A defect severity rating is a standardised way of communicating the seriousness of building defects identified during an inspection. By categorising each defect according to its impact on safety, structural integrity, and habitability, the rating system helps clients, real estate professionals, and trades prioritise which issues need immediate attention and which can be addressed as part of routine maintenance.
Common Rating Categories
While the exact terminology varies between inspection companies and industry standards, most defect classification systems use three to four tiers. A common framework includes: Major defects that are serious and require urgent repair, as they affect the structural adequacy, safety, or weather resistance of the building; Minor defects that require attention but do not pose an immediate safety risk, such as cracked tiles, minor water staining, or worn fixtures; and Maintenance items that represent normal wear and aging and should be addressed as part of ongoing property upkeep. Some systems add a Safety hazard category for items presenting an immediate risk of injury.
Why Ratings Matter
Without a severity classification, an inspection report listing fifty findings can overwhelm the reader. A clear rating system allows a buyer to quickly distinguish between a cracked foundation (major structural defect) and a scuffed skirting board (maintenance item). For pre-purchase inspections, defect severity ratings directly influence negotiations, as major defects may justify a price reduction or become conditions of sale.
Consistency Across Reports
One of the challenges for inspection businesses is maintaining consistent defect classification across multiple inspectors. Establishing an internal rating guide with examples and definitions helps ensure that a "major defect" means the same thing regardless of which inspector wrote the report.
Delivering Clear Reports
Inspection businesses that use structured severity ratings in their reports build client trust through transparency and professionalism.