Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Aug 12, 2010 10:20 pm Hi! Reading this forum I can see that a number of people hire an independent inspector to check their house build, say at frame stage or at PCI. If I understand correctly all building stages are inspected by the principal certifying authority, which is chosen by the client to be the council or another independent certifier. Can anyone then explain what else a independent inspector do or check than the principal certifying authority has already checked? Cheers, DKP. Re: Independant inspector & Principal Certifying Authority 2Aug 12, 2010 10:23 pm They will point out all defects to you that will normally pass a PCA. It like using RACV to check your car vs. just getting a roadworthy certificate. Re: Independant inspector & Principal Certifying Authority 3Aug 13, 2010 8:37 am Whilst we're not at that stage yet.... my fear is, the inspector that is employed by my builder is PAID by builder, so I fear he wouldn't want to rock the boat too much if there are some line-ball things. Maybe i'm just being overly sensitive, and maybe it'll change once we commence building... but i'm not sure Re: Independant inspector & Principal Certifying Authority 4Aug 13, 2010 1:22 pm Hi, It is definitely worth getting an indepdent inspector to check your home. As with all contractors and employees, you get some really good ones and you get some bad ones. The problem is you don't know who you are getting. I have a friend building with the Big M and the frame was passed by the inspector that big M used. He obtained the services of an indepent inspector to verify all was ok and about 11 major problems were picked up. These were basic things like not even following their own engineering drawings! Looking at the amount you will actually be spending to build a new house, it is only a small cost now that can prevent further headaches and maintenance problems down the track. Michelle House - Lockup completed 23rd December 2011 - Painters are in!!! https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=37261&start=0&hilit=Blaxland Re: Independant inspector & Principal Certifying Authority 5Aug 13, 2010 1:27 pm Hi, I realise you are in a different state, but here is a link to the sample reports provided on an indpendent inspectors website. http://www.newhomeinspections.com.au/page/sample_reports.html It may give you more of an idea of exactly what they are checking and the problems they can find at the different stages. Michelle House - Lockup completed 23rd December 2011 - Painters are in!!! https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=37261&start=0&hilit=Blaxland Re: Independant inspector & Principal Certifying Authority 6Aug 16, 2010 10:30 am I see. The inspector certifying the house would only look at "the basics" whereas a selected independent inspector will get the details. Thanks all for your replies! DKP I would send it to the certifier who is technically your representative and working on your behalf not the builder's 1 2229 I do enjoy the drama:-D In his latest two videos he has started bringing security guards to site, I am waiting for the punch on to begin lol 6 45439 If you already have a contract, is the inspection cost stated in there? If not they would be forced to issue you a variation which you could of course object to. 12 25826 |