The first 90 days after handover
Defect liability period. The builder is contractually obligated to rectify defects you notify in writing during the 90-day period after handover. Walk through every room weekly and log anything that's not right.
Common year-1 defects: cornice cracks where the wall and ceiling meet (house settling - normal but the builder should fill and paint), door alignment drift, sliding door tracks needing adjustment, grout/silicone shrinkage in wet areas, paint touch-ups around skirting and architraves.
Structural warranty. SA mandates 6+ years of structural warranty on new builds - major structural defects (foundations, frame, roof structure) are covered even after handover.
Ongoing maintenance schedule
Year 1: paint touch-ups, gutters cleared after first autumn, HVAC service.
Year 3: re-silicone wet areas, gutter check, exterior paint inspection (especially north and west sides exposed to Adelaide sun).
Year 5: HVAC major service, hot water system inspection (replace at year 8-10), roof tile inspection.
Year 7+: exterior repaint, deck re-oiling, driveway sealing.
Year 10+: kitchen/bathroom refresh consideration, solar replacement (panels last 25 years, inverters 10-15).
When to think about the next build
Most Adelaide families stay in their first new build 7-12 years before either renovating or doing a knockdown rebuild on a different block.
Refinance windows: years 3 and 5 typically deliver the best mortgage refinance opportunities as your equity grows.
Energy retrofits: solar upgrades, battery additions, heat pump hot water - these all qualify for SA rebates and reduce running costs.
BuildPilot opinion
In our reading, most Adelaide owners under-use the 90-day defect liability window because they are too polite to compile a long list, or too busy moving in. The window does not extend, and the moment it closes your bargaining position drops sharply. Treat it like a checklist, not a confrontation. If you want a second pair of eyes on your home, that lives in our paid One on One Support tier.
