Whether you're buying an older home or a newly-built property, building inspections will likely turn up at least some minor defects or areas for improvement. Even the newest constructions have a few flaws here and there.

But some building defects are more serious and commonplace in Sydney homes than others, especially when it comes to older properties that may have experienced years of wear and tear, improper maintenance or substandard renovation work over the decades.

Experienced Sydney building inspectors have pretty much seen it all when it comes to defects—let's take a look at some of the most common and significant ones they frequently discover during residential inspections.

Structural Defects:

The bones of a house, from the foundation to the framing, floors, and roof, are obviously critical areas. Some of the most concerning structural problems a building inspection might uncover include:

• Foundation cracks, settling or sinking issues
• Deteriorated or termite-damaged floor framing or bearers
• Sloping floors that are no longer level
• Structural timber rot, cracking or dry rot
• Sagging or deformed roof structures
• Cracked brickwork, lintels or wall movements

These types of significant structural defects found in Sydney properties often stem from moisture issues, termite infestations, age deterioration, poor construction or a combination of factors. Whatever the root cause, major structural defects require extensive repair or replacement before more severe damage occurs.

Moisture and Rising Damp Problems:

Sydney's humid climate means moisture issues like rising damp, leaks and mould growth are fairly common problems in older homes and buildings without proper waterproofing and drainage.

During an inspection, signs of moisture problems that get flagged may include:

• Rising damp stains on internal walls
• Peeling paint or wallpaper from excess moisture
• Rotting or rusting on frames, posts or support beams
• Crumbling or musty smelling plaster
• Water stains on ceilings or walls
• Mould growth in bathrooms, kitchens or storage areas
• Signs of poor drainage, ineffective waterproofing or plumbing leaks

Long-term moisture exposure and rising damp can lead to wood rot, structural damage and mould issues that seriously compromise the home's integrity and air quality. Identifying the source and repairing drainage or leaks is crucial.

Roof and Gutter Defects:

Your home's roof and gutters are the first line of defence against harsh Sydney weather. So it's no surprise that inspectors routinely find issues like:

• Degraded, cracked or missing roof tiles or shingles
• Deteriorated roof sheeting or flashings
• Poorly installed or sagging gutters and downpipes
• Debris buildup causing moisture traps
• Signs of past moisture leaks and water damage

Even minor roofing or gutter defects can quickly lead to bigger problems down the road if water begins getting into the roof space or wall cavities. Inspectors will assess remaining service life and repair needs.

Termite Damage and Entry Points:

Australia has a serious termite problem—over $1 billion gets spent on repairs and termite management every year. Sydney is no exception, with properties constantly threatened by infestations of dry wood and subterranean termites.

A thorough building inspection plays a critical role in detecting any past or present termite activity and identifying potential entry points or areas vulnerable to future infestations, such as:

• Termite shelter tubes running along exterior walls
• Kickout holes or blistered paint from termite exit points
• Hollow or damaged wood framing from termite feeding
• Evidence of past termite treatment work
• Wood-to-ground contact areas allowing termite ingress

Once termites have infested part of a home, they're incredibly costly to eradicate and repair the damage. Catching the early warning signs is crucial for preventing a nightmare infestation scenario.

Electrical, Safety and Compliance Issues:

Finally, building inspectors also scrutinize aspects involving electrical systems and overall safety to check for any hazards or non-compliance with current building codes and standards. Some key areas they examine include:

• Old or unsafe electrical wiring, panels, switchboards, etc.
• Lack of necessary safety switches and smoke alarms
• Potential fire hazards or combustibility issues
• Non-compliant gas fittings, fixtures or installations
• Missing insulation, ventilation or weatherproofing
• Signs of unpermitted or DIY renovation work
• Any illegal building additions or modifications
• Non-compliance with disability access standards

Issues like outdated electrical systems, faulty safety components or non-compliant construction pose serious risks and often violate local regulations. Addressing these problems immediately is critical.

The Bottom Line:

While some minor defects aren't deal-breakers upfront, many of these major and recurring Sydney building defects can signal big repair costs ahead if not addressed properly. That's why getting an expert building inspection is so vital—the inspector can assess the severity and scope, so you know what you're taking on.

With their report in hand, you can make well-informed decisions and budget accordingly for needed repairs.