Only an independent building inspection at each stage of your new home construction can identify defects and issues which need to be rectified by your builder before the next stage of the build can commence.
Don’t let your builder persuade you that an independent inspection isn’t necessary. At The Hub, our inspectors work for you – the person who is paying for their experience and expertise – not the company who is being paid to build your home.
Experienced Hub inspector Martin Fletcher says that ‘an independent inspection at each stage of a new build gives peace of mind to my client that the construction of their new home is being built as per plan and to the relevant Australian standards’.
‘An inspection ensures that the correct material is being used throughout the construction process, and also that the workmanship is to an acceptable standard’.
Importantly, Martin notes that an independent inspector ‘can act as an extra set of eyes for the site supervisor’.
Following are examples of defects at each stage of a new home build, with comments from our inspectors explaining the issue identified and how it should be fixed.
BASE STAGE – We check/confirm that:
- steel reinforcing in place according to structural plans
- all corners have diagonal bars in place and starter bars where required
- damp-proofing membrane is laid and taped
- termite protection collars are in place at penetrations
- step set-downs to garages etc. are in place.
INSPECTOR’S COMMENT: There are two broken foam pods which should be removed and replaced with new ones.
FRAME STAGE – We check/confirm that:
- the floor layout is correct according to the plans provided and the walls are plumb
- the quality of finish on the slab surface, as this will affect the installation of floor coverings later heater unit is in correct location according to plans and truss layout
- the frame, to see it has been erected correctly and that the trusses are in their proper position and supported by load-bearing walls
- that trimmers are fitted above all walls
- the layout, to confirm it is as per plan.
INSPECTOR’S COMMENT:
One of the trusses above the hallway has a large knot that will render it non-structural. A cleat or something similar should is installed to sufficiently support and rectify this issue.
LOCK-UP/PRE-PLASTER STAGE- We check/confirm that:
- the roof tiles are installed correctly and that the fascia and guttering meet a satisfactory standard. (Roof tiles are only checked provided there is safe access to the roof areas at the time of the inspection. Alternatively, roof areas may be checked at future inspections depending upon access)
- walls are straightened and plumb, corners nailed off the brickwork is installed as per plan, with quality workmanship Note: brickwork is often not completed at this stage but will be checked upon future inspections once cleaned correctly
- windows are checked for being plumb and level
- plumbing pipe locations are correct to the plans provided. i.e. hot and cold taps to wet areas the electrical rough-in has been completed. We would recommend that you check the location and number of power points, data, telephone and TV outlets before plastering commences
- the insulation is fitted to external walls
- bulkheads are fitted as required.
INSPECTOR’S COMMENTS:
The windows have been tacked in with gun nails and have not been packed as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. This should be completed. Many of the windows are also slightly out of level and should be rectified before brickworks begin.
FIXING STAGE – We check/confirm that:
- all the interior work is now complete – including skirting boards and architraves – and is ready for sanding and painting
- plaster surfaces are inspected on their standard of workmanship the quality of waterproofing, particularly in the bathroom areas, where so many problems can develop.
- The waterproofing should be complete so that the tiling of walls and/or floors can begin
- all cabinetry is located in line with any detailed drawings provided.
INSPECTOR’S COMMENTS: Silicone flashing required between benchtop and plaster before tiling.
PCI (HANDOVER) STAGE – We check/confirm that:
- flooring is laid and checked
- the fixtures and fittings are installed correctly and drawers and doors are aligned
- appropriate sealing and caulking has been made to all wet areas
- external treatments have been completed and the workmanship is acceptable, including caulking to expansion joints
- the paint finishes are of a quality standard according to Guides to Standards & Tolerances
- all hardware is fitted, including doors
- all plumbing has been completed.
INSPECTOR’S COMMENTS: Skirting requires sanding and repainting.
Are you building, buying, selling, renovating or investing? Looking for a reputable building inspection company?
The Home Inspection Hub are the residential inspection professionals.
We conduct all types of residential inspections throughout Melbourne, Geelong and Central Victoria:
- Pre-Purchase House Inspections
- Building and Pest Inspections with Crunch Pest Control
- New Home Construction Inspections – all stages as well as Contract Review, Stand-Alone PCI and Maintenance Inspections
- Owner Builder Defects (137B) Reports
- Special Purpose Inspections
- VCAT Reports and Expert Witness
- Tax Depreciation Reports
- Building Dispute Reports
We offer:
- A free quote service
- Free sample reports
- Quick report turnaround
With over 20,000 inspections under our belt and an established reputation, The Home Inspection Hub provides peace of mind for the biggest purchase you will ever make.
Call us today on 1300 071 283 or email info@thehomeinspectionhub.com.au and see how we can assist you.
