Building defects library
The building defects library lists the most common building defects for Certifiers, Councils and other relevant industry members. By making these available in one place it will help quicken the drafting of formal communication to rectify defects.
Key information
- Through our building audits it became apparent that a small selection of defect types was responsible for a large proportion of the defects we’re finding. This guide has the most common defects from our building site audits and the relevant standards they are not compliant with.
- The guide is intended to help you draft formal communications (for example, a Written Direction Notice) regarding common defects.
- For each defect shown, the guide includes the relevant Building Code of Australia (BCA) standard(s) or Australian Standard(s).
What is the Building Defects Library?
The Building Defects Library is used by building professionals with a working knowledge of the National Construction Code (NCC), the Australian Standards and general construction.
We have included a selection of common defects we are finding in our building site audits. We have grouped the defects together with the relevant NCC and Australian Standards. It is intended to help building professionals draft formal communications more quickly as all the references can be found in the library.
How to use the library?
The Library is split into the five building elements as defined in the Design and Building Practitioner (DBP) Act. These elements are:
- Waterproofing
- Fire Safety
- Structure
- Building Enclosure
- Services
Within each building element are the individual defects, and in each defect there is a reference to the applicable NCC and/or applicable standards. Some defects have an additional information section to provide commentary or further information. The Library is written in such a way that the contents of each defect can be read in isolation.
When writing formal communications in relation to a building you have inspected, consider using this as a tool to help you identify the defect you have seen and the relevant standards it needs to comply with to be rectified in a compliant manner.
Download the Building defects library
![Building defects library cover, two staff in high-vis clothing having a discussion in front of an apartment construction site](/sites/default/files/styles/_small/public/2024-06/building-defects-library-cover.png?itok=-g_XBWDs)
Download the library for a quick reference to common defects and the relevant standards that apply to them.
Download the library (PDF 1.03MB)
Providing feedback
You can submit feedback to us via certifierstrategy@customerservice.nsw.gov.au.