Defect Marking Service: Complete Guide
When a building project is complete, there’s often a “snagging” or defect list that needs addressing. Our professional defect marking service documents every issue so nothing gets missed.
What is Defect Marking?
Defect marking is a professional service where we:
- Inspect every room systematically
- Identify all defects — scratches, marks, incomplete work, damages
- Mark each defect with removable tape or stickers
- Document everything with photos and written descriptions
- Provide a detailed report room-by-room
This creates a clear, actionable list for the builder to fix before final handover.
What’s Included in Our Defect Marking Service
Room-by-Room Inspection
We inspect every room and create a professional document including:
- Photographs of each defect
- Location (wall, ceiling, floor, fixture)
- Description of the issue
- Severity rating (minor, moderate, major)
- Suggested fix (where applicable)
The Deliverable
You receive a professional document that can be:
- Printed and taped to walls/doors as a reference guide
- Digital PDF to email to the builder
- Shared with property managers or body corporate
Who It’s For
- Homeowners — Ensuring your new build or reno is complete
- Property managers — Preparing for tenant handover
- Landlords — Documenting condition before new tenants
- Builders — Final quality check before handover
Room-by-Room Defect Checklist
Kitchen
- Cabinet doors — scratches, marks, gaps, alignment
- Cabinet handles — missing, loose, damaged
- Drawers — opening/closing, alignment
- Benchtop — scratches, chips, stains
- Splashback — gaps, cracks, misalignment
- Sink — scratches, stains, installation
- Taps — drips, operation, marks
- Oven — interior, exterior, function
- Rangehood — operation, filters
- Dishwasher — operation, interior, leaks
- Flooring — scratches, gaps, marks
- Walls — marks, scuffs, paint defects
- Ceiling — marks, stains, paint defects
- Light fixtures — operation, installation
- Power points — operation, installation
- Windows — operation, seals, marks
Bathroom
- Tiles — cracks, chips, grout issues
- Grout — gaps, mould, incomplete
- Shower screen — scratches, leaks, installation
- Shower cubicle — seals, operation
- Bath — scratches, installation
- Vanity — scratches, marks, door alignment
- Mirror — scratches, installation
- Toilet — operation, installation, marks
- Taps — operation, drips
- Exhaust fan — operation, installation
- Lighting — operation, installation
- Walls — marks, paint defects
- Floor — scratches, gaps, tiles
Bedroom / Living Areas
- Wardrobes — door alignment, handles, interior
- Doors — scratches, operation, installation
- Door handles — loose, missing, damaged
- Windows — operation, seals, locks
- Walls — marks, scuffs, paint defects
- Ceiling — marks, stains
- Flooring — scratches, gaps, marks
- Skirting boards — marks, gaps, installation
- Light switches — operation, installation
- Power points — operation, installation
- Air conditioning vents — operation, cleanliness
Laundry
- Cupboards — doors, drawers, alignment
- Tub — scratches, installation
- Taps — operation, leaks
- Drain — operation, leaks
- Flooring — scratches, marks
- Walls — marks, paint defects
- Exhaust fan — operation
Garage
- Roller door — operation, installation
- Floor — cracks, marks, unfinished areas
- Walls — marks, paint defects
- Electrical — power points, lighting
General Throughout
- Cornices — gaps, marks
- Architraves — gaps, marks, installation
- Window seals — gaps, damage
- External doors — operation, seals
How It Works
Step 1: Booking
Contact us to schedule your defect marking inspection. We typically need 2-4 hours depending on property size.
Step 2: Inspection
Our team systematically works through every room, identifying and marking each defect with removable tape.
Step 3: Documentation
We photograph each defect and record details in our professional report format.
Step 4: Report Delivery
You receive:
- Printed document (can be taped to walls/doors as reference)
- Digital PDF report
- Summary of defect counts by severity
Step 5: Handover
The builder or contractor receives a clear, actionable list. They can work through each item systematically.
Why Professional Defect Marking Matters
- Nothing gets missed — Every defect is documented
- Clear accountability — Written record of condition
- Faster resolution — Builders can work through list efficiently
- Professional handover — Documented proof of condition
- Peace of mind — You know exactly what’s being fixed
Printable Reference
The best part? Our defect marking document can be printed and taped to each room’s door or wall. This creates a visible checklist that:
- Builders can refer to while working
- Shows progress as items are fixed
- Ensures nothing is forgotten
- Can be photographed as “before” and “after”
Ready for Your Defect Inspection?
Ensure your property is fully complete before handover.
Contact us for a defect marking quote — We service all Melbourne inner-northwest suburbs.