This study finds out the types and causes of defects in buildings developed by private real estate developers in Ghana. The study adopts a combination of convenience and stratified sampling methods to select eight (8) private developers and thirty-eight (38) homeowners in Accra. Data was collected with a questionnaire. It was also found that defective plumbing, wall cracks and faulty electrical wiring were the commonest types of building defects. These defects were mainly caused by improper installation of materials, usage of defective materials and poor workmanship. This paper recommends, among others, that private developers should strictly supervise artisans and sub-contractors during the construction stage to ensure that the appropriate construction and installation procedures are adhered to.