STAGE INSPECTIONS FOR NEW BUILDS
Stage inspections for new builds by your trusted, independant building inspector
Building your new home? You trust your chosen builder - after all there’s a reason you chose to build with them! Trust, competance, professionalism - it’s not the issue…If you are building for the first time or if you've done this a few times, it's vital that you have a second set of eyes on the process, looking out for your best interests.
No one is infallible and you want things to go smoothly once your builder has broken ground! The certifiers have to come through at key times in the build, but they aren’t there to comment on the quality of the work. This is where we come in.
There are 5 different stages that we address: The pre-slab stage, frame stage, pre-lining/lockup, waterproofing and practical completion.
Let’s review what Jason is looking for in each inspection:
1. Pre-slab Stage Inspection
When we inspect: Prior to pour concrete.
What we inspect:
Footing size and slab thickness in accordance with the structural engineer’s plan
Steel mesh and Reinforcing bar size, and location with the Structural engineer’s plan
Vapour barrier placed and in good condition
Completed work is in accordance with the building plans and Australian Standards
Installation and location of plumbing and service in the slab
Termite protection for plumbing and service penetration
2. Wall and Roof Framing Stage Inspection
When we inspect: Wall framing and roof framing are complete
What we inspect:
Wall and roof framing in accordance with the engineer’s plan
Steel beam and post schedule and installation
Roof and wall framing connections
Wall and roof bracing in accordance with the Australian Standard
Tie down straps and anchored correctly
Windows and doors location
Concrete slab finish and any signs of cracking
Completed work in accordance with the building plan and BCA
Your local, independant building inspector - covering a few key types of building inspections
3. Pre-Lining/Lock-up Stage Inspection
When we inspect: When the external wall and roof cladding are completed, and plumbing and service pipes have been installed. Prior to installing internal wall lining.
What we inspect:
Roof cladding is correctly installed
Brickwork is correctly installed
Installation and location of plumbing pipes
Installation of electrical cables
Room and ceiling height
Re-inspect wall and roof frames, and are ready for covering
Re-inspect all major structural components and are ready for covering
Location and installation condition of windows
4. Waterproofing Inspection
When we inspect: After completion of waterproofing in the wet areas and prior to install tiles
What we inspect:
Check application of waterproofing in accordance with the Australian Standard
Installation water stoper and sealing around doorway and shower area
5. Practical Completion/Pre-Handover Inspection
When we inspect: All building activities been completed and ready to move in
What we inspect:
Detailed review of all internal finished materials and workmanship in accordance with the al relevant Australian Standards
Detailed review of all external finished materials and workmanship in accordance with the all relevant Australian Standards
Articulation joints installed to brickwork in accordance with engineer’s plan
Check Installation of windows and doors
Inspect all trades works and finished components have been completed in accordance the scope of works as contracted
External/internal balustrades and handrails in accordance with BCA
All elevations that are accordance with the architectural plans
Check all appliances installation and specification against plans and contract
Bathroom plumbing and fittings installed, and working properly
Lights are installed as per plan and working properly
Smoke alarms installed
Roof plumbing completed and properly connected
Install and connection of Air conditioning system
Site grading & perimeter drainage completed and adequate
Termite installation and durable notice placed
Any specific concerns can be reviewed and checked
We believe all 5 of these inspections is critical and important, however you’re welcome to mix and match.
For many properties, we complete only the final handover inspection. You don’t get all the background work - so we can’t tell you what the frame or slab is really like, but for some people, just a final eye over the end product is enough to provide assurance that your builder was the right choice and that the relationship is not going to fall apart in the post-build phase!
Call to book, or reach out online
0424741616
info@dwellbuild.com.au