Your foundations must be correctly formed to avoid excessive movement and cracking within the completed home. Once the concrete has been poured there is no way to know what issues exist within the structure. Prior to the pouring of your concrete slab, our inspectors check that engineering blueprints have been followed and that Australian Standard AS 2870 – Residential Slabs and Footings, plus other relevant standards, have been complied with. This involves inspecting the termite treatments, membrane, steel rebar reinforcement sizes and configurations, beam sizes and under-slab insulation. The inspection includes a check of:

• Beams and footings
• Dimensions and excavation
• Termite protection in place
• Wire mesh reinforcement integrity
• Construction materials

At this stage the primary structure of the home will be erected. Even though the building surveyor must inspect the works at this point, they only undertake a cursory inspection and often pass the frame with many non-compliances and this may lead to excessive cracking and movement. Our inspectors provide a comprehensive and independent inspection report which details how the structure does not comply with Australian Standards AS1684 - Residential Timber Framed Construction, or AS 3623 (for metalwork framing). Some of the items checked at this stage include bolts and fastenings, roof trusses, straps and bracing, slab edges and set downs. The inspection includes a check of:

• Wall/roof and truss frame
• Door and Window openings
• Frame spacing & bracing
• Concrete slab finish
• Plumbing and drainage

This inspection normally occurs around lock-up stage however the important factor is that the plasterboard has not yet been installed.

This inspection should be ordered once the roof is on and the external walls have been semi-waterproofed with wall wrap / sarking.

Our inspectors check that electrical and plumbing works have been installed so that they do not compromise the structural integrity of the frame. We also check windows and doors are installed correctly and that defects identified during the frame stage inspection have been addressed. The inspection typically includes a check of:

• Frame Integrity
• Ducting
• Wall Wrap
• Windows & Flashing
• Brickwork/Cladding
• Plumbing and drainage 

When plasterboard, architraves, skirting and joinery are installed, but before tiling or paving is complete, it is time to check the fixing and waterproofing to bathrooms and balconies. Our inspectors check that the waterproofing has been installed in accordance with standards (AS3740 - Waterproofing for Domestic Wet Areas and AS4654 – Waterproofing Membranes for External Above Ground Use) to protect the structure from rot, leaks and mould. At this stage we also check for plumb plasterwork, windows and door frames out of parallel, and any parts of the building envelope (brickwork or cladding) that have been completed.

In the past, our inspectors have been called once waterproofing has already failed and left the owner with a rectification bill of tens of thousands of dollars. Don’t let this happen to you! An inspection by a qualified professional will greatly reduce the risks of construction mistakes. The inspection typically includes a check of:

• Waterproofing
• Ceiling, wall, and corner straightness 
• Facia/Gutters
• Roofing
• Window & Door Locking Devices
• Wall Lining and Trim
• Doors & alignment

Once the builder and Building Surveyor have deemed the home Practically Complete, they will contact you to arrange a New Home Presentation. The home may not have yet been certified with it’s Certificate of Occupancy (CofO). During the PCI inspection it is your responsibility to identify defects and quality issues that need rectification before settlement. This can be difficult without extensive knowledge of construction codes, building standards and acceptable tolerances.

Our qualified building inspector will assist you to ensure that quality and compliance have been maintained, and that you are getting what you paid for. Our detailed and illustrated reports will highlight any poor work that may have occurred so that you get the quality that you expect from your builder. We help you keep your builder accountable and safeguard your investment. This inspection typically includes a check of:

• Skirting boards & joinery
• Proper fitting of doors & windows
• Pest barrier in place
• Joints & tiles are flush and sealed
• Paintwork
• Insulation
• Overall construction quality
• Potential safety hazards

Our inspectors will be your own trusted and independent building professional, providing building advice right up to settlement to assist you to make the best decisions. Our inspections are carried out in accordance with and with reference to the National Construction Code (BCA),  Australian Standards and state building authority guidelines. Advice is available by telephone and email.

This inspection package includes the whole suite of inspections, including:

• Pre Concrete Slab Pour Inspection 
• Frame Stage Inspection
• Pre Plaster or Lock-up inspection Report
• Fix and Waterproofing Inspection
• Handover/PCI (Final) Inspection
• Advice and guidance throughout your building (contract administration) phase of the works.

Our building inspectors are registered building professionals and are trusted by Building Authorities and tribunals including VCAT and the VBA. We are able to provide an authoritative review of building issues or a general assessment of damages that may have occurred either after a significant event such as  flooding, cracking or failures of waterproofing. Our inspectors will also be able to make an assessment of any poor workmanship. For this reason, our independent building assessment reports have been commissioned for use in insurance claims or as evidence at building tribunals. Contact us for further information about a building dispute or insurance inspection report. Typical matters of investigation include:

• Flooding
• Cracking
• VMIA Insurance Reports
• VCAT PNVCAT2 Expert Witness Reports