Defective building work is more than a technical issue, it’s a systemic challenge that affects builders, home owners, regulators, and the broader industry.
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission’s (QBCC) 2025 Industry Snapshot reveals the top 10 most common building defects reported across the state. These defects are not only frequent, but they are costly and disruptive. They are also – promisingly – preventable.
The top 10 defects reported in 2024-2025 include:
| Topic | Defect items | Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Internal paint application | 1,875 | 315 |
| Steel roof sheet cladding/flashing/capping | 540 | 201 |
| Joinery/timber door/window installation | 524 | 230 |
| Ceramic, terracotta and porcelain floor tiling | 465 | 233 |
| Plasterboard wall linings/internal | 282 | 121 |
| Concrete driveways and paths | 224 | 106 |
| Pier and beam footings and slabs | 222 | 11 |
| Fibre cement wall cladding | 216 | 116 |
| Shower recess waterproofing | 164 | 91 |
| Stormwater drainage pipework – 116 items, 69 cases. | 116 | 69 |
These defects range from minor aesthetic flaws to serious structural risks that can be extremely costly to rectify. In most cases, the expense of repairing these issues far exceeds the cost of getting the work right the first time.
For example, under the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme (QHWS) the average claim to fix defective waterproofing during this same period amassed an average of $25,000.
Waterproofing issues and drainage failures can also cause long-term damage to the home, and negative health impacts if not identified and addressed early.
A shared opportunity to improve
Improving building quality and reducing defects is a shared responsibility across the entire industry – regulators, licensees, and home owners.
Industry bodies such as Master Builders Queensland, Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ), the Australian Building Codes Board and consumer advocates are calling for greater awareness of standards, proactive education, and regulatory reform – such as through the Building Regulation Renovation.
These efforts aim to ensure defects and issues highlighted in the Industry Snapshot are effectively minimised.
For Queensland’s building and construction industry, the need for a proactive and coordinated approach to education and addressing these challenges has never been greater.
Our role
We are committed to being an active and constructive part of the industry, because we firmly believe prevention is better than cure.
As outlined in our Compliance and Enforcement Strategy, we take an intelligence-led approach – using insights and data to guide activity that lifts industry awareness and promotes compliance.
We work on the ground and behind the scenes to identify issues early and share timely information on emerging trends, helping ensure standards and codes are understood and applied by those on the tools and those supervising the work.
Licensees’ role
- Engage in and encourage continued professional development through workplace mentoring and succession planning, and industry bodies such as CSQ that offers subsidised training in areas such as waterproofing and structural compliance.
- Seek out updates relating to regulatory requirements and reforms including changes to the National Construction Code and the Building Regulation Renovation.
- Read QBCC’s newsletters, such as Construction Connect, which is emailed to all licensees and follow our Facebook page for industry updates and information about webinars and events.
- Call out those breaking the law. While we appreciate that ‘dobbing’ can feel un-Australian, if you see something that doesn’t sit right, let us know. You can report it anonymously if you like. Your information could help protect home owners and strengthen the industry for everyone. Learn more about reporting concerns on our website.
Home owners’ role
- Take the time to check the work that is being undertaken carefully. If you notice any problems, report them to your contractor promptly and follow up in writing.
- When a defect is identified, have a conversation with your contractor to agree on expectations for how and when it will be resolved. Clear agreements help avoid misunderstandings.
- If you’re unsure about a defect or how to handle it, consider getting an expert opinion from a building inspector or certifier. This can save time and prevent misunderstandings.
- Visit the QBCC Home Owner Hub for guidance at every stage of your building and renovation project – from planning to completion.
A way forward
Prevention of defective work starts with awareness, collaboration, and accountability. Tradespeople, home owners, regulators, and industry bodies all have a role to play in lifting standards and reducing risk.
- When every stakeholder understands their role and actively plays their part – through education, clear communication, and compliance – we can move from costly reactive fixes to proactive quality that everyone is proud of.
- Working together we can strengthen the building and construction industry.
