Common Construction Defects Found in Melbourne Homes: A 2025

---

If you’re buying a home or building a new property in Melbourne, don’t assume everything is built to standard. Even brand new homes can contain costly and unsafe issues. As trusted building inspectors in Melbourne, we’ve seen it all—from termite damage in suburban homes to major structural defects in newly built properties.

This article is a deep dive into real construction defects found during our pre purchase building inspections in Melbourne throughout 2025. Whether you're a first home buyer, investor, or developer, these findings could save you thousands—and a whole lot of stress.

As part of our pre purchase building and pest inspections, DC Building Inspectors covers:

• Roofing, gutters, downpipes
   
• Foundations and footings
   
• Framing (timber or steel)
   
• Termite activity & conducive conditions
   
• Waterproofing and wet areas
   
• Decks, balconies, handrails
   
• Exterior drainage & grading
   

We follow Australian Standards AS 4349.1-2007 (building) and AS 4349.3-2010 (timber pests) for every inspection.

 Here are some real case studies from recent inspections conducted in suburbs like Werribee, Tarneit, Seaford, and Sunshine North. 

 Inspection Type: Frame Stage
Location: Bacchus Marsh
Defect: Bottom plates overhanging slab edge by more than 10mm
Risk: Poor structural support, termite entry
Compliance Reference: Fails VBA Standards and Tolerances Guide

➡️ This home was mid-construction, and the overhang created a risk for both movement and pest access. Our building inspector in Melbourne flagged it early to avoid future slab issues.

 Inspection Type: Frame Re-Inspection
Location:  Werribee
Defect: Termite barrier not installed between slab and wall frame
Risk: High risk of undetected termite entry
Standard Breach: AS 3660.1-2014

➡️ We found this defect in a brand new home—proving why a pest inspection is essential, even during construction.

 Inspection Type: Practical Completion
Location: Sunshine North
Defect: Missing waterproofing membrane behind showers
Risk: Mould growth, structural rot, major bathroom repairs
Reference: AS 3740-2021 Waterproofing Standard

➡️ Our moisture meter picked this up—hidden behind a beautifully tiled bathroom. A huge cost saved for the buyer! 

Inspection Type: Final Handover
Location: Tarneit
Defect: Loose or inadequately fixed balustrades
Risk: Fall hazard and builder liability
Action: Builder instructed to refix to meet safety standards

➡️ This is a common yet dangerous defect—especially in double-storey homes or townhouses.

 Inspection Type: Pre-Purchase Building and Pest Inspection
Location: 193 Seaford Road
Defect: Long horizontal cracks in external brickwork
Risk: Structural movement, water ingress
Cause: Inadequate wall articulation joints and subsidence

➡️ This would have gone unnoticed without a professional inspection. We saved the client from a $15,000 repair bill.

 Builders focus on construction. A building inspector works for YOU, the buyer.

At DC Building Inspectors, we:

• Spend 2–3 hours per site (most only spend 45 mins)
   
• Deliver same-day reports
   
• Include shower leak and moisture testing
   
• Are university-qualified and registered practitioners
   
• Support you after the inspection—at no extra cost
   

“We don’t rush through a checklist—we explain what the issue is, why it matters, and how it should be fixed.”
– David, Building Inspector, Melbourne

Do I need a pest inspection too?

Absolutely. A small upfront cost can prevent tens of thousands in hidden repairs.

Yes—especially in Melbourne suburbs with high termite activity like Werribee, Tarneit, and Seaford.

We cover all of Greater Melbourne, including:

• Tarneit
   
• Werribee
   
• Seaford
   
• Bacchus Marsh
   
• Sunshine North
  …and more.

  We make it easy:

👉 Book online here: https://dcinspect.com.au/online-bookings

or

📋 Let us book for you: https://form.jotform.com/223201200282031

✅ Same-day reports
✅ Real defect photos
✅ Affordable flat pricing

 Whether you’re buying your first home or investing in your fifth, don’t risk skipping an independent inspection. As our real 2025 case studies show, even new builds can hide dangerous or costly surprises. Book your inspection today and feel confident in your property decision.