Reporting Defects After Completion
A simple guide to recording defects, keeping evidence and raising issues with your developer after moving in.
After completion, homeowners may notice defects, damage, incomplete work or poor finishes. Recording issues clearly can help reduce confusion and make communication with your developer or aftercare team more organised.
Stay organised after moving in
Your developer or aftercare team may ask for defects to be reported in a specific format, often through an online portal or aftercare process. Staying organised from day one is the best way to ensure that nothing is missed and that your concerns are addressed in an efficient manner.
By following a clear recording process, you provide the developer with all the necessary information to assess the defect and assign the correct trade to carry out repairs.
What should homeowners record?
Location of the issue
State clearly which room the issue is in and exactly where it is located (e.g. 'En-suite bathroom, second tile from the floor behind the basin').
Photographs
Take a wide-angle shot to show the location and a close-up shot to show the detail of the defect itself.
Description of the defect
Be brief but specific. Use clear terms like 'hairline crack', 'scratched surface', 'incomplete paintwork' or 'missing sealant'.
Dates and communication
Keep a simple log of when the issue was reported and any responses you receive from the developer.
Repair outcomes
If a trade visits your home, record what work was done and whether you are satisfied with the final result.
How to raise issues clearly
When reporting issues, aim to be professional and objective. Developers deal with a high volume of aftercare requests, so clear and factual communication usually leads to a faster and more focused response. Avoid technical jargon unless you are sure of it; simply describe what you can see or any functional problems you have encountered.
Clear evidence helps avoid confusion
Providing clear evidence helps avoid disputes over whether a defect existed at handover. Damage, poor finishes or incomplete work are easier to discuss when they are recorded clearly at the time they are noticed, rather than months later when it could be attributed to everyday wear and tear.
Key takeaway
Record defects as early as possible with photos and clear descriptions. Keeping a simple log of reports and results helps you track progress and stay organised with your developer.
Need your new home inspected?
If you're buying a new build home in South Wales, we provide professional, independent inspections to record visible issues clearly for your developer.