Sample report — example data only. Items below show how observed cosmetic defects are recorded, photographed and referenced to the Guide.
This report is Nitpik's opinion of the visible cosmetic finish on the day of inspection. Measurements were taken on site, and each item is referenced by clause number to the Guide to Standards and Tolerances (2026 edition), published by the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC), in the edition shown on this report, used as a reference only. Not in scope: structural, building code, compliance, waterproofing, electrical, plumbing, gas, HVAC, energy, pest, hazardous materials and concealed elements. Prepared for the named client only.
About this inspection. Nitpik is a cosmetic finish inspector. A Nitpik inspection is a visual, non-invasive look at finished surfaces that are readily visible on the day — paint, plaster, tiling, joinery, stone, doors, glass and similar finishes. The report records the cosmetic defects we observed, with photographs, and is our opinion of the visible finish on that day. It is not a building inspection under the Building Act 1993 (Vic) and is not a substitute for one. We do not inspect or report on structure, waterproofing, services (electrical, plumbing, gas, mechanical), safety, pests or termites, concealed areas, or any statutory or permit matter, and we do not carry out stage inspections, pre-purchase or pre-sale inspections, or any building or rectification work. For those, please speak to the relevant specialist. Defects are referenced to the 2026 edition of the Guide to Standards and Tolerances, published by the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC). The 2026 edition applies to contracts entered into, or work started, on or after 1 August 2026. If your contract was entered into before then, the 2015 edition may apply instead, and its clause numbers differ; ask us if you need 2015 references. The Guide is advisory; your building contract and the law take precedence. Nitpik is independent and not affiliated with the BPC. Nitpik holds professional indemnity and public liability insurance; certificates of currency available on request.
Visible run and sag in the ceiling paint finish above the rangehood, seen from the normal viewing position.
Tolerance:Outside tolerance if any such blemish, or excessive over-painting of fittings, trims, skirtings, architraves or glazing, is visible from a normal viewing position.
Gap between the pantry door and adjoining panel narrows from top to bottom; doors appear out of alignment.
Tolerance:Outside tolerance if cabinet doors and drawer fronts are not aligned, or do not have consistent gaps between them, when seen from a normal viewing position. Identification period for joinery is 6 months from completion.
Nail fixings in the skirting beside the island bench are visible and unfilled.
Tolerance:Outside tolerance if fixings, or unfilled depressions caused by fixings, can be seen from a normal viewing position.
Plasterboard joint on the north wall is visible from the normal viewing position after being located with raking light.
Tolerance:Outside tolerance if not completed to a Level 4 finish per AS/NZS 2589 Gypsum linings. Note the Guide accepts that some surface imperfections may remain visible in a Level 4 finish.
Small dent and unfilled depression in the painted wall beside the sliding door.
Tolerance:Outside tolerance if visible from a normal viewing position.
Architrave faces are not flush at the mitre beside the entry door; the step is visible from the normal viewing position.
Tolerance:Outside tolerance if faces are not aligned and flush at mitres and butt joints and the misalignment is visible from a normal viewing position.
Lippage between adjoining wall tiles in the shower recess, measured on site.
Tolerance:Flat polished/honed tiles: 1.0 mm (joints 1.5–2.9 mm), 1.5 mm (joints 3.0–6.0 mm), 2.0 mm (joints > 6.0 mm). Smooth tiles with a regular edge finish, and highly profiled but consistent surfaces: 2.0 mm at any joint width.
Grout joint width varies along the vanity splashback.
Tolerance:Joints outside tolerance if final alignment is not within ±4 mm in 2 m, or joints are not of consistent width from a normal viewing position. Grout must be consistent, smooth and evenly finished without voids, pinholes or low spots. Junction sealants outside tolerance if they contain lumps, voids, debris or surface imperfections visible at completion.
Silicone bead at the bath edge is uneven with smears on the adjoining tile.
Tolerance:Tiling must conform to AS 3958 Installation of ceramic and stone tiles. Repairs are outside tolerance if they do not match existing work in appearance, colour and texture as closely as practicable.
Door rubs the head of the frame when closing; the gap to the frame is uneven.
Tolerance:Squareness (diagonal difference) 3 mm; twist (up to 2400 × 920 mm) 5 mm; bow along height 4 mm (≤ 2150 mm) or 6 mm (2150–2400 mm); bow across width 3 mm (≤ 1020 mm). Refer AS 2688.
Wall paint has been carried onto the architrave edge, visible from the normal viewing position.
Tolerance:Outside tolerance if any such blemish, or excessive over-painting of fittings, trims, skirtings, architraves or glazing, is visible from a normal viewing position.
Hairline gap at the cornice joint in the north-west corner.
Tolerance:Outside tolerance if plaster peaking or jointing is visible from a normal viewing position.
Robe sliding doors do not meet evenly when closed.
Tolerance:Door leaves are outside tolerance if all sides, top and bottom edges are not sealed or painted. Doors and windows are outside tolerance if, within 3 months, they bind or jam or do not operate as intended.
In scope. Visual cosmetic defects on finished surfaces — paint, plaster, tiling, caulking, cabinetry, doors, windows, trims and other visible finishes — referenced to the Guide to Standards and Tolerances (edition shown on this report, 2026), published by the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) and used by Nitpik as a reference. Nitpik does not assess compliance with Australian Standards. Findings are limited to what was reasonably visible on the day of inspection under available lighting and access.
Not in scope. Nitpik does not perform structural, building code, compliance, waterproofing, electrical, plumbing, gas, HVAC, energy efficiency, hazardous materials (including asbestos), pest, or dilapidation inspections. We report observed cosmetic defects only and do not provide legal, engineering or regulatory advice. Concealed elements, roof cavities, sub-floors, wet areas below the surface, and anything requiring destructive or invasive testing are excluded.
Reliance. Prepared for the named client for the address and date shown. It may be shared with the builder to help with rectification, but Nitpik is not responsible to anyone else who relies on it.
Liability. The report is for reference only and does not certify anything. Nitpik's liability is limited as set out in section 11 of our Terms (nitpik.com.au/terms). Nothing in this report excludes rights under the Australian Consumer Law.
Rectification. Descriptions and tolerances are provided to help the client and builder discuss rectification. Method of rectification remains the builder's responsibility under the relevant building contract. Re-check visits after rectification are available on request, quoted individually.
Defects in this report are referenced by clause number to the documents below. Nitpik paraphrases the relevant requirement in each defect entry; refer to the source document for the full text and tolerance. Sources: Guide to Standards and Tolerances, published by the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC), in the edition shown on this report (2026; the 2026 edition was published on 14 July 2026; advisory only), and Australian Standards referenced for context (available from Standards Australia).