If you are building a new home, inspections are carried out at different stages of construction to make sure the structure is in line with the BCA (Building Code of Australia) and all the relevant rules and regulations. Even if you have very a careful and diligent builder, there are always chances that certain aspects and details may be overlooked. Getting a building inspection done is vital in preventing any major problems from surfacing in the future.
Who inspects a new build?
The building surveyor will engage a building inspector for the duration of your new build project to sign off every single stage of its construction. Here are some facts about new home building inspections:
- These are independent professionals and this means they are able to complete the job assigned to them without any conflict of interest.
- Their job is to make sure that the inspection is carried out in compliance with the building’s permit.
- They are also required to give directions that have been confirmed in writing, to ensure that the builder meets that compliance.
- It’s not within the purview of their job role to identify whether any deviance from the approved plan is permitted.
- It’s also not their job to assess the quality of your builder’s workmanship.
Based on your level of experience, you have the option to make your builder aware of quality concerns along the way. Alternatively, you can hire the services of a building consultant to help manage various contractual issues and inspect the overall quality of the structure.
The aspects they check
When a new home construction project is underway, there are a number of different types of inspections that have to be carried out including:
- Slab inspection
- Footings inspection
- Lock-up stage inspections
- Waterproofing inspection
- Framing inspection
- Final inspection
- A pre-handover/completion stages inspection
- The fixing stage inspection
The specifics of the inspection
The building surveyor is legally required to sign off on a number of aspects such as:
- Footings – Inspection of the excavation, reinforcements and boundary clearances before the house footings are placed.
- Slab/base – This Inspection is conducted just before pouring and drying of the concrete base and it includes termite treatment, a floor level check etc.
- Framing – Checks on the frame placements and dimensions to make sure they are in line with the most recent plans. The inspector will also make sure that the slab’s tie-down straps have been properly installed.
- Waterproofing – This check is mandatory NSW, and includes an inspection of the roof waterproofing, the windows and plumbing installations.
- Final/Pre-Handover – A thorough inspection checking-off on all the all spaces of the completed house as per the building code. Once this is complete the building surveyor will then issue the Certificate of Occupancy.
At every stage, the builder surveyor has to approve all the work that has been completed by the builder before the work can progress. If certain concerns have been raised, those problems have to be fixed to meet the building standards before any approval/permit can be issued.
A building inspection is generally planned as part of the overall building process. The total cost of all the mandatory inspections will be factored into your building contract. These detailed checks and inspections help ensure your home’s construction has been done up to code and that it is structurally sound.
If you want to know more about our services Inspect It First, don’t hesitate to call us at 1300 557 047 or contact us through our contact form.
Thanks for reading,
Inspect It First Team
1300 557 047