Do you need an investigation or a handover list?
Choosing between a full defect list and a targeted investigation for a Fraser Rise home.
In short: If you know what is wrong and need to prove why, book an investigation. If you need to know everything that is wrong, book an inspection.
A list covers the house
A pre-handover or defect inspection walks every room and the roof and lists what fails. It is broad, and it is what you need before settling.
An investigation covers one problem
It follows a crack, a leak or a stain to its cause and measures it against the requirement. It is narrow and deep.
Examples from Fraser Rise reports
Weep holes too low above the paving, external wall gaps and unsealed roof penetrations are list items. A recurring leak through one of them becomes an investigation.
Moving from one to the other
Many owners start with the handover list, then book an investigation on the one item the builder disputes.
And the tribunal
Neither is an expert witness report. If the dispute goes to VCAT, that is a separate document.
Written by our local inspection team from work carried out in Fraser Rise. Licensed building practitioners, Building & Plumbing Commission registration CDB-U 53425.
