New Construction Stage Inspection
New home stage by stage inspection is to ensure the house is built with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and referenced Australian Standards. Even if your builder is a perfectionist and careful, there’s always a chance that something may be overlooked. Every new home build is different, and these inspections are critical in preventing major defects and issues that may arise in the future.
Who Inspects New Home Build?
Inspecta Holmes (Certificate IV in Building & Construction) is to be involved for the duration of the building project to inspect each stage of the construction. We are totally independent to the builders to ensure that we can carry out all inspections at arms length.
Our role is to ensure certifiable compliance is met with your builder.
It is not part of their role to determine whether a departure from approved plans is permissible, nor it is not up to them to judge the quality of your builder’s workmanship. Depending on your level of experience, you can either alert the builder to any quality concerns you have along the way, or may want to engage an independent building consultant to inspect on general quality and help manage contractual issues.
What Do They Check?
The following is the types of inspections that may be carried out when a new home build is conducted (there are slight differences between states in Australia):
- Frame Inspection
- Pre Wall Linings Inspection
- Final Stage Practical Completion Inspection
- Defect Stage
- Warranty Inspection New Construction
What Are the Mandatory Inspections for a New Home?
Inspections required for your home may vary slightly depending on what state you’re in, generally a building surveyor will be legally required to sign off on:
- New Construction Frame Inspection – Checking that the dimensions and placements of the frame conform to the most recent plans, and ensure tie down straps to the slab are properly installed.
- Final / PCI Inspection – A throughout inspection checking off on all areas of your completed house according to the building code. The Building Certifier will issue a Certificate of Occupancy.
Defect Inspection – A defect is first determined by a breach of contract documents and is never based on any unqualified opinions”.
Work undertaken that either has failed or is not in compliance with the Building Code of the Australian Standards. This can be due to faulty materials and /or workmanship where by the item is not fit for its intended purpose.
Always ask two questions:-
Has there been a loss suffered to the client?
A loss can be either monetary, aesthetic or performance based. If the answer is YES, then more than likely, a defect exists.
What has the builder/contractor done wrong?
If the question can be answered then, more than likely a defect exits.
- Warranty Inspection - Statutory Warranties are in effect for six years for major defects and two years for all other defects, commencing from the date when the work was completed.
An ‘End of Warranty’ Building Inspection Report is a detailed report itemising defective or incomplete construction works, and is prepared after the building work has been completed and the property is occupied. It is carried out to notify the original Builder/Developer of building defects, prior to the expiry of the builder’s statutory warranty and/or the Home Owner’s Warranty insurance period. If required, the report can be used as supporting documentation for a Home Owner’s Warranty Insurance claim to notify the insurer of the list of defective items
At each stage, the Building Certifier must approve the work that has been done by the builder before work can continue. If any concerns are raised, they must be rectified to meet the standards before a permit or approval can be issued.
NOTE OWNER BUILDERS:- If you are selling or intend to sell your property that you were the owner builder or if you have done any renovations or additions under an owner builder permit in the last 6 years. It is a legal requirement to obtain home warranty insurance prior to the sale of the property.
If you’re keen to move ahead or have any questions at all, give us a call or contact us via email today.