Investigating a driveway: depth, joints and what lies beneath
How a defect investigation works, shown through one driveway that failed early.
One problem, traced to its cause and measured against what was required.
One of our inspectors will call you back. If it is urgent, call 1300 471 805.
A defect investigation is assessed against the approved plans and engineering, the National Construction Code, the Guide to Standards and Tolerances 2017 and the Australian Standard that governs the element in question.
24 checkpoints across 8 areas on a standard Gables defect investigation report. On the day we need safe access to the lot and the house, and a builder who knows an independent inspector is coming. Anything we cannot reach is named in the report as not inspected.
You and your builder are the readers this report is written for. If the matter is heading to NCAT, the tribunal expects an expert witness report prepared under NCAT Procedural Direction 3, which we prepare as a separate document.
Findings from one driveway investigation in Sydney's north west.
How a defect investigation works, shown through one driveway that failed early.
A stair pattern crack in a new wall is worth understanding before it is patched.
The Home Building Act sets two clocks, and the difference matters.
New Construction Stage Inspections Seven visits through a Gables build, each one before a trade covers the last. 
Pre-Handover (PCI) Inspections A complete defect list for your new Gables home, ready before final payment. 
Building and Pest Inspections Building and timber pest reports from a single Gables visit. 
Pre-Purchase Building Inspections A visual AS 4349.1 inspection for established Gables homes. 
Dilapidation Reports Photograph the house before the lot next door starts digging. NCAT Expert Witness Reports Evidence written to Procedural Direction 3 when a dispute reaches the tribunal. 
Pre-Listing Inspections Learn what a buyer's inspector will raise before your Gables home goes on the market. 
Insurance Claim Assessments An independent view of storm or water damage and what caused it. Instant online pricing, or talk to the booking team on 1300 471 805.
No. A handover report covers the whole house briefly. An investigation covers one issue thoroughly and explains why it happened.
It is not written as tribunal evidence. NCAT expects an expert report prepared to Procedural Direction 3, which we provide as a separate service.
Destructive testing, core sampling, geotechnical testing, engineering certification and the repair work itself. Where those are needed, the report says so and says who should do them.