Online Induction >> Building Defect Report
Published 05/02/2024

Building Defect Report: Guide, Platform and Setup

Building Defect Reports are an essential document for any workplace as they outline the various issues and defects present in a building or facility that may impact health, safety, and productivity. Defect reports are crucial for maintaining the value and integrity of a property or facility. A defect report is a document that outlines any issues or faults within a building. This could include anything from structural problems to electrical issues or even cosmetic defects. Having a comprehensive building defect report is essential for ensuring that any problems are properly documented and addressed in a timely manner.

By staying on top of building defect reports, you can save yourself time, money, and headaches down the road by keeping a record management system around any issues across the property property. Creating and managing building defect reports is all about streamlining your workflow and making sure that nothing falls through the cracks. They are useful in highlighting potential hazards such as faulty wiring or structural defects, a building defect report helps to ensure the safety of employees and visitors to the workplace and can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.

This might be a part of your overall contractor management system or it could be a field form for your front line staff or contractors as part of their overall work forms.

View Building Defect Report Templates, Forms and Examples

What to include in a Building Defect Report?

Here are some common form fields you might include in a building defect report form:

- Description of the defect: describing the defect in detail including information such as the location of the defect, its size, and how it affects the building

- Photographs or videos: this is where you capture visual evidence can help support your report and provide a better understanding of the defect

- Location: documenting the exact location of the defect within the building to help identify and locate the defect

- Date: the date when the defect was first discovered

- Type of defect: to detail the type of defect such as structural, electrical, plumbing, or cosmetic

- Severity and potential impact of the defect

- Cause of the defect: information about the cause of the defect. This can help determine responsibility and potential solutions

- Potential risks or hazards: does the defect pose any risks or hazards, make sure to mention them in your report. This is important for the safety of residents or occupants of the building

See an example Building Defect Report

Try this template building defect report form. Explore our form builder to create your own and set up your first registry:

Common Types of Building Defect Reports

There are many different categories and types of defects that occur in the workplace and require a defect report on. Here are some common ones:

Defects related to fire safety such things like faulty smoke alarms, inadequate fire exits, or flammable materials improperly stored are critical concerns that need immediate attention to ensure the safety of occupants and compliance with regulations.

Defects affecting utilities such as plumbing and electrical systems are defects relating to things like leaky pipes to faulty wiring, these issues can cause inconvenience at best and pose serious safety hazards at worst. A thorough inspection will help uncover any hidden problems lurking behind the walls.

Another is finishes and fixtures - think cracked tiles, peeling paint, or broken windows. While not as immediately critical as some other types of defects, they still impact the aesthetics and functionality of a property.

There are also commonly defects related to insulation and ventilation - areas often overlooked but crucial for maintaining comfort levels within a building. Inadequate insulation or poor ventilation can lead to energy inefficiency and discomfort for occupants.

Commonly poor workmanship or shoddy construction practices can encompass a wide range of issues resulting from subpar building techniques or materials.

Another area is infestations by insects or rodents that can cause significant damage to a property if left unchecked.

Defects for environmental factors such as asbestos or lead-based paint - hazardous materials that require careful handling and remediation.

Defects related to accessibility for persons with disabilities - ensuring that buildings are compliant with accessibility standards is crucial for creating inclusive spaces for everyone.

Defects arising from external factors like soil movement or subsidence - these natural phenomena can have substantial implications for a building's structural integrity.

Another important category is defects resulting from wear and tear over time - things like deteriorating surfaces or aging mechanical systems that need maintenance or replacement.

Finally, regulatory compliance issues - ensuring that buildings meet legal requirements is essential for avoiding headaches further down the road.

Discover our Building Defect Reporting Platform

Setup your first building defect form and registry below