Special Purpose Inspections

During these inspections we bring our professional knowledge and over 30 yrs experience, we examine the property at the following.

Frame Inspections

We inspect and examine the installed condition of your frame prior to the completion of services rough-in and installation of insulation and any linings. The frame and foundations are the skeleton of the building, it is vitally important that these are checked prior to any linings being installed, any problems that are missed at this point can cause major defects in the completed dwelling.

We inspect:

• Floors and ceiling are Level
• Walls are straight and plumb
• Wall and ceiling junctions
• Framing is fixed correctly
• Nails and connections
• Bracing
• Weathering of materials (rust and decay from exposure)

The frame will be inspected once the roof and wall framing are complete and prior to the roof being loaded (Tiles or Metal installed) and any (including wet area) linings are installed.

All wall and roof bracing completed and prior to sisilation (sarking) being installed, this will help ensure that all areas are able to be viewed and any issues identified.

Pre-Plaster (lock-up) Inspection

We undertake this inspection prior to wall and ceiling linings being installed, as each builder and contract defines lock up differently, by ensuring you builder understands a pre-Plaster inspection is going to be undertaken so that adequate notice is given for inspection prior to insulation being installed. This also reinforces that all services and any defects found at the frame inspection are complete and resolved.

Prior to the inspection the following should be complete

• All wall straightening complete
• All defects found during Frame inspection resolved
• All services roughed in and tested
• All ducting installed and tested.
• All dust, debris and rubbish removed.
• All external openings sealed.

All external wall linings, either Masonary (Brick and Mortor), light weight cladding (Hebel or Foam) or Cladding (Timber or composite) should be completed at this stage so that all fixings and frame connections can be checked.

Roof Inspection

We will undertake a roof inspection at the completion of the roof installation and prior to Scaffold and/or Roof Safety railings being removed. This inspection is done as part of and incorporated into you Handover/Final inspection. Any defects that are identified during this inspection will be made available to you so that at your Builder can rectify prior to the removal of fall prevention.

During this inspection we will identify:

• Broken or damaged roofing
• Correct installation
• Correct falls to guttering
• Correct placement of downpipes, rain water heads and spreaders
• Gutters and roof are free of debris
• Any Skylights or roof penetrations are as per manufactures specifications.

If Roof inspection is not undertaken at this time, an arial Drone inspection can be undertaken at Handover/Final Inspection stage.

Handover/ Final Inspection

We undertake this inspection once you have received a written notification of completion  from your Builder as listed in your contract.

During the inspection we will conduct a thorough inspection of the dwelling looking for any incomplete or defective work.

Please ensure you are aware of Handover/Final inspection process as set out in your contract and the time frame you have to complete inspection and advise of any incomplete or defective works.

If using HIA contract, refer to Clause 36 & 37.

MBA refer to section 17.

Prior to the inspection please have your Builder confirm the following.

• All Scaffold, site fencing and sheds removed
• All rubbish and debris removed
• Final clean (Internal and External) Completed
• All services installed and working
• All trades have finished and removed all tools and materials
• Access is granted on the day and time of the inspection.

If any of the items are not complete the results of the inspection will be incomplete an may require a further inspection.

Roof inspection is recommended to be undertaken at the ‘Roof Inspection Stage’ (please see Roof Inspections)

Due to WHS access to roof area is difficult without the proper scaffold and safety equipment, area that can be view from a ladder and within 3.6m of the ground will form part of the Final Inspection.

Alternatively an Arial Drone inspection can be arranged.

These reports will list all items that are not in accordance with the National Construction Code (NCC)

• True and straight framing
• Insulation correctly installed
• Location and installation of Plumbing, Electrical and Hvac points
• Ceiling heights
• Window and door frame location
• Adherence to plans

Once linings are installed these items can not be checked.

Your asking what does the PCA (or Council) do?

They only look at compliance! And that the layout of the building is as per the plans!

We look at (using the drawings and contract):

• Materials used
• Compliance to the NCC
• If the elements inside are the required tolerence
• Quality