Hi, I’m Russell McCarthy, the founder and lead building inspector at WA Building Inspections in Perth. Let me take you behind the scenes of one of the most frustrating inspections I’ve done recently. This was a newly built home, and what I uncovered during a simple wet test was nothing short of shocking. Watch the full unedited video:

How It Started: A Quick Test Turns into a Full-Blown Nightmare

“It’s currently dry. Right, dry on the outside and dry on the inside. Just gonna work my way to the inside. Moisture.”

That’s how it began. One of the first things I always do is test around the windows and external penetrations. With this one, the result was clear within seconds: water was flooding in where it absolutely shouldn’t.

Mould, Timber Rot and Direct Breach of AS1684

“Look at the timbers having deteriorated here. It’s mould, they deteriorated in direct breach of AS1684.”

The water wasn’t just sneaking in. It was pouring through, directly impacting the internal stud walls, concrete fibre cement cladding, and timber structures. Moisture in these areas isn’t just an annoyance – it’s a serious safety issue.

What Does the NCC Say?

“This is not performance nor compliance with the National Construction Code’s governing requirements.”

For those unfamiliar, the National Construction Code (NCC) is the bible of Australian building standards. If you’re a builder and you’re not building to NCC compliance, you’re not just cutting corners – you’re putting lives and investments at risk.

The Shocking Reality of a $600,000+ Build

“Five and a half years this build has taken to do such an awesome job. Got all these areas that are showing leaking points… Water pissing in with water.”

You read that right. This wasn’t a decades-old fixer-upper. This was a home recently completed, one you’d expect to move into stress-free. Instead, we found black mould, deteriorated timber, breached membranes, and internal flooding.

Why Independent Building Inspections Matter

Homeowners often ask why they should get an independent inspection on a new build. This inspection answers that question with hard, visual proof. If you’re buying or building anywhere in Perth or surrounds, don’t take the builder’s word for it.

We conduct:

• Practical Completion Inspections

• Water Ingress Inspections

• Maintenance Inspections

• Defect Inspections

Local Expertise Across Perth

If you’re building or buying in:

• Perth Metro, contact WA Building Inspections Perth for an expert review.

• Rockingham to Mandurah, we know the local conditions and builder reputations.

• Midland & Hills, we’ve helped countless clients in the hills avoid dodgy builds.

More Inspection Findings from the Video

“Look at this. Turn that light off for a second. A little of that moisture coming through there. You can actually see it. Look out.”

“It is pouring down. Look over here. You want to know why you got mould everywhere? It is pouring down.”

“The window itself is now flooding, as you can see over there… That didn’t even take 15 seconds.”

These issues aren’t visible to the average homeowner until it’s too late. That’s why detailed reporting, thermal imaging inspection, and moisture testing are essential.

FAQs About Water Ingress and New Builds

What is water ingress in a new home?

Water ingress refers to water leaking into areas it shouldn’t – like behind walls or under windows. In new homes, this often results from poor flashing, compromised membranes, or shortcuts during construction.

Are new homes covered for defects like these?

In WA, builders must comply with statutory warranty obligations. But enforcement can be a nightmare without third-party evidence. That’s why a building defect inspection is your best weapon.

Can water ingress cause long-term structural damage?

Absolutely. Continuous moisture exposure can rot timber, weaken structural components, and create toxic black mould. It’s not just ugly – it’s dangerous.

How do I know if I need a building inspection?

If you’re buying, building, or nearing practical completion, book an inspection. Even better, get one before your final builder payment. It could save you tens of thousands.

My Final Thoughts

I’ll leave you with this:

“I’ll let this one play out in court because I’m pretty sure that’s where it’s going to end up. Once all the documents are released and it’s public knowledge, I’ll tell you exactly who this builder is.”

Until then, protect yourself. Get an expert eye on your property.

— Russell McCarthy
Founder & Lead Building Inspector
WA Building Inspections in Perth
Book Your Inspection Today