Whittlesea Building
Inspections

The slab crack that was not on the drawings

A gap in the concrete floor that was not approved for the design.

Whittlesea 3757 · 25 August 2026

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  • Building & Plumbing Commission (VIC) Building & Plumbing Commission
  • Australian Society of Building Consultants Australian Society of Building Consultants
  • Strata Community Association Strata Community Association
  • Building Dispute Practitioners Society Building Dispute Practitioners Society

In short: A wide crack across the driveway slab of a Whittlesea home at practical completion, not shown on the engineering plans.

What we found

A crack in the driveway slab of a Whittlesea home at practical completion, wider than the drawings allowed, and not visible until the concrete was poured.

Why hidden defects are often missed

The crack is in the ground, not a wall or ceiling, and it does not stop the house from standing or doors from opening.

Spotting defects before you sign

Water collects in the crack, grass grows through it, and the driveway surface becomes uneven over time.

Why the final inspection matters most

Under the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995, the builder must finish the work to the approved standards. A crack on the drawings is a breach of that contract.

How we spot faults

We look at the approved engineering and drawings to know what the slab should look like, then we walk the site to compare the finished work.

Written by our local inspection team from work carried out in Whittlesea. Licensed building practitioners.

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FAQ

Questions Whittlesea owners ask about this

Can you trust the builder?

Likely not. It is a design flaw or a soil issue, not a common construction error that a site walkover would catch.

Is the cost to repair high?

Yes. The slab must be cut and repaired, and the driveway relaid, which is a substantial cost for a homeowner.

Do you test the soil?

No. We report on what is visible on the site compared to the approved plans, we do not perform geotechnical investigations.

What should I check here?

Yes. Look at the driveway and the foundation level. You can see if the concrete is level and if there are any obvious breaks in the surface.

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