The best way to identify minor and major structural defects in a property is to get an inspection completed by a professional building inspector.
A building inspection can help assure you that you’re putting your money in the right place and give you peace of mind that there are no safety issues to worry about.
It will effectively assist you in identifying any major or minor defects in the building, and whether or not it will be worth your while.
Key Takeaways
- A building inspection helps identify both minor and major structural defects before you buy a property, ensuring your investment is safe.
- Major defects affect the structural integrity of the home and can lead to collapse or major safety issues.
- Minor defects are cosmetic or functional imperfections that don’t compromise safety but should still be noted for maintenance.
- Common structural issues include cracks, uneven floors, warped ceilings, crumbling concrete, and termite damage.
- Always have a qualified building inspector assess your property to avoid costly surprises and ensure compliance with building standards.
Building defects need to be found before you purchase
It’s hard to find a property without any defects. Often, there are cosmetic imperfections that arise in any home that’s been lived in!
These things can be easily rectified however when more significant defects arise, it’s important to know whether they too can be easily repaired, if the damage is extensive or whether the structural integrity of the property is in question.
Below we explain the difference between a structural defect, major defect and minor defect, and how to identify them.
What is a structural defect?
Structural defects are defined as “a fault or deviation from the intended structural performance of a building element.”
These defects are classified as ‘minor’ or ‘major’ defects and can include anything from cracks and wall dents, to more serious electrical or gas issues.
To help you identify minor and major structural defects at your property, below are some of the most commonly found defects in Australian homes.
What is a major structural defect?
A major defect is damage or inconsistency in any of the major components or a major elements of a building.
It is likely to render a facility unusable for its intended purpose, and can even cause destruction or collapse of all or some part of the building.
The defect can result from a defective design, faulty construction, and materials or failure to comply with the National Construction Code.
What are the major structural elements of a building?
A building’s major elements are load-bearing components such as:
- foundations
- footings
- floors
- walls
- beams
- joints
- pads
- load-bearing floor slab
- piles
- braces
- rafters
- plates
- columns
- roof trusses
- fire safety systems
- waterproofing
Examples of major defects:
- Cracks and damages in the foundation (substructure)
- Cracks and damages in floors and slabs (superstructure)
- Cracks and damages in walls (superstructure)
What constitutes a minor building defect?
Minor defects are small and rather simple damages that can affect how a building looks or functions without compromising the integrity of the structure. These may include blemishes, thin cracks, corrosion, wall dents, general deterioration, and uneven finishes.
A minor defect doesn’t always need to be remedied right away but it is essential to be identified upon inspection so maintenance work can be planned. An inspector must include any minor defects in the report even if they don’t pose a safety risk.
Common structural defects
Knowing how to categorise structural defects will help you make better decisions when purchasing a property. In addition to helping you estimate the cost of future repairs, identifying building defects can help prevent tragedies.
Also read: When To Walk Away From A Property
Exposed gaps between walls (internal and external)
Gaps between walls are commonly caused by sagging floor joints due to the large distance between the supporting pillars or termite infestation. Wall gaps can also be the result of a faulty foundation in which the ground moves and affects the house’s entire structure.
Wall and ceiling cracks
Cracks on the walls and on the ceiling are not always serious but they always merit a closer inspection by a professional. If you start seeing cracks on the walls or ceiling, take note if it gets worse over time.
Uneven floors
This kind of construction flaw varies in severity and doesn’t always require immediate action. Uneven flooring can be the result of improper construction or improper settling of the foundation. A professional contractor’s expertise is needed to resolve the issue. Other possible causes for uneven floors are cracked floor joints, termites, and insufficient sub-floors.
Warped ceilings
Multiple cracks, warped and sagging ceilings, or damaged cornices are usually caused by rainwater sitting on the ceiling wall. This can be due to a damaged roof or gutter. This type of structural damage requires immediate attention to prevent further deterioration.
Read more about How Cleaning Your Gutters Can Save You Money
Crumbling concrete
Crumbling concrete (also known as concrete spalling) can be caused by a number of things. However, one of the most common reasons for this structural defect is exposure to moisture.
Exposure to moisture and chemicals (like salts and chloride) can cause a chemical reaction in the concrete. This will cause crystals to grow and expand, and ultimately destroy the bond between the materials.
Often, mortar erosion is seen in the lower portion of the brickwork below the damp coarse or waterproofing membrane. This indicates that further issues need to be identified.
This is similar to concrete cancer which refers to the spreading and worsening of concrete spalling
Termites
Timber pests and termites may be small but the damage they can cause in your house can be enormous. They are fond of the wet foundations, damp floors, and moist crawlspaces your house can offer. These conditions may be caused by leaking taps, broken pipes, water tanks, or other plumbing issues.
These critters can destroy any wood elements in the structure, including pillars and walls. Any sign of termite infestation must therefore be taken seriously.
Also read: Does My Home Have Termites?
Have your property professionally inspected
In order to properly assess the damages in a building that you are planning to buy, it’s best to book a professional pre-purchase building inspection to detect any major defects.
A qualified building inspector will be thorough in examining the damages and their detailed building inspection report will provide you with an honest assessment of the property’s condition and value, and can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
To ensure your property has no structural defects, let Inspect My Home help you with your pre-purchase building inspection. We provide building and pests inspection services in QLD, NSW, and Western Australia.
Call us today at 1300 337 447 or book your inspection online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a structural defect?
A structural defect is any fault, flaw, or deviation that affects the intended structural performance of a building element. It can range from visible cracks or warping to more serious problems involving foundations, walls, floors, or other load-bearing components. Structural defects are typically classified as either minor or major, depending on how much they impact the building’s integrity and safety.
What are considered major structural defects?
Major structural defects are significant issues in key load-bearing components—such as foundations, walls, beams, floors, or roof trusses—that compromise the building’s strength or stability. These defects can make a property unsafe, uninhabitable, or even prone to collapse. Common examples include large foundation cracks, severe wall or slab damage, and structural movement caused by poor design or faulty materials.
Shall I be concerned about the roof and structural defect repairs?
Yes. Roof and structural repairs should never be overlooked, as they directly affect the safety and long-term durability of your property. Issues like warped ceilings, water leaks, or damaged roof trusses can signal deeper structural problems. Always have a professional inspector assess the extent of damage before purchase, and prioritise timely repairs to prevent further deterioration.
How can structural defects affect the safety of a building?
Structural defects weaken a building’s core elements and can lead to instability, collapse, or water ingress that accelerates decay. Major issues, such as damaged foundations or compromised beams, can make the home unsafe to occupy. Even smaller defects can worsen over time, so early identification through a professional inspection is key to maintaining a safe and structurally sound property.
What are the common causes of structural defects?
Structural defects can result from a variety of factors including:
- Poor design or substandard construction methods
- Use of defective materials
- Movement in the foundation or soil settlement
- Termite damage or water penetration
- Failure to comply with the National Construction Code
Regular maintenance and inspections can help detect these issues early and prevent expensive repairs later.
How are structural defects identified and assessed?
A qualified building inspector uses a detailed visual examination and professional tools to identify signs of structural issues. This includes inspecting walls, ceilings, floors, foundations, and roof spaces for cracks, gaps, uneven surfaces, or water damage. The resulting building inspection report categorises defects as minor or major, outlines possible causes, and provides recommendations for repair or further specialist assessment.
