How Does Transform Homes Minimise and Manage Defects?
Direct Answer
Transform Homes minimises defects by training our people in the products we install, following manufacturer directions and signing off stage checklists, including for example, pre-slab, frame, pre-plaster and waterproofing, in the Transform Homes Portal. If something doesn't work as expected, we investigate the cause and work through it, keeping you informed along the way.
What is a building defect?
A defect is something in your home that doesn't work properly or as expected. This applies in the same way whether it's a new home, renovation, extension or bathroom.
Every home is made up of thousands of components and more than 100,000 individual parts, from screws, bolts and steel to tiles, bricks, timber, adhesives and paint. Each part is made by a manufacturer, delivered to site and installed, often alongside many others. With so many products working together, issues can occasionally arise, even on a carefully managed build.
What causes building defects?
When something doesn't seem right, there are usually three possible explanations:
Is every problem a defect?
Not always. Sometimes something looks like a defect, but on investigation it turns out to be a limitation of the product. It's our job to work through this with you and explain what we find.
Some issues are also part of normal home maintenance. Shower silicone, for example, breaks down over time and needs renewing. Our blog Why Is It Important to Maintain Your Home? gives an introduction of what to look out for. The lead article in our monthly newsletter helps you keep on top of maintenance tasks around the home with this in mind.
How does Transform Homes minimise defects during construction?
The best way to manage defects is to prevent them. That starts with consistent checks and a clear record of how the work was done.
How do you make sure products are installed correctly?
We take the time to understand each manufacturer's installation documents, and our people are trained in the use of the products and materials we install. This helps ensure manufacturer directions are followed, reducing the risk of installation issues from the start.
What quality checks happen during my build?
Our Project Supervisors carry out checks throughout construction against dozens of checklists, including pre-slab, frame and waterproofing. Each completed checklist is retained in the Transform Homes Portal.
How do you make sure every checklist is completed?
Checklists are built into your project schedule, not left to memory. Each one is assigned to the relevant Project Supervisor, who signs it off once complete. Together with documentation and photographs, this creates an evidence trail for every key stage of your build.
Why do you record serial and batch numbers?
For some materials, including waterproofing membranes, we record the serial and batch numbers of the products used. If a question ever arises about a product, we know exactly what was installed in your home and are able to follow this up with the product manufacturer.
What are daily site diaries?
Daily site diaries, including photos, record what was done on site each day. They give a clear, dated history of your build from start to finish.
What is 3D photography used for?
Before plaster is installed, we use 3D photography to record what will be behind your walls and ceilings. This enables remote viewing of what has been built, even once the walls and ceilings are closed in. This includes structural items such as studs and lintels, and the plumbing and electrical rough-in details.
Are there checks at handover?
Yes. Handover has its own checklists, so the work is checked before it's handed over to you.
What records does Transform Homes keep during a build?
What happens if something goes wrong?
Even with careful checks, things occasionally don't work as they should. What matters most is how it's handled.
When a defect arises, we aim to investigate as quickly as possible. It isn't a blame process. It's about finding the facts, finding the right resolution and then putting it in place.
Here's how Transform Homes works through a possible defect:
- You let us know. Contact your Project Supervisor directly, or notify us through the Transform Homes Portal.
- We investigate quickly. Our checklists, photos, site diaries & 3D photography help us establish the facts about what was installed and how.
- We identify the cause and the fix. Whether it's a product issue, an installation issue or a product limitation, we explain what we've found and the proposed resolution.
- We put the resolution in place.
Why does this approach matter to me?
A documented build means issues can be traced quickly, rather than relying on memory or guesswork. It also means you're dealing with the same team who did the work, people who know your project and take responsibility for it.
We take this approach on every Transform Homes project, whether it's a new home, knockdown rebuild, renovation, extension or bathroom.
We build across Melbourne's inner, northern and north-eastern suburbs, outer growth corridors and semi-rural areas, from Fitzroy, Coburg and Ivanhoe through to Eltham, Yarrambat and Hurstbridge. See Where We Build for our full service area.
