Major Defect vs Minor Defect (Usual Wear & Tear) in a Building Inspection

Buying a property is a huge deal emotionally and financially. One of the smartest steps you can take before you commit is a prepurchase building inspection. This report doesn’t just point out things that look a bit shabby; it tells you whether there’s a dealbreaking issue hiding behind that fresh coat of paint.

Let’s break down the difference between major defects and minor defects (wear and tear) and why it matters for your contract and peace of mind.

What is a major defect? 

A major defect is a serious problem that affects the structure, safety, or longterm performance of a building. In practical terms, these are the kinds of issues that could make part (or all) of a home unsafe or unusable if left unchecked. According to industry standards, a major defect is something that:

• Could lead to unsafe conditions if it isn’t repaired.
• May result in loss of utility (for example, a part of the home can no longer be used as intended).
• Would likely worsen over time if ignored, like structural issues with foundations, loadbearing walls or roof framing.
• Significant water ingress causing damp and rot.
• Serious termite damage affecting structural timbers.
• Major cracking or subsidence in key structural elements

These aren’t just cosmetic—they could cost tens of thousands to fix and affect your safety or the building’s longterm value.

Why it matters when buying. 

In most standard property contracts (including common ones used in WA), a major defect found in a prepurchase building report gives you the right to withdraw from the contract or renegotiate terms—typically because these issues impact habitability or safety.

What is a minor defect?

Minor defects (sometimes called “general wear and tear”) are issues that don’t threaten the structure or safety of the building. They’re often cosmetic or maintenancerelated, or typical for a property of that age and use. These might include:

• Small cracks in plaster or paintwork.
• Loose door handles or minor hardware problems.
• Minor wear on flooring or fixtures.
• Cosmetic blemishes or superficial damage.

These items generally don’t impair the use of the home and are expected as part of ordinary property use over time. A minor defect doesn’t usually give you the right to cancel the contract. However, you can still negotiate repairs or price adjustments if you want them fixed before settlement.

How inspectors decide what’s major vs minor. 

There’s no hardandfast rule based on cost alone. Instead, inspectors look at whether an issue:

1. Affects structural integrity or safety.
2. Reduces the usability of a part of the home.
3. Is likely to get significantly worse without proper repair.

If all of those are true, it’s likely a major defect. If not it’s more about ageing, finish quality or routine maintenance, it’s minor.

Summary (and the key takeaways).  

• Major defects: serious, potentially dangerous issues that could void your contract or force expensive repairs.
• Minor defects: normal maintenance items that don’t affect safety or structural soundness, but might still be annoying or costly in the future.

Getting a prepurchase building inspection and understanding these definitions can save you from nasty surprises, protect your legal rights, and give you confidence that the place you’re about to call “home” really deserves that title.

Need help sorting the big from the small? 

The team at Ascent Property Co. have trusted contacts—when you buy a property through them, you gain access to experienced inspectors and tradespeople who can assess any issues quickly, giving you confidence to move forward (or walk away) with peace of mind.