Josh Brook at Southern Independent Building Inspections (SIBI) specialises in thorough Construction Stage Inspections, ensuring every phase of your construction meets the highest standards. From Thermal Imaging Inspections to Special Purpose Inspections, our services cover every need. Our New Construction and Stage Inspections are particularly crucial for those looking to safeguard their investment from the ground up.
Frame stage inspection or progress inspections check the construction at vital stages of your build to ensure no corners have been cut by the builder.
Our Construction Stage Inspections or progress inspections meticulously check the construction at critical phases, ensuring the builder maintains quality without cutting corners.
Check that the footings of the building are constructed as per the requirements of the footing engineered plans, the National Construction Code and Australian Standard 2870.
A typical Footing Inspection requires the inspector to inspect footing preparation prior to pouring of concrete. Footings are the lower A typical Footing Inspection requires the inspector to inspect footing preparation prior to pouring of concrete. Footings are the lower structural building element that rests directly on the foundation material and once poured are basically inaccessible. It is imperative that footing preparations are carried are diligently and fully compliant with engineers’ plans and specifications. Serious errors in footing can cause a disastrous outcome, which sometimes may not come to light until years later.
For peace of mind, a Footing Inspection prior to pouring concrete is strongly recommended. A typical Footing Inspection will tell you about deficiencies, defects, and items of non-compliance, including issues relating to excavation, footing dimensions, steel reinforcement dimension and placement, reinforcement supports, and clearances at footing penetrations by service pipes. All reinforcement, when necessary, should also be secured and tied at the lap and/or splice joints.
Note: Concreting contractors should place concrete carefully so as not to displace reinforcement or cause concrete segregation. All concrete should be of specified mix, consistency, and compacted when poured, in accordance with the engineer’s recommendations.
The second stage is a detailed Frame Stage Inspection of the wall and roof frames. This is an inspection to determine if the wall and roof frames are structurally sound and in accordance with the National Construction Code, the framing Australian Standard 1684, engineering plans and framing plans.
A typical Frame Inspection requires the inspector to inspect the structural framework of the building for standard of workmanship, and compliance.
For peace of mind, a Frame Stage Inspection is imperative for ensuring that the building frame structure is sound and meets design requirements.
An inspection will tell you about deficiencies, defects, and issues relating to non-conformances. Inspections focus on structural material compliance, stress grades, wind braces, lintel and lintel supports, point loads, horizontal wind beams, load transfer connections to roof and/or floor diaphragm, tie-down, ceiling height, and framing secure and straight.
This inspection will ensure that the internal linings are installed as per the National Construction Code, the applicable Australian Standard 3740, and manufacturers’ guidelines and check thoroughly over the waterproofing of the wet areas.
Waterproofing checks are considered critical stage inspections that can result in future bathroom water leaks.
This inspection will ensure that the internal linings are installed as per the National Construction Code, the applicable Australian Standard 3740, and manufacturers’ guidelines to check thoroughly over the waterproofing of the wet areas.
A waterproofing check is critical to prevent future bathroom leaks and water damage.
The Practical Completion Inspection marks the final quality check before handover. This inspection overall ensures the building is completed in accordance with the National Construction Code, and relevant Australian Standards.
Under the Domestic Building Contract Act, before the builder can demand or receive the practical completion payment under the contract, they must ensure that: all of the contracted work has been completed in accordance with all relevant laws, legal requirements, plans and associated specifications. All minor defects and minor omissions identified or otherwise should be recorded on an appropriate, signed defects document. The dwelling should be reasonably suitable for habitation. The contractor must provide the owner with certificates of inspections and warranties, including the final certificate issued by the Building Certifier.
At the time of practical completion inspection, a defects document would have been completed as follows:
The contractor is required to correct non-structural defects within 12 months after completion of the dwelling. Non-structural defects or omissions discovered within the 12 month period can be referred to the contractor in writing for attention within a reasonable time frame.
It is imperative that all communication is in writing as far as practicable, is signed and dated, and copies of all correspondence retained for record. When contractors fail to address and rectify defects to a satisfactory outcome you may be able to access your local state building commission complaints process for further assistance.
Note: Structural defects should not even get to handover/practical completion stage as these should be addressed before that time.
Practical Completion / Handover stage is reached when the building under construction is basically ready for handover, including: Full electrical fit-out, full plumbing fit-out, all tiling fully completed, shower screen fitted, final fitting and fixtures installed (towel rails, TP holders, doors stoppers, catches, etc), ceiling insulation, internal paint work, appliances and white goods, pergola’s, fences, external concrete or pavements, rain water tank, finishing of retaining wall/s, landscaping, site drainage, letter box, external paintwork, carpets, blinds, all items connected and operational, all within the confines of the contract agreement. Only after these stages have been reached is the building ready for a handover inspection or practical completion inspection.
At SIBI, we offer more than just inspections. Our services include expert witness reports, new construction inspections, and pre-purchase building inspections. Our team’s expertise ensures that every inspection is conducted with the utmost precision and care, providing you with detailed reports and recommendations.
Choosing SIBI for your critical stage inspections means securing the integrity of your construction project at every stage. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about ensuring your new construction’s longevity, safety, and quality from the foundation to the final touches.
Ready to ensure your construction project meets and exceeds standards? Contact Southern Independent Building Inspections today to schedule your comprehensive stage inspections. Let us be your partners in building excellence, ensuring every stage of your project is executed flawlessly.
Your dream construction deserves no less than the meticulous attention to detail and expertise that SIBI offers. Book your inspection now and take the first step towards a flawless build.
