Why Do I Need an Independent Building Inspection?
Building a new home is a major investment. An independent building inspection gives you an experienced set of eyes working for you at critical stages of construction, while important building work is still visible and able to be properly assessed.
Book an InspectionA completed home can look impressive, but much of the construction that determines how the home has been built is eventually concealed behind concrete, plasterboard, tiles, cabinetry and finishes.
Independent stage inspections provide an opportunity to assess building work as construction progresses and identify issues while the relevant work remains visible.
This is one of the most important questions a new-home owner can ask.
The building surveyor has an important statutory role in the building permit process. Mandatory inspections are undertaken at prescribed stages to assess relevant building work against the requirements applicable to the building permit and building legislation.
An independent building inspection is different. The independent consultant is engaged by you to assess the construction work and provide you with an independent report on the work observed.
This can include assessment of matters such as workmanship, contractual plans and specifications, approved drawings, engineering, relevant construction requirements and visible defects or incomplete work within the scope of the inspection.
As construction progresses, building elements that are clearly visible today may be concealed tomorrow. Stage inspections are scheduled around these critical points.
Assess visible slab preparation, reinforcement, penetrations, membranes and relevant construction before concrete is placed.
Assess the visible structural frame, bracing, connections, alignment and relevant engineering before the structure becomes progressively concealed.
Reassess accessible framing and visible construction after service rough-ins and before plasterboard and internal linings are installed.
Assess visible waterproofing preparation and membrane installation before tiles and finishes conceal the system.
Review accessible fixing-stage work, including visible installation, workmanship and completion of relevant internal building elements.
Assess the completed home for visible defects, incomplete work, workmanship issues and other matters within the inspection scope before handover.
The purpose of inspecting at critical stages is simple: assess important building work while it can still be seen.
The requirements relevant to an inspection depend on the stage, building work, documentation available and the individual project. Where applicable, our assessment may consider:
The building work observed is compared with relevant contractual plans, specifications and available approved documentation.
Relevant structural and engineering requirements are considered where the documentation is available and applicable to the work being inspected.
Applicable construction requirements are considered within the scope of the inspection and the work that is visible and accessible.
Relevant manufacturer installation requirements may be considered where they apply to the building work being assessed.
Visible workmanship and finish are assessed for relevant defects, inconsistencies and matters requiring attention.
Findings are based on the construction work visible and reasonably accessible at the time of inspection.
Building a new home can be complicated. These are some of the most common questions homeowners ask during construction.
Can a brand-new home really have defects?
New construction involves many trades, materials and stages of work. Defects, incomplete work and inconsistencies can occur. An independent inspection provides an opportunity to identify visible issues at the stage being inspected and document them clearly for the homeowner.
If the building surveyor has approved a stage, does that mean there are no defects?
Not necessarily. The building surveyor performs a statutory role associated with the building permit and mandatory inspection requirements. An independent inspection has a different scope and may consider contractual requirements, workmanship and other visible matters relevant to the inspection.
Why inspect during construction instead of waiting until handover?
Construction progressively conceals building work. Concrete covers slab preparation, plasterboard covers framing and other building elements, and tiles conceal waterproofing. Inspecting at appropriate stages provides better visibility of work that may no longer be accessible at handover.
Should I arrange an inspection before making a progress payment?
Consumer Affairs Victoria advises homeowners to check that work has passed required inspections, meets the contract requirements and is complete before making progress payments. An independent building consultant can also be engaged to assess completed work and advise the homeowner.
Your payment obligations are governed by your building contract. If you are considering withholding a payment or are in dispute, appropriate professional or legal advice should be obtained.
Which stages of my new home should I have inspected?
Common inspection stages include Pre-Slab / Pre-Pour, Frame, Pre-Plaster, Waterproofing, Fixing Stage and PCI / Handover. The appropriate inspections depend on the design, construction method and progress of the individual build.
What happens if something is covered before the inspection?
Once building work has been concealed, the ability to assess it visually may be significantly reduced. We can still inspect the visible and accessible construction, but an inspection cannot confirm concealed work that cannot reasonably be seen.
What does a frame inspection look at?
A frame inspection assesses accessible structural framing and relevant visible construction against the documentation and requirements applicable to the project. This may include wall framing, roof framing, bracing, connections, alignment and relevant engineering details.
Why is a pre-plaster inspection important?
Pre-plaster provides an important opportunity to inspect accessible construction after various trades have completed their rough-ins but before internal linings conceal the wall and ceiling framing.
Why inspect waterproofing before tiling?
Once tiles and finishes are installed, much of the waterproofing membrane can no longer be visually assessed. An inspection at the appropriate stage allows accessible waterproofing work to be assessed before it is concealed.
What is a PCI / handover inspection?
A PCI or handover inspection is undertaken near completion of the home. It provides an independent assessment of visible and accessible completed work and can identify defects, incomplete items and workmanship concerns within the inspection scope before handover.
What happens when Aspect360 identifies an issue?
Relevant findings are documented in the inspection report so you have a clear written record of the matters observed. The report can then be used when communicating with your builder about the identified items.
Does Aspect360 work for the builder?
No. Aspect360 Building Inspections is engaged by the client to provide an independent assessment of the building work within the agreed inspection scope.
Will an independent inspection delay my build?
Inspections should be arranged with appropriate notice and coordinated with the construction program. Booking ahead and communicating with your builder or site supervisor helps the inspection occur at the correct stage without unnecessary disruption.
Can my builder refuse access to my independent consultant?
Consumer Affairs Victoria provides guidance regarding reasonable access to the building site during construction, including access for an independent building consultant engaged during the contract period. Access should be appropriately coordinated with the builder and applicable site safety requirements must be followed.
What documents should I provide for the inspection?
Depending on the inspection stage, relevant documents can include approved architectural plans, engineering drawings and details, specifications, variations and other construction documentation applicable to the work being inspected.
I've already started building. Is it too late to arrange inspections?
Not necessarily. Even if earlier stages have already been completed, inspections can still be arranged for upcoming stages. The inspection will be limited to work that is visible and reasonably accessible at the time.
Do I have to book every inspection stage?
No. Individual stages can be inspected depending on where your build is up to and what you require. Inspecting multiple critical stages, however, provides visibility at different points of the construction process rather than relying solely on the completed appearance of the home.
How quickly will I receive my inspection report?
Aspect360 inspection reports are provided within 24 hours of the inspection and are often completed on the same day.
Why use Aspect360 Building Inspections?
Your inspection is independently undertaken by an experienced Registered Builder with 28 years of building and construction experience. The focus is on clear findings, practical reporting and giving you a better understanding of the work being completed on your new home.
Whether your home is approaching slab, frame, pre-plaster, waterproofing, fixing or handover, Aspect360 can provide an independent assessment of the work at that stage.
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