Moving into a newly built home is a milestone, but it isn’t the finish line — every new build goes through a genuine settling period, and knowing what’s normal during that time, and exactly what your warranty covers, makes the first year far less stressful than it needs to be.
What to expect in the first 90 days
New homes settle as building materials adjust to changes in temperature and humidity, and it’s genuinely common to notice small plaster cracks at joins, doors that swell slightly or start to stick, minor movement in cabinetry or trim, and small gaps opening up in tile grout. These are almost always cosmetic rather than structural, and reputable builders schedule a formal defects inspection somewhere between 3 and 12 months after handover specifically to address items like this at no cost to you.
What your warranty actually covers, and for how long
South Australia legally requires builders to provide statutory cover for structural defects for six years from the date of practical completion, and it’s worth understanding that this protection actually comes in two distinct parts.
The defects liability period, typically 3–12 months, covers non-structural items — things like paint touch-ups, joinery adjustments, and hairline cracks — which the builder is obliged to repair at no charge during this window.
The structural warranty, running up to six years, covers the building’s major structural elements — foundations, slab, framing, and load-bearing components — with legal recourse available to homeowners if a serious structural issue emerges.
Throughout both periods, it’s worth keeping dated photos and written notes of anything you notice. It makes warranty conversations far more straightforward than trying to reconstruct a timeline from memory months later.
A simple timeline for the first year
Before you move in, review your full handover paperwork, check that finishes genuinely match what was agreed and selected, test that utilities and appliances are working, and confirm every key and access device functions as it should.
In the first few weeks, keep an eye on areas that are naturally prone to movement, ventilate the home well to limit moisture build-up while everything settles, and note any shifting in doors, tiles, or windows as it happens.
Between three and twelve months, log any cosmetic items ready for your scheduled defects inspection, follow the manufacturer guidance for any fittings and finishes, and keep the line of communication with your builder genuinely open rather than letting small issues stack up unreported.
A seasonal maintenance rhythm for an Adelaide home
Over summer, check your HVAC filters, inspect exterior paintwork for UV wear, and keep an eye on water usage as the weather heats up.
Through autumn, clear the gutters, trim vegetation growing close to the roofline, and check the condition of window and door seals before the cooler, wetter months arrive.
During winter, confirm stormwater drainage is functioning properly, get your heating serviced, and watch for any signs of condensation or water ingress.
Come spring, clean exterior surfaces, review your pest control measures, and get any irrigation systems ready ahead of the warmer months to come.