Six years and two years on a NSW build

In short: How the Home Building Act warranty periods work and why the category is fought over.

The two periods

Six years for major defects and two for everything else, running from completion, under the Home Building Act 1989.

Broadly a defect in a major element making the home uninhabitable or unusable for its purpose, or threatening collapse.

Because the category decides which clock applies, and no builder is neutral about whether something gets called minor.

Get a written list before the two year mark, while the shorter period is still open.

By naming the element and the requirement, so the category is argued on facts rather than adjectives.

Written by the Owner Inspections team from inspections carried out in Oran Park. Licensed building practitioners, NSW Fair Trading licence 366177C.

More defect reports guides for Oran Park

7 April 2026 · 7 min read

When does it start?

At completion of the work, generally your handover date. Check it against your contract.

Does a written complaint hold the clock?

It creates a record that the item existed inside the period, which is what counts later.

Is a two year inspection worthwhile?

For many owners yes, because it lands before the shorter warranty expires while defects are still surfacing.

What if the builder no longer exists?

The Home Building Compensation Fund through icare exists for that, subject to its own rules.