How to Spot Poor Workmanship on a Building Site

You don’t need to be a construction expert to notice when something looks off. Start by asking your builder which areas are finished and which are still in progress—unfinished work can look rough without being faulty. Then look for consistent lines, neat junctions and finishes that match the agreed plans.

On walls, watch for noticeably uneven brickwork, inconsistent mortar joints and plaster that looks wavy in side lighting. Cracks deserve attention, but they don’t all mean the same thing: fine shrinkage cracks differ from widening or diagonal cracks. Ask for an explanation, and have concerning cracks assessed by a suitably qualified professional.

With tiling, check for uneven grout lines, chipped edges and noticeable height differences between neighbouring tiles. In showers and other areas designed to drain, water should flow towards the outlet rather than collect in puddles. A hollow sound beneath a tile can warrant investigation, although tapping alone won’t confirm whether it was installed correctly.

For carpentry, look for tidy joints, secure fittings and reasonably consistent gaps around doors and cupboards. Doors should open and close without scraping or sticking. Photograph concerns, raise them early and ask how they’ll be corrected before the next stage covers them up. Waterproofing, structural work and electrical installations need appropriate checks—not just a tidy appearance.

Good workmanship goes hand in hand with clear communication. At Majors Builders, we welcome conversations about your building, plastering, skimming, tiling and carpentry needs in Cape Town. If you’re planning a project or would like to discuss concerns about a finish, contact Frank on 073 338 3911.