A project involving Victoria’s building regulators and a leading mould remediation group has produced a set of reform proposals to tackle building moisture problems, after the release of “groundbreaking research”.

The Victorian Building Authority, Domestic Building Dispute Resolution and RIC Solutions found poor site drainage, non-compliant designs and waterproofing failures are leading causes of moisture ingress in homes.  

Their research notes deficiencies in design documentation for waterproofing and drainage, condensation due to poor ventilation and problems with the construction of waffle raft slabs are also areas of concern. 

In a report, they recommend establishing minimum health-related building standards, enhancing training for builders, stricter documentation requirements for waterproofing and weatherproofing, and adopting digital tools to improve compliance tracking.  

RIC Solutions head of building sciences Tim Law, who led the project, says the findings follow an examination of more than 6000 building disputes between 2019 and last year, providing an “unprecedented evidence base on the issue”.  

He says geographical areas with growing development show higher rates of water-related disputes. 

Water ingress and moisture damage were the leading causes of claims received by the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority and residential building complaints to the VBA.  

“This report provides a strong foundation for making meaningful changes that will positively impact the lives of Victorian and Australian homeowners,” Dr Law said.  

The VBA says the research has informed its contribution to the state’s position on proposed water shedding and waterproofing updates to the National Construction Code.