has a right to inspect and rectify the defects
- Escalate if needed — lodge a complaint with the state licensing body if the builder fails to respond or refuses to rectify
- Seek independent assessment — engage an independent building inspector if the defects are disputed
State Complaint Bodies
| State/Territory | Where to Complain |
|---|---|
| QLD | QBCC |
| NSW | NSW Fair Trading |
| VIC | Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria / VBA |
| WA | DMIRS Building and Energy |
| SA | Consumer and Business Services |
How It Relates to Licence Verification
Licensed builders are legally accountable for defective work and can face disciplinary action from their licensing body, including licence suspension or cancellation. If you hire an unlicensed tradesperson, you lose access to the regulatory complaints process and may need to pursue costly court action instead. Verify your tradie’s licence through TradieVerify before work begins to ensure you have access to the full range of consumer protections.