Owning a home is one of life’s biggest investments, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. Understanding the common building defects that can affect your property is essential. This is especially important in places like Hobart and wider Tasmania, which have a unique climate, cool temperatures, high rainfall, and rapidly changing weather patterns. All these things can take a toll on even the most well-built homes over time, which is where pre-purchase building inspections come in.
Doing your due diligence and making sure you are aware of any damage or defects any time you are looking to purchase a property is one of the best ways to save yourself time, money, and a lot of stress in the long run. Keeping on top of regular inspections and performing timely maintenance can also help avoid costly repairs and protect the long-term value of your property.
At Swell Building Inspections, we’ve assessed hundreds of properties across Hobart and its surrounding suburbs. Here are some of the most common building defects we uncover and why they’re worth addressing early.
1. Leaking Roofs and Guttering
Leaking roofs are one of the most common issues found in Hobart homes, especially in properties with aging tile or metal roofing. Tasmania’s high rainfall and frequent storms can expose cracked tiles, loose ridge capping, or rusted metal sheeting. All these things can cause your roof to start leaking. Damaged or clogged gutters can worsen the problem, as poor drainage can lead to water overflow, ceiling stains, leaks, and mould.
Over time, this can damage insulation, rot timber framing, and compromise structural integrity, which is why it is so important that you pick up on any leaks early. Common signs to look for include water stains on ceilings or upper walls, a musty odour in roof spaces and upstairs rooms, and overflowing, sagging, or rusted gutters.
2. Leaking Showers and Bathrooms
Bathrooms are one of the most moisture-prone areas in any home, and in Hobart, leaking showers and bathrooms are a widespread issue. This is usually due to failed waterproofing, which can be due to poor workmanship in past renovations or deteriorating materials. When the waterproofing in your bathroom is compromised, this allows moisture to seep into walls, floors, and adjacent rooms.
Waterproofing in bathrooms and other wet areas is commonly overlooked by homeowners. However, this can lead to damage that ends up being extensive and costly to repair – particularly when it goes unchecked and unnoticed until it is too late. As a homeowner, be sure to look for signs of leaking like cracked or loose tiles, missing grout, damp carpet or floorboards in nearby rooms, and swollen skirting boards or vanity cabinetry.
3. Leaking Plumbing
Plumbing issues can often go undetected for years, especially when pipes leak behind walls or beneath floors. This can particularly be an issue for older Hobart homes, which may have corroded copper pipes or failing PVC connections that lead to slow leaks, water waste, and hidden moisture problems. Left unchecked, these conditions can attract termites, encourage mould, and rot timber framing.
A professional building inspection can identify concealed plumbing faults early before they turn into costly repairs. Common warning signs include unexplained spikes in your water bill, reduced water pressure, damp spots, bubbling paint, or bulging walls.
4. Bubbling or Peeling Paint
Peeling or blistering paint may seem like a cosmetic issue. However, it can often be a sign of a more serious problem like moisture ingress, poor ventilation, or hidden leaks. These defects are most commonly seen near windows, bathrooms, and external walls.
Possible causes can be water trapped behind walls or plaster, poor surface preparation before painting, or persistent condensation or plumbing leaks. Simply repainting won’t solve the problem unless the underlying cause is addressed, which is why it is advisable to get any peeling or blistering paint checked out by a professional building inspector.
5. Wood Rot in External Timbers and Window Frames
Hobart’s damp climate and limited sunlight makes external timbers highly susceptible to rot. Window frames, decking, and structural posts can all degrade over time if exposed to repeated moisture, particularly if they are not properly sealed or treated.
When left untreated, rotted timber can weaken your home’s structural elements, which can pose safety risks on decks, stairs, or balconies. Damp wood can also attract pests like termites. Early detection and timely repairs are both key to prevent more extensive damage.
6. Exposed Electrical Wiring in Roof Spaces
A lot of homeowners consider DIY renovations to minimise costs. However, DIY renovations can lead to serious safety hazards, especially when it comes to electrical work. Exposed or poorly installed wiring, which is often found in roof cavities or under floors, can pose a risk of fire or electrocution. It also may not comply with Australian Standards.
Common issues found in Hobart homes include loose, exposed, or uninsulated wires and the use of electrical tape instead of proper connectors. Cables may also be draped over insulation without support. All electrical faults should be assessed by a licensed electrician as part of a thorough pre-purchase or routine building inspection.
7. Subfloor Moisture Due to Poor Ventilation
Subfloor moisture is a hidden but serious problem in many Hobart homes. This issue is particularly common in those built on sloping blocks or with poor drainage. Without adequate airflow, moisture can build up under the house, leading to timber decay, pest activity, and unpleasant odours.
Over time, this can lead to rotten floor joists or bearers, musty smells throughout the home, and warped floorboards. This can also attract termites or mould. Investing in regular building inspections and proper subfloor ventilation systems and drainage solutions can greatly reduce these risks.
8. Unapproved or Non-Compliant Structures
In Hobart, it’s not uncommon to find sheds, garages, decks, or extensions that have been added without council approval. These unapproved structures may have been built by previous owners or done as DIY projects. They also often fail to meet building codes or safety standards.
There are several risks associated with non-compliant structures. Insurance claims may be denied, and there is the ongoing risk of council fines or removal orders. You may also experience difficulties during property resale or valuation. That’s why our inspections include checks for unapproved or non-compliant structures, with recommendations for further investigation if any unauthorised work is suspected.
9. Failing Subfloor Stumps and Piers
Many of Hobart’s older homes are built on timber stumps or brick piers, which can shift, deteriorate, or collapse over time. Soil movement, moisture damage, and termite infestation are common causes. Some common red flags to watch for are sloping or uneven floors, cracks in interior walls or ceilings, doors or windows that stick, and gaps forming between floors and skirting boards.
When stumps and piers fail, this can have severe consequences for your home’s structure. However, the good news is that when these issues are detected early, targeted repairs can prevent the need for costly structural repairs or underpinning.
10. Cracking Walls and Foundations
Cracks in walls, ceilings, or around windows and door frames are often one of the first signs of foundation movement. In Hobart, soil composition is commonly clay-based, which can expand and contract with changes in moisture. These changes can put stress on a home’s structure.
There are a few types of cracks you may notice, including hairline cracks (which are typically cosmetic) and diagonal or stair-step cracks (which may suggest foundation movement). You may also notice wide, deep, or growing cracks, which require urgent assessment. A detailed building inspection can determine whether any cracking or damage is purely aesthetic or more serious.
Why Building Inspections Matter in Hobart
A lot of the time, serious building defects aren’t visible during a standard property walkthrough. In some cases, cosmetic touch-ups are used to hide underlying damage, which is why a professional building inspection is essential any time you are looking to purchase a property.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply want to stay informed about the condition of your home, a comprehensive building inspection in Hobart is one of the smartest investments you can make. This is one of the best ways to identify hidden issues and save yourself from unexpected repair bills, safety hazards, or costly surprises down the line.
Book Your Local Hobart Building Inspection Today
At Swell Building Inspections, we provide thorough, easy-to-understand reports with fast turnaround times. Let us help you make informed property decisions and move forward with confidence.
