How to know if the defect is urgent or minor

Whether it is during Practical Completion or in the after-sales period, Owners or tenants may find defects in the property that need to be fixed. But what constitutes an urgent defect compared to a minor defect? 

Urgent defects are anything that involves a health and safety issue, security issue or leads to loss of essential services, like water and flushing toilets, that are within our control. 

Minor defects are anything that cause a minor inconvenience, like loose fittings and specific items that should be checked for before the end of the defects period, such as cracks, split wood, loose kitchen drawers, decorating blemishes, etc. 

Pro tip: During Practical Completion, make sure you document and take photographs to record any minor defects that you discover during the inspection. Make sure both you and the builder (or your respective representatives) sign that document noting the defects. Ensure you include the agreed dates as to when the items will be fixed.

Practical Completion: 3 Key Items

The 3 Key items that need to be considered for Practical Completion are:

1.   Minor defects and omissions - these should be recorded on a signed defects document, signed by the Builder (or their representative) and the Client (or their representative). This document should formally acknowledge the times, issues and defects that have been agreed on, and also the defects where there is disagreement. 

2.    Contracted work completed properly. The contracted work needs to be completed in accordance with the Building Codes, Standards, relevant laws, and contract documentation.

3.    Certificates. Some contracts require provision of all inspection certificates, collection of all the necessary Form 16s, and the final inspection certificate known as Form 21. 

These key items are often a condition for the final payment from the Owner. 

Once Practical Completion has been reached and the final payment has been made, all the relevant files are provided to the Owner at handover.

inndox can help you manage your handover and provide the next level of service - a digital handover in a convenient app that helps Owners manage and maintain their biggest asset.