A $25k nightmare could be lurking beneath tiles surfaces and walls with homeowners unaware until too late.
A silent danger is hammering Aussie homeowners with defect bills of up to $25,000 which many don’t see coming until it’s spiralled out of control.
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission has issued a warning over one of the most shockingly common building failures it sees – waterproofing gone horribly wrong, tucked away hidden behind tiles and walls that then need to be ripped out and entire wet areas rebuilt.
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QBCC warns the cost of fixing problems escalate as tiles and walls need to be ripped out and wet areas rebuilt.
QBCC Commissioner Angelo Lambrinos said on average, bathroom-related claims under the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme were costing homeowners close to $25,000 to fix.
Rushed work, poor workmanship or unlicensed tradies were often part of the problem and by the time warning signs appeared, the damage would most likely already be extensive, QBCC warned.
What’s worse is that many of the blowouts were avoidable, Mr Lambrinos said, adding “waterproofing problems can be costly, but many are preventable”.
QBCC’s urged homeowners to dramatically reduce their risk by using licensed contractors, insisting on proper contracts and allowing enough time for the job to be done correctly.
“Being informed is one of the strongest protections a homeowner has,” Mr Lambrinos said.
Allowing enough time for waterproofing to cure is part of the proactive steps to take.
But it’s not just the initial installation that can be an issue, with the danger escalating during later years as renovations, DIY work and general wear and tear kick in.
Waterproofing, QBCC warned, was not a feature homeowners should “set and forget”, urging vigilance over early red flags, such as musty smells, mould, peeling paint, damp patches, loose tiles and discoloured surfaces.
While those might seem minor, they were signs that could point to a much bigger issue lurking beneath it.
If problems were suspected, the best thing to do was take quick action, with the QBCC advising homeowners document the issue and contact their builder before the damage gets any worse.
WHAT EVERY HOMEOWNER SHOULD KNOW:
Warning signs to watch for:
1. Musty smells or mould
2. Bubbling or peeling paint
3. Damp patches after showers or rain
4. Loose tiles or crumbling grout
5. Discoloured walls or ceilings
6. White, chalky residue on surfaces
(Source: QBCC)
Among warning signs to watch for is the outbreak of mould.
To avoid costly defects:
1. Use licensed contractors only.
2. Get a written, signed contract (not just a quote).
3. Make sure waterproofing isn’t rushed – allow proper curing time.
4. Avoid damaging membranes during DIY or later works.
Ongoing maintenance list:
1. Replace silicone joints every few years.
2. Fix cracked grout or loose tiles quickly.
3. Keep drains clear to prevent water build-up.
4. Avoid harsh cleaning chemicals.
(Source: QBCC)
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