For Queensland bodies corporate, building defect identification is not limited to the first 12 months after completion. While the initial defect liability period is critical, builders also have long-term statutory obligations for structural defects.
Total Inspections provides specialist Body Corporate Independent Building Defect Inspections in Queensland, including both:
Our extensive experience ensures bodies corporate understand their rights, obligations, and opportunities to protect lot owners from significant financial exposure.
During the first 12 months after practical completion, builders are typically required under contract to rectify defective work identified within that period. This is often referred to as the Defect Liability Period (DLP).
A 12-month inspection focuses on:
These inspections are time-sensitive and must be completed before the DLP expires.
Under statutory warranty provisions administered by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC), builders of new residential construction in Queensland have obligations for structural defects for up to 6 years and 6 months from completion.
Importantly, even if the 12-month defect liability period has expired, a body corporate may still have rights to pursue structural defect claims within the 6.5-year statutory period.
This makes independent structural inspections essential — even years after completion.
Both inspections serve different but equally important purposes.
A building that “looks fine” at 12 months may develop structural movement or slab issues several years later. Without a 6.5-year structural assessment, these defects may go undocumented until it is too late.
Whether within 12 months or approaching the 6.5-year structural limit, commissioning an independent building defect inspection helps:
Delaying inspections can result in owners funding repairs that should legally be the builder’s responsibility.
Extensive Experience in Body Corporate Defect Inspections
Total Inspections has extensive experience conducting independent building defect inspections for bodies corporate throughout Queensland.
Our inspectors are experienced in identifying both early-stage defects and long-term structural concerns.
When undertaking a 12-month or 6.5-year structural inspection, expertise matters.
Total Inspections stands apart because:
We do not undertake rectification works. Our role is strictly inspection and reporting — ensuring objective findings.
We identify structural indicators that may be overlooked in standard building inspections.
Our reporting is suitable for submission to legal advisers, builders, or the QBCC if required.
We understand committee decision-making processes and provide clear guidance for next actions.
We have years of experience inspecting low-rise, townhouse, mid-rise, high-rise residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments with a detailed and systematic approach.
The cost of an independent building defect inspection is minimal compared to the potential cost of structural rectification works, which can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Whether your building is approaching:
Now is the time to commission an independent building defect inspection.
Total Inspections delivers professional, thorough, and defensible Body Corporate Independent Building Defect Inspections in Queensland, protecting committees and lot owners from unnecessary financial risk.
We’re known for using some of the most technically advanced inspection techniques, testing equipment and methods in the industry. We’re also known for supplying a service dedicated to protecting our client’s interests and investment. We will do the same for you.
Total Inspections offers the complete residential and commercial pre-purchase building and pest inspection services for existing properties in the Gold Coast and Brisbane.
All of our pest and pre-existing building inspections are carried out as per Australian standards with qualified, licensed and insured inspectors.
With us, you’ll also receive a range of standard inclusions; many other services will charge you extra for using our state-of-the-art building and pest inspection equipment.
