Are you building a new home?
Don’t let your builder persuade you that independent inspections at each stage of your build aren’t necessary.
An independent inspection at each stage of the building process will identify workmanship that doesn’t meet industry standards, potentially saving you thousands and avoiding a possible dispute with your builder.
Still in the contract stage?
It’s easy to get bogged down with the terms and terminology in a building contract. A contract review with a qualified professional can flag any potential issues and clarify issues between both parties prior to signing.
You need inspectors who are working independently for you, not for the company who is being paid to build your home.
What are the stages of new home construction and what does each inspection check?
Base/Steel
This stage is inspected before the concrete is poured. This enables the inspector to check the workmanship is to an acceptable standard and that good quality control measures are in place.
Your inspector will check that:
- steel reinforcing is 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
Frame Stage
At this stage, the frame has been completed and approved by a building surveyor.
Your inspector will check that:
- the floor layout is measured against the plans provided
- the walls are plumb
- the quality of finish on the slab surface, as this will affect the installation of floor coverings later
- the heater unit is in correct location according to plans and truss layout
- the frame has been erected correctly and that the trusses are in their proper position and supported by load-bearing walls
- trimmers are fitted above all walls
- the layout has been completed to plan
Lock-up /Pre-Plaster Stage
At this stage, the roof coverings are fixed and external doors and windows are fixed, even if only temporarily. Wall cladding may be only partly complete and will be inspected at future stages, depending on the build process.
Your inspector will check that:
- the roof tiles are installed correctly and that the fascia and guttering meet a satisfactory standard. (Roof tiles are only checked if 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 and corners are 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 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 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
Fixing Stage
At Fixing stage, internal cladding, architraves, skirting, doors, sinks, cabinets and cupboards of the home are now fixed into position.
Your inspector will check that:
- interior work is complete – including skirting boards and architraves – and is ready for sanding and painting.
- plaster surfaces meet the required standard for workmanship
- the quality of waterproofing, particularly in the bathroom area where problems can develop, meets the required standard. The waterproofing should be complete so that the tiling of walls and/or floors can begin.
- cabinetry is located in line with any detailed drawings provided
Final Stage (PCI)
The Final inspection (PCI) occurs before the keys are handed over.
Your inspector will check 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
- hardware is fitted, including doors
- plumbing has been completed
Maintenance Inspections
Throughout the agreed maintenance period after your home has been built, your builder must fix any additional defects which may arise. While most issues are detected and corrected during the building process, some defects become more evident after an owner has lived in the property for some time.
A maintenance inspection covers all items in a handover/PCI and looks for any potential long-term defects. This is the time to let your inspector know of any specific concerns you have with your newly-built property.
The Home Inspection Hub conducts new home construction inspections from base/frame all the way through to PCI.
We can also arrange contract review and assist with maintenance inspections once you are settled in your new home.
The Home Inspection Hub offers inspection packages, from contract review through to maintenance inspection or any staged inspections according to your requirements.
Call us today on 1300 071 283, email our friendly booking team at info@thehomeinspectionhub.com.au or request a free quote.
