Put Yourself in the Frame

Building a new home is a big undertaking, and not for the faint-hearted! From the original concept through to final handover, there are a myriad steps and decisions to make.

new house inspections melbournenew home inspections melbournenew home inspections You’ll need to keep a close check on the construction work through every stage, to make sure it is being built to your specifications. Harnessing the experience of an independent property inspector,
with a building background, can be invaluable, to give you that
added confidence.SPI Property Inspections can provide a series of inspections, covering the key stages in the construction process.

These stages may coincide with the progress payment schedule, so you can be assured that progress is occurring satisfactorily and, at the same time, avoid payment disputes during construction.

You can engage us for any one of these inspections, or for the
full series.

Base Stage
At this stage, the site has been scraped or cut and filled. We carry out an inspection before the concrete is poured so we can check items before they are concealed by concrete, including:

  • the site conditions such as gradient, surface drainage, retaining walls, access etc.
  • orientation of the building, and positioning of reinforcement starter bars
  • damp-proofing membrane
  • services, including drainage, plumbing, stormwater, electrical, phone/data
  • termite protection.

Frame Stage
This is the stage when the frame of the house has been completed and approved by the building surveyor. Aspects of the construction that a building inspector will check are:

  • the quality of finish on the slab surface, to ensure it is acceptable as this will affect the installation of floor coverings later
  • the frame, to see it has been erected correctly and that the trusses are in their proper position and supported by load-bearing walls
  • the layout, to ensure it is as per plan
  • the rooms, to confirm they are the correct sizes.

Lock-up/Pre-Plaster
This is the stage when the home’s external wall cladding and roof covering is fixed, the flooring is laid and external doors and windows are fixed, even if only temporarily. We would inspect at this stage to ensure that:

  • the roof tiles are installed correctly and that the fascia and guttering meet an acceptable standard
  • the frame ties are fitted to brickwork and there is bracing to all timber walls as required
  • walls are straightened and plumbed
  • the brickwork is installed as per plan, with quality workmanship
  • plumbing and electrical services are fitted in correct locations and are ready for final connections
  • the insulation is fitted to external walls.

Fixing Stage
At this stage, all internal cladding, architraves, skirting, doors, built-in shelves, baths, basins, troughs, sinks, cabinets and cupboards of the home are fitted and fixed into position. The inspector would assess:

  • all of the interior work, to check it is complete and ready for painting. Plaster surfaces are inspected for workmanship.
  • the 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.

Final Handover with the Building Supervisor
This inspection occurs prior to the builder’s final ‘To Do’ list at handover. At this stage, it is essential to check that:

  • the fixtures and fittings are installed correctly
  • appropriate sealing has been made to all wet areas
  • external treatments have been completed and the workmanship is acceptable
  • the paint finishes are of a quality standard
  • all hardware is fitted, including doors
  • all plumbing and electrical services have been completed and are functioning correctly
  • the building works are complete in accordance with the contract documents.

For your own peace of mind and as a protection against possible misunderstandings with your builder, take the initiative to check your new house at these crucial stages. Knowing your dream home is coming together as it should, will make the building process a truly enjoyable experience. And having an independent property inspector on your side to ease stress levels, could be the best insurance you have.

Call SPI Property Inspections today on 1300 721 032. We would be happy to work with you through the process.