PERTH, WA – After another busy year inspecting homes across Perth, Joondalup and surrounding suburbs, ProConsult Building Inspections has released its list of the ten most common building defects identified in residential properties last year (during 2025) — and the results paint a sobering picture for homeowners already feeling the squeeze of rising repair costs.
From failed shower grout and seal protection to undetected termite activity, the findings suggest that many Perth homeowners are sitting on thousands of dollars’ worth of maintenance issues that compound in cost the longer they are ignored.
“The same defects keep appearing year after year, and almost all of them are preventable,” said Andrew Scales, a registered builder and building inspector at ProConsult. “A small leak today becomes a mouldy carpet tomorrow. A lifted roof tile becomes a collapsed ceiling after one winter storm. Perth homeowners are paying far more than they need to because they only call us when something has already gone wrong.”
The Top 10 Defects Found in Perth Homes, last year in 2025
1. Shower grout and seal deterioration — estimated $2,500–$8,000+ to rectify
2. Ceiling collapse – estimated $2,000 – $15,000 depending on extent
3. Roof tile damage, slippage and penetration or flashing failures — $800–$5,000+
4. Blocked or damaged gutters and downpipes — $300–$2,000
5. Cracking in walls and cornices from reactive soils — $500–$10,000+
6. Faulty or missing RCDs and smoke alarms — $150–$800, plus potential legal and insurance exposure
7. Subsidence and structural support failures— $1,500–$8,000+
8. Corroded lintels — $2,000–$12,000+
9. Deteriorating decking, balustrades and external timbers — $1,000–$6,000+
10. Plumbing leaks in kitchens, laundries and bathrooms — $200–$3,500+
Combined, the cost of remediation for a home presenting five or more of these issues can easily exceed $20,000 — a figure that rises sharply the longer defects are left unaddressed.
Why 2026 Is a Critical Year for Perth Homeowners
With insurers tightening their requirements, rental compliance obligations increasing, and a significant portion of Perth’s housing stock now more than thirty years old, ProConsult is urging owners to take a more proactive approach to building maintenance.
“Deferred maintenance doesn’t just cost more down the track — it can also affect your insurance claim outcomes, your rental compliance, and ultimately your sale price,” inspector George said. “We’re seeing more and more owners book a Maintenance Review simply to understand what’s happening with their asset before it becomes a crisis.”
ProConsult’s Maintenance Review / Property Condition Report offers a complete overview of a building’s condition, covering structural elements, plumbing, roofing, electrical safety items such as RCDs and smoke alarms, asbestos (where relevant), and termite inspection. Each report includes detailed photos, explanations of any issues identified, and practical guidance on repairs and preventative maintenance.
Built on Builder-Level Expertise
Unlike many inspection services, ProConsult’s inspectors are registered builders, meaning clients receive reports grounded in hands-on construction experience. The firm is fully insured and services Perth, Joondalup and surrounding suburbs.
“Our job isn’t to alarm people — it’s to help them protect what is usually their biggest asset,” Andrew Scales added. “A one-off inspection today can save tens of thousands of dollars and years of stress later on.”
About ProConsult Building Inspections
ProConsult Building Inspections is a Perth-based building inspection firm providing pre-purchase inspections, construction stage inspections, strata and property manager inspections, and Maintenance Review Property Condition Reports for residential and commercial property owners. Led by registered builders and fully insured, ProConsult services Perth, Joondalup and the surrounding metropolitan area.
Learn more about the Maintenance Review Property Condition Report at: https://proconsult.com.au/maintenance-review-property-condition-report/
Media Contact
Company Name: ProConsult Building Inspections
Contact Person: Kirsty Scales
Email: Send Email
Phone: +61 448 767 964
City: Joondalup
State: WA
Country: Australia
Website: https://proconsult.com.au/
