When you dream of building a new home, you picture a perfect outcome during the planning stage.
Sadly, just like any other construction project, building a new house is not without issues and faults. Even when you choose a reputable builder, there are so many processes involved in the construction that important details can be overlooked.
This is why it’s crucial if you are having a new home built to get independent, expert inspections throughout the building process. These periodic inspections are known as construction stage inspections.
Who needs a New Home Construction Inspection?
A New Home Construction inspection is recommended for:
- People buying a new home or apartment
- People buying property off the plan
Why is a new home construction inspection package so important?
In most cases, the homeowner has little (if any) building knowledge and relies on the builder and contractors to complete the building work to an acceptable standard and with the Australian tolerances. This potentially disadvantages the owner who has to rely on just the advice of the builder, even if they suspect something is not right. In short, a New Home Construction Inspection will ensure you get what you paid for.
- You’ll receive a photographic record, highlighting the workmanship of the construction throughout the build.
- Your inspector will specialise in reporting on building projects and can be your independent source through the process.
- We encourage you to engage an inspector for all stages of your construction. Discounts apply should you only require specific stage inspections.
- Inspections can be timed to coincide with your progress payments so you can check that everything is running smoothly.
- You will receive a report after each inspection and can ask your inspector questions as you go.
What do New Home Construction Inspections cover:
- Safety Hazards
- Suspected Non-Compliance
- Substandard Workmanship
- Incomplete Works
- Suspected Non-Compliance with Contracts and Specifications
By completing a New Home Construction Inspection during each construction phase, it will provide you with peace of mind and help guide you along the journey. Our team of Building Inspectors and accredited Architects have many years of hands-on experience in the building industry.
Your Building Inspector will offer a comprehensive and professional package that includes separate inspections conducted at the end of each critical construction stage.
ESSENTIAL STAGE INSPECTIONS
1. Base Stage
The pre-pour inspection or steel inspection is conducted once all steel works have been completed and before the concrete slab is poured. The inspection is generally conducted the afternoon before the slab is scheduled for pouring. In some circumstances the inspection may be required the morning the slab is being poured. It is extremely important as your steel works are the very first piece of the foundation on which your home is built.
During the pre-pour inspection or steel inspection we determine whether everything has been formed up as detailed on the site and engineering plans which are contained in your Building Contract.
The specific components inspected as part of the pre-pour inspection include:
- vapour barrier
- storm water
- steel
- concrete cover
- pipe penetrations
- termite protection
- secondary earth
- excess sagging (raft slab)
- measurements of throat angles (raft slab)
- mesh touching pods (waffle pod)
- termite collar (waffle pod)
- additional assessments as per the engineering plans
We will visibly check retaining walls as per the plans as part of the Pre-Pour inspection if the retaining walls have been completed at this time.
2. Frame Stage
The slab and frame inspection is a very thorough and detailed inspection covering all slab and frame items.
We will thoroughly examine your home and check for:
- Cracks
- Vibration
- Signs of concrete cancer
- Over pour
- Level finishes
Your qualified inspector will thoroughly examine the frame to ensure that it is structurally sound. Together with the slab, your frame is what holds your house together and is what the rest of the house is built on. If problems exist at the slab and frame stage, it is likely to cause serious defects in the futures.
We will inspect:
- Junctions
- Load paths
- Noggins
- Bulkheads (if installed)
- Nails and other connections
- Bracing components
- Wall straightening (plumb)
- Brackets and other connections
- Appropriate use of correct materials and signs of weathering
The house frame should only be inspected upon its completion. This is once the roof trusses are installed and all frame items have been braced off.
The house frame should only be inspected prior to the installation of the sisilation wrapping. Should the sisilation wrapping be installed it could hinder your inspectors view when checking the bracing on the outside of the frame.
The inspection is best carried out prior to any roof installation so that all defects can be rectified prior to any weight load being installed on the roof.
3. Lock-up/ Pre Plaster
This is sometimes known as the lock-up inspection.
The terminology ‘lock up’ is an industry standard expression to describe a stage claim and does not necessarily mean the home is securely ‘locked up’.
Lock-up/Pre Plaster inspection, the following should be completed:
- all wall straightening is completed
- all outstanding frame inspection defects are completed
- plumbing rough ins done
- electrical rough ins done
- ducted heating rough-ins done
Ideally the brickwork should be completed or at least a large amount so your inspector can check the brick veneer wall cavity compliance. If the brickwork is not completed at this time and your builder is conducting a “reverse build” of your dwelling, the brickwork will be checked at both the fixing and final stages of your inspections.
4. Water Proofing
Water is the biggest threat to any home.
Water causes rotting and allows the propagation of:
- Mould
- Mildew
- Infestation of destructive creatures
Termites love wet areas.
Waterproofing is required to be applied to wet areas in accordance with the National Construction Code and AS 3740.
It is to be applied in a manner that fully prevents the ability of water to penetrate any membranes, thus ensuring the house frame and concealed areas are protected from the possibility of an unhealthy environment.
Speak with your inspector to better understand the timing required to conduct a waterproofing inspection.
5. Fixing Stage
A pre-paint or fixing inspection should be scheduled to occur:
- Prior to any paintwork commencing or flooring having been installed
- Preferably post cabinet installation, however we can proceed without them
- Plaster work must be fully completed (stopped up) including pre paint fixes
- All architraves, skirting and doors should be installed and in place
This inspection covers all aspects of the plaster work as well as the skirting, architraves and cornices. Your inspector will check all doors and windows as well as fittings and fixtures including all cabinetry. They will also further inspect the brickwork following on from the pre-plaster inspection. Any defects listed in earlier inspection reports that have presented to the builder and have been acknowledge by the builder will also be checked and addressed within this report.
6. Final Inspection (PCI)
The final inspection is conducted once the house is fully complete as per your building contract.
This inspection should be scheduled once the client has received the notice of completion and the final claim invoice from the Builder. It is preferable to conduct this inspection at the same time as the new home presentation/walk through presentation with the builder. Your certificate of occupancy should be obtained from your builder before this final inspection is completed.
If they have a HIA contract, you should refer to sections 36 & 37 for the final stage of the house and provide your builder with a list of known defects.
You should ensure that your house is 100% complete as per the building contract prior to scheduling the final inspection. This will ensure your inspector can provide you with the best service possible.
RECOMMENDED ADDITIONAL SERVICES
- Contract Review (refer www.reviewmybuildingcontract.com.au)
- Standalone Final Inspection (PCI)
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