20 Common Defects in New Houses in Malaysia: What Homebuyers Should Look For

A brand-new house, condominium or apartment may look complete during key handover, but a fresh coat of paint and clean finishes do not necessarily mean every part of the property has been installed or finished properly.

New homeowners in Malaysia may discover workmanship defects such as hollow-sounding tiles, uneven finishes, wall cracks, water stains, poor drainage, leaking fittings, misaligned doors and windows, incomplete sealant or other problems after taking possession.

Some issues are mainly cosmetic. Others affect functionality, water management, security or safety and deserve more urgent attention. The important thing is not to assume that every mark is serious, but also not to ignore something simply because the property is new.

This guide explains 20 common defects in new houses in Malaysia, what they may look like, why they matter and how homeowners can document them more clearly.

If you have only recently received your keys, start with our Vacant Possession Checklist Malaysia. For a practical room-by-room inspection process, you can also use our New House Defect Checklist Malaysia.

20 Common New House Defects at a Glance

Common defects and workmanship issues homeowners may encounter include:

1. Hollow-sounding floor or wall tiles
2. Cracked, chipped or damaged tiles
3. Uneven tiles and excessive tile lippage
4. Poor grout, joints and gaps
5. Uneven flooring and incorrect wet-area falls
6. Wall cracks
7. Uneven plastering and poor wall finishing
8. Paint defects and inconsistent finishes
9. Ceiling cracks, unevenness and staining
10. Water leakage, seepage and dampness
11. Possible waterproofing-related defects in wet areas
12. Poor drainage and ponding water
13. Plumbing leaks and sanitary fitting problems
14. Door alignment and functionality problems
15. Window alignment, sealing and functionality problems
16. Loose or visibly defective electrical fittings
17. Poor sealant and incomplete caulking
18. Roof and attic leakage indicators in landed homes
19. External drainage and finishing defects
20. Incomplete, damaged or generally poor workmanship

The exact defects found will vary according to the property type, design, construction method, accessibility and condition at the time of inspection.

What Does "Defect" Mean in a New House?

When homeowners use terms such as defect rumah baru, check defect rumah, construction defect or workmanship defect, they may be referring to many different kinds of conditions.

A defect might involve:

• Finishing quality
• Alignment and evenness
• Cracks or physical damage
• Joints and gaps
• Hollowness or loss of bonding
• Water leakage or moisture indicators
• Drainage performance
• Functionality of doors, windows or fittings
• Installation quality
• Missing or incomplete finishing work

Not every visible imperfection has the same cause, seriousness or responsibility. Good defect documentation therefore focuses first on what can actually be observed, rather than immediately making an unsupported diagnosis.

Cosmetic, Functional and Higher-Priority Defects

It can help homeowners think about defects in practical categories.

Cosmetic or Finishing Defects

These can include:

• Paint marks
• Uneven colour
• Minor chips
• Poor joint finishing
• Visible plaster imperfections
• Untidy sealant

They may not immediately affect how the property functions, but they can still be valid workmanship issues worth documenting.

Functional Defects

These affect how part of the property operates.

Examples include:

• A door that cannot close properly
• A window that cannot lock
• A toilet that does not flush correctly
• A floor trap that drains poorly
• A tap that leaks
• A switch or fitting that does not function as expected

Water and Moisture-Related Defects

Leakage, water staining, dampness, poor drainage and possible waterproofing problems deserve careful attention because water can travel beyond the location where the visible symptom first appears.

Potential Safety or Serious Technical Concerns

Conditions involving exposed electrical components, unstable fittings, significant cracking, unsafe access, severe leakage or other potentially serious issues should not be treated as ordinary DIY repair items.

Where appropriate, obtain assessment from a suitably qualified specialist.

The categories above are practical homeowner guidance only. They are not a formal engineering severity classification.

1. Hollow-Sounding Floor or Wall Tiles

Hollow tiles are among the best-known defects encountered during new house inspections in Malaysia.

When a tile is lightly tapped, an affected area may produce a noticeably different or more hollow sound compared with surrounding tiles.

What You May Notice

• A hollow or drum-like sound when tapping certain tile areas
• A group of tiles producing a different sound from surrounding tiles
• Tiles that feel loose or unstable in more obvious cases

Why It Deserves Attention

A hollow sound can indicate non-uniform contact or voids beneath part of the tile. However, sound alone should not automatically be treated as proof of a severe defect because the tile, substrate and installation method can affect the result.

Hollow-sounding tiles should therefore be identified by location and documented consistently rather than diagnosed based on sound alone.

How to Document It

Record:

• Room
• Approximate tile location
• Whether it is a floor or wall tile
• How many areas appear affected
• A photograph showing the marked tile location

2. Cracked, Chipped or Damaged Tiles

Tile damage is usually easier to see than hollowness.

Inspect both floor and wall tiles for:

• Cracks
• Chipped corners
• Damaged edges
• Scratches
• Surface marks
• Broken tiles

Pay particular attention near doorways, corners, sanitary fittings and high-traffic areas.

Take a wide photograph first to establish the location, followed by a closer image showing the damage clearly.

3. Uneven Tiles and Tile Lippage

Adjacent tiles should generally form a reasonably consistent finished surface.

Tile lippage describes a noticeable difference in height between the edges of neighbouring tiles.

What You May Notice

• One tile edge sitting higher than the next
• A sharp or uncomfortable change in level
• A visibly uneven tiled surface
• Tile rows that do not appear aligned

Why It Matters

Uneven installation can affect appearance, cleaning and everyday use. More pronounced level differences may also become uncomfortable underfoot or create a trip concern depending on the location.

Do not estimate technical tolerances by eye if a measured assessment is required. Record the observable condition and obtain proper measurement where appropriate.

4. Poor Grout, Joints and Gaps

Many workmanship defects occur not in the centre of a surface but where two materials meet.

Check:

• Tile grout lines
• Floor-to-wall junctions
• Wall corners
• Skirting joints
• Door-frame edges
• Window-frame edges
• Sanitary fitting junctions

Look for:

• Missing grout
• Cracked grout
• Open gaps
• Inconsistent joints
• Excess material
• Untidy finishing
• Visible separation between materials

Joints and gaps can be easy to dismiss because each one may appear small, but documenting them clearly can reveal a broader workmanship pattern.

5. Uneven Flooring and Incorrect Wet-Area Falls

Floor evenness becomes especially important in bathrooms, balconies, yards and other areas where water is expected to drain.

What You May Notice

• Obvious high and low spots
• Uneven transitions
• Water remaining in one section of the floor
• Water flowing away from the intended floor trap
• Ponding after surrounding areas have drained

In dry rooms, uneven flooring can affect appearance, furniture placement and floor finishes.

In wet areas, poor floor falls can contribute to standing water and inconvenient drainage.

Avoid uncontrolled flooding as a DIY test. Use only appropriate water testing methods that will not cause damage to neighbouring areas.

6. Wall Cracks

Wall cracks are one of the defects most likely to worry a new homeowner, but not every crack means the same thing.

You may see:

• Fine hairline cracks
• Vertical cracks
• Horizontal cracks
• Diagonal cracks
• Cracks near doors or windows
• Cracks at material junctions
• Cracks that continue through the finish

Do Not Diagnose a Crack by Appearance Alone

A visible crack may involve surface finishing, shrinkage, movement or other causes. Homeowners should avoid automatically describing every crack as "structural".

A more useful defect record would state:

"Visible diagonal crack at Bedroom 2 wall above the window opening."

rather than:

"Dangerous structural crack."

If cracking appears significant, changes over time, repeatedly returns after repair, shows displacement or affects an important building element, further assessment by an appropriately qualified professional may be necessary.

7. Uneven Plastering and Poor Wall Finishing

A wall can be free of obvious cracks but still show poor workmanship.

Look along the wall from different angles and under natural or artificial light.

Common observations include:

• Wavy surfaces
• Obvious depressions
• Bulging areas
• Rough plaster
• Poorly finished corners
• Uneven edges
• Visible patch repair
• Irregular junctions with frames or skirting

Side lighting can make uneven surfaces easier to notice, but remember that lighting conditions can exaggerate minor imperfections. Record only what is reasonably observable.

8. Paint Defects and Inconsistent Finishing

Fresh paint can make a new property look impressive, but inspect it more closely.

Common paint and finishing issues include:

• Uneven colour tone
• Patchy coverage
• Visible roller or brush marks
• Paint runs
• Peeling
• Bubbling
• Overspray or paint on adjacent fittings
• Unfinished edges
• Stains showing through the paint

Bubbling, staining or discolouration deserves closer attention because the visible paint defect may sometimes be associated with moisture rather than paint alone.

9. Ceiling Cracks, Unevenness and Staining

Ceilings are often missed during a quick handover because homeowners naturally focus on walls, floors and furniture locations.

Look for:

• Cracks
• Joint lines
• Uneven surfaces
• Visible sagging
• Poor paint finishing
• Brown or yellow staining
• Damp-looking areas
• Peeling or bubbling paint
• Poor finishing around light points or access panels

Ceiling staining is particularly worth documenting because water may originate from plumbing, an upper-floor wet area, roof area or another source.

The visible stain does not necessarily identify the actual source of the problem.

10. Water Leakage, Seepage and Dampness

Water-related defects are among the issues homeowners should take seriously because the symptom may spread beyond its original source.

Common Signs

• Water stains
• Damp patches
• Paint bubbling
• Peeling paint
• Discolouration
• Wet patches around pipe penetrations
• Moisture near windows
• Ceiling staining
• Dampness on walls adjacent to bathrooms

Do not assume that a dry wall on inspection day means there has never been water ingress. Some leakage may only become visible during rain, when a bathroom is heavily used or under particular plumbing conditions.

Likewise, a stain is an indicator rather than proof of the exact source.

11. Possible Waterproofing-Related Defects in Wet Areas

Bathrooms, balconies, yards and other wet areas depend on appropriate detailing, drainage and waterproofing systems.

Possible warning signs include:

• Dampness on an adjacent wall
• Water staining below a wet area
• Persistent moisture around floor or wall junctions
• Water appearing outside the expected wet area
• Poor sealant around penetrations or fittings
• Standing water that does not drain effectively

These signs do not by themselves prove the exact waterproofing failure point. The source should be investigated properly rather than simply repainting the affected surface.

12. Poor Drainage and Ponding Water

Water should generally move towards the intended drainage point in areas designed for regular wet use.

Problems may include:

• Slow drainage
• Water collecting away from the floor trap
• Ponding after most of the floor has dried
• Blocked floor traps
• External drains that do not flow properly
• Balcony outlets obstructed by debris or finishing material

Why Ponding Matters

Standing water can make wet areas inconvenient to use and can indicate problems with floor falls, drainage or finishing.

Document exactly where the water remains and photograph the affected area where possible.

13. Plumbing Leaks and Sanitary Fitting Problems

Plumbing defects may not become obvious until water is turned on and fittings are actually used.

Where the water supply is active and testing is permitted, observe:

• Taps
• Basins
• Kitchen sinks
• Toilets
• Exposed pipe connections
• Flexible hoses
• Floor traps
• Other accessible sanitary fittings

Look for:

• Dripping
• Water around joints
• Loose fittings
• Slow drainage
• Unusual water flow
• Water appearing below a basin or sink
• Toilet flushing problems

After using a fixture, wait briefly and check underneath or around it. A connection may not show an obvious leak immediately.

14. Door Alignment and Functionality Problems

A new door should not simply look good. It also needs to operate properly.

Test accessible doors by opening, closing and locking them several times.

Common defects include:

• Door rubbing against the floor
• Door rubbing against the frame
• Difficulty closing
• Difficulty locking
• Uneven gaps around the door leaf
• Misaligned latch and strike plate
• Loose handles
• Loose hinges
• Visible chips or dents
• Poor finishing around the frame

Where relevant, also check sliding doors for smooth movement, locking and alignment.

15. Window Alignment, Sealing and Functionality Problems

Windows are another element that should be tested rather than inspected only from a distance.

Look for:

• Difficulty opening or closing
• Windows that do not lock properly
• Misaligned panels
• Loose handles
• Damaged glass
• Incomplete sealant
• Gaps around frames
• Water staining near the opening
• Poor wall finishing around the frame

Water ingress around windows may only become obvious during wind-driven rain, so existing staining or dampness around a frame should be recorded even if the window is dry at the time of inspection.

16. Loose or Visibly Defective Electrical Fittings

Electrical installations should always be approached carefully.

Homeowners can visually observe accessible items such as:

• Loose switch plates
• Loose socket faceplates
• Cracked accessories
• Missing covers
• Poor fitting alignment
• Obvious gaps around accessories
• Switches or light points that do not operate when the electrical supply is active

Important: do not remove covers, touch exposed wiring, dismantle electrical equipment or perform live electrical testing unless you are competent and properly equipped.

Any serious electrical concern should be referred to an appropriately qualified person.

17. Poor Sealant and Incomplete Caulking

Sealant is easy to overlook because it usually appears in narrow joints rather than large surfaces.

Inspect areas around:

• Window frames
• Door frames
• Basins
• Sinks
• Shower screens
• Sanitary fittings
• Countertops
• Wall penetrations
• Other junctions requiring sealing

Possible defects include:

• Missing sealant
• Gaps
• Cracked sealant
• Poor adhesion
• Untidy application
• Sections that appear incomplete

The importance of a particular gap depends on where it is located and what the joint is intended to do.

18. Roof and Attic Leakage Indicators in Landed Homes

Roof-related defects are especially relevant to landed properties.

Homeowners should not climb onto roofs or enter unsafe roof spaces simply to complete a DIY inspection.

From safely accessible locations, look for:

• Water staining below roof areas
• Damp roof-space surfaces
• Visible daylight through unexpected openings
• Displaced or damaged accessible components
• Water marks around penetrations
• Ceiling stains on upper floors
• Problems around accessible water-tank or overflow areas

Some roof leakage is weather-dependent and may only appear during or after heavy rain.

If access involves a fall risk, confined space or other hazard, use an appropriate professional rather than entering the area yourself.

19. External Drainage and Finishing Defects

Landed houses can have defects outside the internal living space as well.

Depending on the property, inspect accessible:

• Car porch surfaces
• Apron areas
• External drains
• External walls
• Fencing
• Gates
• External taps
• Walkways
• Other developer-supplied external works

Look for:

• Cracks
• Uneven surfaces
• Ponding water
• Poor drainage
• Loose components
• Incomplete finishing
• Visible settlement or separation that deserves further assessment

The applicable external area depends on the property boundary, property type and what forms part of your purchase.

20. Incomplete, Damaged or Generally Poor Workmanship

Not every defect fits neatly into one category.

Sometimes the issue is simply incomplete or inconsistent workmanship.

Examples may include:

• Unfinished corners
• Rough patching
• Visible excess mortar or adhesive
• Poorly aligned fittings
• Missing screws or caps
• Unfinished penetrations
• Scratched developer-supplied fittings
• Missing accessories that were supposed to be provided
• Damaged fixtures
• Inconsistent finishing between similar areas

Before reporting a missing item as a defect or omission, confirm that the item was actually included in your Sale and Purchase Agreement, Schedule of Specifications or other applicable purchase documents.

Why Floors, Walls, Joints and Finishes Deserve Close Attention

Many new-house defects involve architectural workmanship rather than dramatic building failure.

Homeowners therefore benefit from looking closely at basic workmanship characteristics such as:

• Is the surface reasonably even?
• Are adjoining materials aligned?
• Are joints consistent?
• Are there visible cracks or chips?
• Does the component function properly?
• Are gaps or openings properly finished?
• Is there evidence of water where it should not be?

This way of thinking is more useful than looking only for dramatic defects.

A property may have no obvious major crack but still contain dozens of workmanship issues affecting floors, walls, bathrooms, doors, windows and other finishes.

Is a Home Defect Inspection the Same as QLASSIC?

No. A homeowner's defect inspection and a formal QLASSIC assessment should not automatically be treated as the same thing.

QLASSIC is an industry quality assessment system associated with CIDB for measuring and evaluating workmanship quality in building construction work using an established assessment framework.

A normal homeowner defect inspection is typically focused on the condition of the individual property, the defects observed and the documentation needed by that homeowner.

Unless an inspection is specifically being performed as an authorised formal QLASSIC assessment, homeowners should not describe it as one.

TAJ Tasneem's inspection service focuses on identifying and documenting applicable property defects for the homeowner. It should not be represented as a formal QLASSIC certification unless specifically stated and verified.

Which New House Defects Should You Prioritise?

Homeowners often ask whether they should concentrate on major defects first or report everything they find.

A practical approach is to document relevant workmanship issues while giving faster attention to defects that may involve:

• Active water leakage
• Persistent dampness
• Potential electrical hazards
• Loose or unstable components
• Doors or windows that cannot secure properly
• Plumbing leaks
• Severe drainage problems
• Unusual or significant cracking
• Issues likely to be covered or altered by renovation
• Defects that appear to be worsening

This does not mean cosmetic defects should be ignored. Finishing defects can still form part of a defect list where they are relevant.

The categories above are practical priorities rather than a formal technical severity rating.

Common New House Defects in Condominiums and Apartments

Strata homes can experience many of the same internal defects as landed houses.

Areas that deserve particular attention include:

• Bathroom and wet-area drainage
• Balcony drainage
• Window frames and seals
• Ceiling water stains
• Floor and wall tiles
• Door alignment
• Internal plumbing
• Sanitary fittings
• Electrical fittings within the unit
• Developer-supplied fixtures

If an issue appears to involve common property, another unit or a shared building system, responsibility and follow-up may differ from an ordinary defect entirely inside your parcel.

Common New House Defects in Landed Properties

Landed homes usually add more external building elements to the inspection scope.

In addition to internal defects, homeowners may need to look at:

• Roof and attic indicators
• External walls
• Car porch surfaces
• External drainage
• Apron areas
• Fencing and gates
• External plumbing points
• Water-tank areas where safely accessible

The exact scope varies depending on the property design.

Why Some Defects Are Easy to Miss During Key Handover

Vacant Possession appointments can be busy and emotionally exciting.

Homeowners may spend more time looking at room size, imagining furniture placement or discussing renovation than examining construction workmanship.

Some defects are also less obvious because:

• Lighting conditions hide uneven finishing
• Water has not yet been used sufficiently to reveal leakage
• Heavy rain has not occurred recently
• Doors and windows are not tested repeatedly
• Tiles are only inspected visually
• Ceilings and corners receive little attention
• Utilities have not been activated
• The homeowner does not know what to look for

This is why a structured inspection is more effective than a quick random walkthrough.

If you are preparing for the handover itself, see our guide to what you should check during Vacant Possession.

Should You Inspect Before Renovation?

Where practical, documenting defects before major renovation provides a clearer baseline of the property as delivered.

Renovation can:

• Cover walls behind cabinets
• Replace original floor finishes
• Alter electrical installations
• Modify plumbing
• Cover cracks or stains
• Change waterproofed areas
• Introduce new workmanship into the property

Once substantial renovation begins, it may become more difficult to distinguish the original property condition from later alteration work.

For a detailed inspection sequence before renovation, use our new house defect checklist.

How to Document a New House Defect Properly

A useful defect record should answer four basic questions:

1. Where is it?
2. What can be observed?
3. What photograph supports the observation?
4. When was it recorded?

Use an Exact Location

Avoid:

"Tile problem."

Use:

"Kitchen floor - third tile from sliding door - hollow sound compared with surrounding tiles."

Describe the Observation, Not an Assumed Cause

Avoid:

"Waterproofing completely failed."

Use:

"Damp staining visible at lower wall outside Bathroom 1."

Take a Wide and Close-Up Photograph

A close-up photograph shows the defect, while a wider photograph shows where it is.

Number Your Findings

For example:

• LR-01 - Living Room
• KT-01 - Kitchen
• BR1-01 - Bedroom 1
• BA1-01 - Bathroom 1

Consistent numbering makes later developer rectification and re-inspection easier to track.

Example of a Clear Defect Record

Reference	Location	Observation	Evidence
LR-01	Living room floor	Several tiles produce a noticeably hollow sound compared with adjacent tiles	Photo LR-01
BR2-02	Bedroom 2 wall beside window	Visible diagonal hairline crack on painted wall surface	Photo BR2-02
BA1-03	Bathroom 1 floor near shower	Water remains in low section after surrounding floor has drained	Photo BA1-03
KT-04	Kitchen sink cabinet area	Water droplets visible below pipe connection after tap use	Photo KT-04

What Should You Do After Finding Defects?

Once you have completed the inspection:

1. Organise defects by room or location.
2. Remove duplicate or unclear photographs.
3. Use factual defect descriptions.
4. Keep your original photos.
5. Follow the developer's official defect submission procedure.
6. Retain evidence of your submission or acknowledgement where available.
7. Keep records of rectification appointments.
8. Recheck repaired defects where appropriate.

If your new home is still within an applicable Defect Liability Period, review your own Sale and Purchase Agreement, VP notice and developer documents for the relevant process and dates.

You can also read our Defect Liability Period Malaysia guide for additional background.

What If the Developer Repairs the Defect?

A defect being marked as "rectified" does not mean you have to forget the original record.

Keep:

• The original defect description
• Original photographs
• Date submitted
• Developer or contractor response
• Photographs after rectification

Compare the repaired area with the original defect.

Where appropriate, a follow-up or re-inspection can help determine whether the visible issue appears to have been properly addressed.

What If the Developer Does Not Fix the Defect?

Keep your documentation organised and avoid relying only on verbal conversations.

Retain:

• Defect report
• Photographs
• Submission acknowledgement
• Email or written communication
• Rectification records
• Follow-up photographs

The next step depends on the nature of the defect, your applicable Sale and Purchase Agreement, relevant timelines and individual circumstances.

If the defects remain unresolved, read our guide explaining what to do when a developer is not fixing property defects.

Can You Find All New House Defects Yourself?

Homeowners can identify many obvious defects with patience and a structured inspection method.

DIY inspection may reveal:

• Visible cracks
• Paint defects
• Damaged tiles
• Door problems
• Window problems
• Leaking taps
• Missing fittings
• Visible water staining

However, a casual walkthrough is different from a systematic property inspection.

Less obvious defects may require:

• More systematic checking
• Suitable inspection equipment
• Repeated functionality tests
• Appropriate measurement
• Experience recognising workmanship patterns
• Further specialist assessment where required

If you want a structured assessment of a newly handed-over property, see TAJ Tasneem's New Home Defect Inspection service.

Why Professional Defect Documentation Can Be Useful

One of the main advantages of a structured inspection is not simply finding defects. It is organising the findings clearly.

A useful inspection record can help identify:

• Which room contains the defect
• Which building component is involved
• What was observed
• Where the defect is located
• What photographs relate to it
• Which issues require follow-up

This can make discussions with developers, contractors and other relevant parties easier to manage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Common New House Defects in Malaysia

What are the most common defects in new houses in Malaysia?

Common defects include hollow-sounding tiles, cracked or uneven tiles, wall cracks, uneven plastering, paint defects, ceiling stains, water leakage, dampness, poor wet-area drainage, plumbing leaks, misaligned doors and windows, incomplete sealant, loose electrical fittings and general workmanship issues.

The defects found vary according to the property type, design and construction quality.

Are defects normal in a brand-new house?

A newly completed property should still be inspected carefully because workmanship and finishing issues can occur during construction.

The presence of a minor finishing defect does not automatically mean the entire property is poorly built, but relevant issues should still be documented and followed up appropriately.

What is a workmanship defect?

A workmanship defect generally refers to an issue associated with how building work or finishing has been carried out.

Examples can include uneven finishes, poor alignment, gaps, damaged surfaces, incomplete sealant, inconsistent joints, poorly fitted doors or other installation issues.

What are hollow tiles?

Hollow-sounding tiles are areas that produce a noticeably different sound when lightly tapped compared with surrounding tiles. This may indicate non-uniform contact or voids beneath part of the tile.

The sound alone does not determine the exact cause or seriousness, so the location and extent should be documented properly.

Are hollow tiles dangerous?

Not every hollow-sounding tile represents an immediate safety problem. The significance depends on the extent, location, tile condition and installation.

Tiles that are visibly loose, cracked, lifting or unstable deserve faster attention.

Are all wall cracks structural defects?

No. A wall crack can have different causes, including finishing, shrinkage, movement or other conditions. Homeowners should avoid labelling a crack as structural based only on appearance.

Cracking that appears significant, changes over time, shows displacement, repeatedly returns after repair or affects an important structural element should be assessed by a suitably qualified professional.

Why is there water staining on a new house ceiling?

A ceiling stain can be associated with moisture or previous water ingress from several possible sources, including plumbing, an upper-floor wet area, roof area or another nearby location.

The visible stain does not necessarily identify where the water originated, so the source may require further investigation.

What does ponding water in a bathroom mean?

Ponding means water remains in a low area instead of draining effectively towards the intended outlet or floor trap.

Possible factors include floor falls, drainage or finishing. Record where the water remains and obtain further assessment if the issue is persistent.

Should I report cosmetic defects to the developer?

Relevant workmanship and finishing defects can still be documented even when they do not affect immediate functionality.

Whether a particular item is accepted for rectification depends on the defect, applicable documents, developer process and circumstances.

Should I inspect a new house before renovation?

Where practical, yes. Inspecting before major renovation provides a clearer record of the property's original condition before cabinets, new flooring, electrical work, plumbing modifications or other alterations cover existing surfaces.

When is the best time to inspect a new house?

A useful time is shortly after Vacant Possession or key collection and before major renovation or move-in.

Homeowners should also be aware of any applicable DLP dates stated in their Sale and Purchase Agreement, VP notice or developer documents.

Can a new house still have water leakage?

Yes. A newly completed property can still show signs of leakage or moisture associated with plumbing, roof areas, wet areas, windows, drainage or other building details.

The actual source should be investigated rather than assumed from the location of the stain alone.

What defects are common around doors and windows?

Common observations include misalignment, uneven gaps, doors rubbing against frames or floors, difficult locking, loose handles, window panels that do not close correctly, incomplete sealant and poor finishing around frames.

What electrical defects can homeowners safely check?

Homeowners can visually check for obviously loose, damaged, cracked or missing electrical accessories and observe whether ordinary switches or light points function when the supply is active.

Do not remove covers, touch exposed wiring or perform specialist live electrical testing unless you are competent and appropriately equipped.

Is a professional defect inspection the same as a QLASSIC assessment?

No. QLASSIC is an established construction workmanship quality assessment system associated with CIDB. An individual homeowner's property defect inspection should not automatically be represented as a formal QLASSIC assessment or certification.

How should I photograph a house defect?

Take one wider photograph that shows where the defect is located and one closer photograph showing the actual condition. Record the room, component and defect reference number so the images can be matched to your defect list later.

What should I do after the developer repairs a defect?

Compare the repaired area with your original photographs and defect description. Keep a record of the rectification and recheck the item where appropriate.

What if I discover defects after moving in?

Document the issue as soon as you notice it and check your applicable property documents and timelines. The appropriate next step depends on the nature of the defect, the property and your circumstances.

Common New House Defects: Final Takeaway

A new property does not need to contain a dramatic defect for an inspection to be worthwhile.

Many issues found during property inspection relate to everyday construction workmanship:

• Finishing
• Alignment
• Evenness
• Joints
• Gaps
• Tile bonding indicators
• Cracks and damage
• Water management
• Drainage
• Functionality

The best approach is to inspect systematically, document what you actually observe and investigate important defects instead of guessing their cause.

If you have not yet completed your inspection, use our New House Defect Checklist Malaysia for a room-by-room checking process.

If you are still preparing to receive the property, start earlier with our Vacant Possession Checklist Malaysia.

Need Help Checking Defects in Your New Home?

If you recently collected your keys, received Vacant Possession or want to understand the condition of your property before renovation, TAJ Tasneem provides professional new home defect inspection for houses, condominiums and apartments.

Our inspection process helps homeowners identify and organise applicable findings relating to walls, ceilings, floors, tiles, doors, windows, wet areas, plumbing, electrical fittings, leakage indicators, workmanship and other accessible areas within the agreed inspection scope.

View our New Home Defect Inspection service or contact TAJ Tasneem to check inspection availability and request a quotation.

If you have more questions about property inspections, defect reports or the inspection process, visit our Home Defect Inspection FAQ.

Important: This article provides general property inspection information for Malaysian homeowners. It is not a formal QLASSIC assessment, engineering opinion, electrical certification or legal advice. The cause, seriousness and responsibility for a particular defect depend on the property, construction details, applicable documents and individual circumstances. Structural, electrical or other specialist concerns should be assessed by appropriately qualified persons where necessary.