Blog
Guides, checklists, and practical advice for homeowners navigating new builds and renovations.
Roof defects are among the costliest problems in a new build — and many aren't visible from the ground. Here's what to look for, when to check, and how to get your builder to fix problems before the warranty clock runs out.
The fixing stage is your last chance to inspect all internal components before they're concealed behind paint, tiles, and finishes. Here's a complete checklist of what to check, and the defects most commonly found at this stage.
The Building Safety Act 2022 significantly extended protections for new home buyers in the UK. Here's what changed, how long you now have to make a claim, and what to do if your developer refuses to fix defects.
Electrical defects in a new build aren't just inconvenient — some are genuine safety hazards. Here's what to check at handover, the most common issues, and how to make sure your builder fixes them before you move in.
If your builder won't fix defects in Victoria, Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria (DBDRV) is your first step before VCAT. Here's how the process works, what to prepare, and what happens if conciliation fails.
Plumbing defects are among the most damaging and expensive problems in a new build — and many aren't visible until after you've moved in. Here's what to look for, how to document it, and how to get your builder to fix it.
Defects in apartment buildings split between lot owner responsibility and owners corporation responsibility. Understanding how strata works — and who pursues the builder for what — changes everything about how you approach rectification.
The pre-settlement inspection is your last opportunity to verify the property matches the contract and flag anything that isn't right before you take legal ownership. Here's a room-by-room checklist and what to do if you find issues.
Not all building defects are treated the same under Australian law. Major defects attract longer warranty periods and stronger legal remedies than minor defects. Here's how to tell them apart and why the classification matters.
Defects are common in new builds — but most first home buyers don't know what to look for, how to document them, or how to get the builder to fix them. This guide walks you through the full process from before handover to after you've moved in.
In most Australian states, builders must respond to a defect notice within 10–20 business days and fix the issue within a reasonable timeframe. Here's how the rules work, what triggers the clock, and what to do if your builder goes quiet.
There are up to 9 inspection stages in a typical build — but most homeowners only get 1 or 2. Here's what each stage covers, which ones matter most, and how to make the most of every report you receive.
A closer look at one of Checka's most powerful features — Smart Import takes your PDF inspection report and transforms it into a live, trackable defect ledger in seconds.
Most homeowners pay for a professional inspection, receive a PDF, and then struggle to action it. Here's how to turn a static report into a live defect tracker — so nothing gets buried and nothing gets missed.
A list of defects in an email gets ignored. A timestamped, structured report with photos, locations, and applicable standards gets taken seriously. Here's what makes the difference and how to create one.
NSW has some of Australia's strongest builder warranty protections under the Home Building Act 1989. Here's what's covered, how long for, and what to do when something goes wrong.
The lock-up stage is your last chance to check framing, windows, doors, roofing, and rough-in services before internal linings go on. Here's what to inspect before releasing your progress payment.
NSW homeowners have a clear escalation path when builders refuse to fix defects — from formal written notice through NSW Fair Trading to NCAT. Here's exactly how to use it.
Waterproofing failures are one of the most common and costly defects in new Australian homes. Here's how to spot them early, what causes them, and how to get them fixed under warranty.
A blue tape walkthrough lets you flag defects before your builder's punch list crew fixes them. Here's what to expect, what to bring, and what to do if items aren't fixed.
If your builder is ignoring defects in your new build, you have four formal escalation routes. Here's how to use each one and what evidence you'll need.
Most new home buyers don't understand their builder warranty until they need it. This guide explains the 1-2-10 structure, exclusions, and how to file a claim in the US.
The leaky building crisis caused an estimated $11 billion in damage to NZ homes. Learn the visual warning signs, risk periods, and what to do if you suspect a problem.
NZ homeowners have strong legal rights when their new build has defects. Here's what the Building Act 2004 and Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 actually entitle you to.
A snagging list records every defect in your new build before you legally accept it. Here's what to include, room by room, and how to use it effectively.
The New Homes Ombudsman Service launched in 2023 and can award up to £50,000 against developers. Most buyers don't know it exists — here's how to use it.
The NHBC Buildmark warranty covers your new build for up to 10 years, but coverage changes significantly after year two. Here's exactly what's covered and when.
Your final walkthrough is the last chance to catch defects before you own them. Here's a room-by-room checklist for new construction in the US.
The PDI is Ontario's mandatory pre-possession inspection under the Tarion warranty. This room-by-room checklist covers what to look for and how to use your PDI form correctly.
Tarion administers Ontario's new home warranty under provincial law. This guide explains the three-tier coverage structure, what's excluded, and how to submit a claim.
On a construction site you're already holding plans, a camera, and a checklist while trying to keep up with an inspector. Adding a notepad or phone keyboard to that makes things fall through the cracks. Voice logging captures everything hands-free — Checka combines the audio with your photos and builds the defect record for you.
The frame stage is your last clear view of the structural bones of your home before it's enclosed. Here's exactly what to check, what common framing defects look like, and what to do if you find problems.
A formal written defect notice is the document that starts the clock on your builder's obligation to fix issues. Here's what it must include, a ready-to-use template, and how to follow up if they don't respond.
The slab is the foundation of your entire home. Here's exactly what to check at your slab inspection, what the most common slab defects look like, and when to raise concerns before the next stage begins.
If your builder won't fix defects, the QBCC can inspect, mediate, and issue a direction to rectify — at no cost to you. Here's exactly how the QBCC complaint process works and what to expect at each stage.
The defects liability period (DLP) gives you the right to have minor defects fixed after handover. Here's how long it lasts in each state, what it covers, and what to do when your builder won't act.
Your builder is refusing to return calls or disputing obvious defects. Here's exactly what to do — from formal notice through to tribunal — so you get the resolution you're entitled to.
Builder warranties are more complex than most homeowners realise. This guide explains the defects liability period, statutory warranties, major vs minor defects, and what to do when your builder won't honour them.
Good documentation is what separates a resolved defect from an expensive dispute. This guide shows you exactly how to photograph, describe, and track building issues so nothing gets dismissed.
Research shows 1 in 3 new homes has at least one major defect. Here are the most common construction defects, why they happen, and what you can do about them — wherever you're building.
A practical completion inspection (PCI) is your formal right to inspect your new home before handover. This checklist covers what to look for and how to prepare.
Handover day is your last chance to spot issues before they become your responsibility. Here's exactly what to check, room by room, before you sign off on your new home.
Your practical completion inspection is the most important walkthrough of your build. Here's how to run it methodically, capture every defect, and leave with a formal record your builder has to respond to.
Describing a construction defect precisely — in the right terminology, linked to the right standard — has always required trade knowledge. Checka's AI does that work for you, so the defect record is accurate whether or not you know the terminology.
A well-taken photo of a construction defect is evidence. A poorly-taken one is easy to dismiss. Here's how to document defects photographically so your records actually hold up.
Checka started with my own build, a list of defects that kept growing with no visibility into what was actually resolved, and one email from a builder that confirmed there was no system at all.
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