[ Defects Register ]
A defect log the responsible Tradie can actually update
A defect noted on a walkthrough usually lives in a phone photo or a text to whoever's responsible, with no record of when it was rectified or by whom -- and no way for the subcontractor to close it out themselves. Novato logs a defect against the project and the subcontractor, and gives that subcontractor their own portal link to update it directly.
How it works
Report a defect
Location on site, severity, which subcontractor is responsible, and photos.
The responsible subcontractor is notified automatically
A no-login portal link, specific to them, so the person who actually has to fix it hears about it directly -- not relayed by the GC.
They rectify it and upload evidence themselves
Rectification notes and photos go straight into the record, through their own link, no login required.
Track status by severity and phase
Filter by status, severity, and project phase -- and download an owner/occupier QR poster so anyone on site can report one directly.
How this fits Australian WHS compliance
Every defect keeps a timestamped record of when it was reported, who it was assigned to, and when it was actually rectified -- real evidence if a defect's handling is ever challenged. A subcontractor's own no-login portal link means the person actually responsible has a direct channel to close it out, not a relay through the GC.
Common questions
Does the subcontractor need a Novato login to update a defect?
No -- they get their own no-login portal link, specific to them and the defect, the same posture as every other subcontractor-facing link in Novato.
Can anyone on site report a defect, not just the GC?
Yes -- a downloadable owner/occupier QR poster links straight to a reporting form, so a defect can be flagged by whoever actually notices it.
What severities does Novato track?
Safety critical, major, minor, and cosmetic -- filterable alongside status and project phase, so a genuinely urgent defect doesn't get lost in a long list.
Is a defect tied to a specific subcontractor, or just the project generally?
A defect can be assigned to the specific subcontractor responsible, which is what triggers their own portal-link notification -- it doesn't have to be, but assigning it is what makes it directly actionable for them.
Which plan includes the Defects Register?
Shield and Armor -- see Pricing for the full comparison.