Remedial construction, also called remedial building work or building remediation, is the repair of defects and deterioration in existing buildings. It is a specialised field: the work is done on occupied buildings, old materials and past repairs, and the visible damage is rarely where the problem started.
Remedial construction vs renovation
A renovation changes a building: new kitchens, layouts and finishes. Remedial construction fixes what has gone wrong with it: water getting in, steel corroding, concrete spalling, masonry failing. The goal is to restore the building's structure and weatherproofing, not just its appearance.
Common types of remedial building work
- Concrete cancer repair: treating corroding reinforcement and spalling concrete.
- Balcony repairs: leaks, waterproofing, tiles, slab edges and balustrades.
- Waterproofing: roofs, podiums, planters, basements and wet areas.
- Brickwork repairs: repointing, fretting bricks, crack stitching and lintels.
- Facade repairs: render, cladding, sealants and windows.
- Structural remediation: replacing corroded beams and strengthening structures.
- Defect rectification: fixing defects identified in building reports.
How remedial work is done
- Investigation to find the cause, not just the symptom.
- Scope and specification, often by a remedial or structural engineer.
- Pricing against the scope, ideally itemised.
- Remediation, with hold point inspections at critical stages.
- Documentation: photos, product data and sign-offs.
Regulation in NSW
Residential remedial work must be done by an appropriately licensed builder. For Class 2 apartment buildings, remedial work is regulated building work under the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020, and the builder must be registered. METCON holds DBP General Unrestricted registration (BUP4254812).
Choosing a remedial builder
Look for experience with the specific defect, engineer coordination, DBP registration for apartment work, and itemised, documented scopes. Our guide What does a remedial builder do? covers this in more depth.
See our remedial building services.
Frequently asked questions
What does remedial building work include?
Repairs to defects and deterioration in existing buildings, such as concrete cancer, leaking balconies, waterproofing failures, brickwork and facade damage, structural corrosion and defect rectification.
Is remedial work covered by home warranty insurance?
Residential remedial work in NSW carries statutory warranties under the Home Building Act 1989, and HBCF insurance applies to residential work over the threshold where required.
Do apartment buildings need a DBP registered builder?
For Class 2 buildings in NSW, remedial work is regulated under the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 and must be done by a registered building practitioner.
