Defect Registers

Structured Facade Defect Registers

Every defect classified, costed, and prioritised into an actionable maintenance queue tied to the exact location on your building.

A defect register is the foundation of any facade maintenance program. Our registers go beyond a simple list of problems. Every defect is classified into five severity tiers: critical (immediate safety risk), high (active deterioration requiring action within 12 months), medium (scheduled maintenance within 2 to 3 years), low (cosmetic or minor), and monitor (no action required, re-assess at next inspection). This classification gives owners and managers a clear priority queue for budget allocation.

Each defect entry includes high-resolution photography, precise location coordinates mapped to a 3D building model, a description of the failure mechanism, recommended repair methodology, and an estimated repair cost range. This level of detail means contractors can quote directly from the register without needing a separate site visit for scoping. It also gives strata committees and asset managers the data they need to approve works at the next AGM without ambiguity.

Our defect registers are digital-first. They live on the Facade Inspect platform where authorised users can filter by severity, element type, cost band, or elevation. Reports can be exported as PDFs for insurance claims, QBCC submissions, or legal proceedings. When remediation is completed, the register is updated with before/after evidence and verified status. This creates a defensible audit trail for compliance purposes.

For multi-building portfolios, defect registers can be aggregated into a single dashboard showing overall asset condition, total maintenance liability, and budget forecasting across the entire property portfolio. This is particularly valuable for fund managers, body corporate management companies, and government asset owners managing dozens or hundreds of buildings.

Deliverables

What's Included

Five-tier severity classification (critical through monitor)
Repair cost estimation for each defect
Recommended repair methodology per defect
High-resolution photographic documentation
GPS-tagged location mapping to 3D model
Failure mechanism description
Priority-ranked action queue
Export to PDF for insurance and legal use
Portfolio aggregation for multi-building owners
Annual condition comparison and trending

Methodology

Our Process

1

Field Data Collection

Inspectors document every defect during the on-site assessment phase. Each finding is captured with photography, location data, element type identification, and preliminary severity assessment. Field data is uploaded to the platform in real time via mobile devices.

2

Classification and Costing

Senior engineers review field data and assign formal severity classifications. Each defect receives a repair cost estimate based on current market rates, a recommended repair methodology, and a timeline for action. Critical safety items are flagged for immediate notification to the building owner.

3

Spatial Mapping

Every defect is mapped to its precise location on the 3D building model generated from LiDAR or photogrammetry data. This spatial context means stakeholders can see exactly where each problem is on the facade without needing to interpret written descriptions or reference grid systems.

4

Quality Review and Publication

A second engineer reviews the completed register for accuracy, consistency, and completeness before publication. The register is then released to authorised users on the Facade Inspect platform with appropriate access permissions for owners, managers, and consultants.

Technical Data

Technical Specifications

Severity tiers5 levels: Critical, High, Medium, Low, Monitor
Cost estimation basisCurrent market rates updated quarterly
Spatial reference3D model with sub-metre defect positioning
Export formatsPDF, CSV, platform API
Access controlRole-based permissions (owner, manager, consultant, contractor)

Compliance

Australian Standards

AS 4349.0:2007

Inspection of Buildings (General requirements)

Provides the reporting framework and defect classification methodology that underpins our register structure.

ISO 9001:2015

Quality Management Systems

Our defect register processes follow ISO 9001 quality assurance principles for consistency, traceability, and continual improvement.

QBCC Act 1991

Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act

Defect registers support statutory defect claims within warranty periods and provide evidence for QBCC dispute resolution.

NCC 2022 Vol 1, Part F3

Weatherproofing

Defect classification references NCC weatherproofing performance requirements as the benchmark for compliance failures.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a defect severity classification?

Defect severity classification assigns each finding to one of five tiers based on the risk it poses to building occupants, the rate of deterioration, and the potential for consequential damage if left untreated. Critical items pose an immediate safety risk and require action within days. High-severity defects involve active deterioration that will worsen within 12 months. Medium items should be addressed within 2 to 3 years. Low-severity defects are cosmetic or minor. Monitor items require no action but should be re-assessed at the next inspection cycle.

Can contractors quote directly from the defect register?

Yes. Each defect entry contains sufficient detail for a contractor to prepare a repair quote without a separate scoping visit. The entry includes the defect location on the 3D model, high-resolution photographs, a description of the failure mechanism, the recommended repair methodology, and the estimated repair cost range. Contractors access the register through the platform with appropriate permissions and can submit quotes against specific defect items directly within the system.

How do defect registers support insurance claims?

Defect registers provide timestamped, photographic evidence of building condition at each inspection date. This creates an objective record that insurers can rely on when assessing claims for water damage, structural failure, or facade element detachment. The register shows when a defect was first identified, how it was classified, what action was recommended, and whether that action was taken. Exported PDF reports meet the evidentiary standards required for insurance submissions and legal proceedings in Australian jurisdictions.

Can you provide registers for a portfolio of buildings?

Yes. The Facade Inspect platform supports multi-building portfolios with a single dashboard view. Property fund managers, body corporate management companies, and government asset owners can see overall condition scores, total maintenance liability, and budget forecasts across their entire portfolio. Individual building registers remain independently accessible, but the portfolio view aggregates data for strategic decision-making about capital expenditure priorities and maintenance scheduling across multiple properties.

How often should the defect register be updated?

The register is a living document that should be updated at every re-inspection (typically every 5 to 7 years for general facades) and whenever remediation works are completed. When a contractor finishes a repair, before/after photographic evidence is captured and the defect status is updated to "verified complete". This keeps the register current and creates a defensible record of maintenance actions. For buildings with active deterioration or known high-risk defects, more frequent updates may be appropriate.

Coverage

Available Across Australia

We deliver defect registers services in all major Australian cities. Select a location for city-specific information.

Sectors

Industries We Serve

Our defect registers services are tailored to the specific requirements of each sector.

Get started with defect registers

Contact our team for a scope discussion and quote. We respond within one business day.