Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Mar 19, 2013 8:11 pm We have our final inspection in 3 weeks time and hand over on 19th Apr. I have read the various PCI posts for ideas and experiences. We have an independent inspector coming in but our site manager is a very ameniable chap and he has also told us we can submit our own list which will also be accepted in case he or the independent inspector miss anything (I am really impressed with this guy he has been stunning all the way through!!) I have made my own extensive list but would be interested to hear of what things other people realised they had missed or heard of others missing during the inspections. Thanks Re: What Was Missed In Final Inspection? 2Mar 20, 2013 3:03 pm We are at exactly the same stage so I will be interested to see what responses you get Re: What Was Missed In Final Inspection? 3Mar 20, 2013 3:21 pm Some items you might want to consider: - Hollow tiles (use the handle end and tap along the tiles and if you get a "ping" sounds, the tile does not have enough tile cement underneath. The potential is for your tile to crack or grout to collapse). - Gradients to shower niches - Base of toilet is chalked to the floor (if not, your toilet might be unstable) - Chalk is applied between the shower frame and the tiles (make cause your shower to leak) - Roof tiles are sound, none are cracked - The lintels above your windows on the outside are painted - There is a gradient all the way around your house for water to not accumulate - Windows are closing correctly and there is no gap once closed - All vents have been installed - Power points in the right spot - Doors have enough gap around for when your house starts to move - Expansion gaps in your brickwork are not clogged with cement Hopefully that helps! Re: What Was Missed In Final Inspection? 4Mar 20, 2013 11:08 pm Hi Adam, great suggestions I have added them onto my list so it is now this: General Tips • Take a copy of: o your contract, o your electrical plan o any documents related to agreed fittings, placements, colours. • Take packet of extra dots – these are used by many inspections to mark errors • Be methodical go room by room • Cut and paste the components of this checklist to a spreadsheet and set up a list for each room so you don’t miss anything. • Get carbon paper to make a duplicate • Check your contract and ensure anything listed on there not on this list is included • Cross off each item as you inspect it and record it on your spreadsheet • Don’t jump ahead of your SS or go too fast. • Ensure the Site Supervisor / Manager’s (SS) handwriting is legible • Make sure ALL of your concerns are noted down on paper and not skipped over. • Don’t move onto the next room until you are completely satisfied. • Continue to all your tests and checks even if the SS seems impatient or tells you not everything needs checking. • Do not accept the excuse that a future fitting will hide a defect. • If it appears sub-standard to you it probably is, do not accept “that is standard” if it appears wrong to you, insist on having the item noted. • Take step ladder/ladder to reach light sockets/climb into manhole • Take a light bulb, small electrical device, a stepladder, straight edge and a torch. • Take a cloth and some spray cleaner. • Take a bottle for water. Indoors Structure (Ceiling to Floor) • Ceiling o Check the ceiling is smooth with no obvious joints or uneven sections o Check the entire ceiling has been painted. o Check ceiling paint for patches, especially where paint has been sprayed, not rolled o Check there are no holes around the edges of the light fittings. o Check and ensure any obvious screws in light fittings have been screwed in straight and to their extent. o Ensure the light fittings are not loose. o Check cornice looks secure and there are no gaps between the cornice and where it joins the ceiling and walls. o Check cornice corner joints and any joins in the length of the cornice and make sure they are evenly lined up and properly finished. o If a piece of cornice finishes partway along a wall e.g. where there is a ceiling height change, ensure the end has been finished off properly. o Get up in the manhole, check all insulation has been laid, not just thrown up in bundles • Walls o Check walls are smooth, level and free from dints, look from two angles o Check that joints in the wall are not obvious and have been smoothly finished to blend the whole wall. o Check any niches in the walls have been properly squared and the edges of them are square, firm and free from divets. o Check wall corners are square and even and there are no divets. o Check ceiling paint for patches, especially where paint has been sprayed, not rolled. Double check dark corners. o Check there are no holes around the edges of the light fittings. o Check doors are securely and evenly fitted. o Open and close doors and ensure they do not stick. o Ensure the doors open in the correct direction. o Check door handles are all level (not on funny angles) o Check there are no holes around the door handles where the holes have been drilled to big. o Check door handles are not loose and open and close correctly. o Check any door locks work correctly and if they have keys the keys fit. o Ensure doors are painted on all edges including top and bottom. o Check all windows open and close smoothly. o Window frames are free from paint overspray. o Check there are no gaps around the windows where brickwork meets the frame. o Use straight edge to ensure all windows are straight. o Ensure window glass is not cracked or scratched anywhere including small chips at the edges. o Keys for windows fit and all are accounted for. o Ensure the rubber holding the window in smooth, complete with no gaps. o Ensure any tint or film on the windows is free from bubbles and goes all the way evenly to all edges. o Check for any gaps around the window between the window and the wall it’s fitted in. o Check that all windowsills are square and if wooden are correctly fitted. o Ensure windows have been properly finished either by being square set or with properly placed and fitted mouldings. • Floors o Check skirting board is secure and there are no gaps between the boards and where it joins the floor and walls. o Check skirting board corner joints and any joins in the length of boards and make sure they are evenly lined up and properly finished. o If a piece of skirting board finishes partway along a wall e.g. where a wall ends, ensure the end has been finished off properly. o Ensure floors are smooth and even and there are no chips on tile edges. o Ensure laid floors do not have any gaps or missed areas. o Ensure joints between different floors are properly finished with a joiner fitting. o For tiled and wooden floors take shoes off, walk around with socks on and see if any sharp bits catch hold. o For carpeted floors ensure they are secure around the edges and there are no bubbles or bulges. o Ensure floors are clear of marks and stains. o Ensure wooden and vinyl floors are clear of divets and damage. o Ensure the mortar in tiled floors is evenly spaced. o Ensure mortar in tiled floors is solid, does not crumble and is evenly coloured. o Ensure tiled floors are laid in the correctly e.g. angled vs square, for rectangular tiles check the direction is correct. o Look for any cracked or chipped tiles especially where they are partially hidden. o Pour some water around the drain on the floor and ensure the floor drains to the drain hole. Electrical • Check the electrical plan and make sure all power-points/light switches are correctly placed. • Check there are no gaps around light or powerpoint fittings • Test light switches and dimmer switches using the bulb if necessary. • Test all power points by plugging in the small electrical device. • Test sensor lights and ensure the sensors work correctly. • Turn security system on and test each sensor to ensure the system works. • Test intercom system and ensure the system works. • Check the vacuum system and ensure all outlets have suction. • Make sure smoke alarms are installed. • Ensure the garage door works correctly and there are the correct number of remotes. • Check electrical appliances work including oven, rangehood, exhaust fans etc • Check the aircon system works properly in all rooms. Plumbing and Wet Areas • Check the drainage pipes under the sinks and ensure there are no leaks • Feel around the joins in the pipes and make sure they are not moist. • Check where the pipes join the taps and ensure there are no leaks there. • Check you have all bath and sink plugs • Check shower/tap fittings to ensure they have teflon/thread tape • Run showers on full, check water drains away and doesn’t pool • Flush toilets on half and full settings • Sit on toilets for a better view from the 'other' direction and to ensure it is not wobbly • Make sure toilets are chalked to the floor. • Fill the bathtubs with water, let it settle then ensure it drains fully away. • Fill sinks and make sure they drain properly. • Ensure there is both hot and cold water • Ensure sinks and bath are free from damage. • Ensure every tap hot and cold has been turned on. • Check taps and shower fittings swivel and move how they should. • If there are duel sinks fill both at the same time and ensure they can both drain. • Ensure all showers and baths have been siliconed where they meet tiles or where tiles create a corner e.g. wall and floor meet, two walls meet. • Check that tiles do not sound hollow when tapped as this may indicate they have not been properly cemented and may crack or move. • Chalk is applied between the shower frame and the tiles • Ensure all silicon is seamless and does not contain gaps or holes where mould may grow. • Ensure all towel rails and toilet roll holders are installed and securely fixed. • Check mirrors are installed correctly and the edges siliconed. • Ensure mirrors have no cracks and scratches. • Make sure there is no grout or concrete under or in the drain outlets especially in the shower. Cabinets • Check flanges at the base of all cabinets • Take a cloth in case you need to clean bench-tops to check for scratches • Check where silicon meets benchtops. • Ensure all silicon is seamless and does not contain gaps or holes where mould may grow. • Open and close every door and drawer. • If there are moveable fittings such as cupboard fittings ensure they move how they should. • Check all the cupboard and draw fronts for scratches. Cupboards • Ensure cupboard doors are painted on all sides and edges. • Check shelves to make sure they can take some weight without feeling flimsy • Make sure shelf heights and depths are workable. • Make sure hanging rails are correctly secured and have adequate supports so they will hold weight without bending. Exterior (this part is a work in progress) o Check lintels over windows are painted o Roof tiles are sound, none are cracked o Sheet metal roof is flat with no buckles. o Sheet metal sheets overlap as per manufacturers specification. o Roof fitings such as vents have a waterproofing plate around them that is silicon fitted to the roof. o There is a gradient all the way around your house for water to not accumulate o All vents have been installed o Doors have enough gap around for when your house starts to move o Expansion gaps in your brickwork are not clogged with cement. o Downpipes have been painted. o Render has been finished off square. o Guttering is straight and there are no signs of leaks. o All downpipe holes in the guttering have a down pipe affixed. o Deck / balcony railings and/or glass are free from cracks and damage. o Exterior clean is to standard with the yard free of building rubble. o Included retaining walls have been built with adequate drainage. Re: What Was Missed In Final Inspection? 5Mar 21, 2013 4:37 am Its worth knowing that at PCI it is unusual for the kitchen appliances and the hot water service to be fitted. These are only fitted and can be tested on the handover day. The Harder You Try - the Luckier You Get ! Web site http://www.anewhouse.com.au Informative, Amusing, and Opinionated Blog - Over 600 posts on all aspects of building a new house. Re: What Was Missed In Final Inspection? 7Mar 21, 2013 7:41 am Id add the following as well to bashworth extensive list (nice work btw)
Gutters not damaged/scratched and secured. Down pipes don't leak at joints .. as a few of mine do.. Pick a rainy day and check em out before handover. Check color bond sheeting secured correctly to Frame (check via manhole in ceiling), I've got about a couple of meter stretches that the tech screws miss the frame. Sliding doors close flush and tracks free of any foreign matter (ie mortar) and operate smoothly. Central heating control in a logical position not a hallway or small room and check its operation and separate zones as well if you have. External taps checked Rainwater tank correct size , level and all connections secure. Re: What Was Missed In Final Inspection? 8Mar 21, 2013 10:03 am DeeMM Contractually, upon completion of inspection, the SS is obliged to hand you a copy of the PCI list. So insist on that! Also, take with you a power plug safety checker and check every point for a good connection. Your point on not accepting their “defect will be hidden excuse” is a good one. Ask them to write it down regardless if it will be fixed. Re: What Was Missed In Final Inspection? 9Mar 21, 2013 10:27 am Non compliant roof drainage is rampant and inspectors rarely pick it up. The last 8 threads that I have read on this sub forum that have had photos showing the roof drainage have all been either non compliant or poorly designed. Fashion often dictates function. 3in1 Supadiverta. Rainwater Harvesting Best Practice using syphonic drainage. Cleaner Neater Smarter Cheaper Supa Gutter Pumper. A low cost syphonic eaves gutter overflow solution. Re: What Was Missed In Final Inspection? 10Mar 21, 2013 12:02 pm Not sure how an individual would be able to check many of these things - even an "expert" might not pick-up on some things. You do have a 12 month warranty period, plus a long term guarantee on the house - or we do. So presumably you do have time to check things and report them ? Re: What Was Missed In Final Inspection? 11Mar 21, 2013 12:05 pm great list will come in handy when the time comes Re: What Was Missed In Final Inspection? 12Mar 21, 2013 12:12 pm DeeMM • Get carbon paper to make a duplicate That's one hell of a list, but this one stood out. Building a Delta 21 at Craigieburn - http://homeofzero.blogspot.com.au/ Deposit: 26/02. Contract: 22/05. Settlement: 29/05. Site start: 18/10. Re: What Was Missed In Final Inspection? 14Mar 21, 2013 4:25 pm If you have downlights in any niches ensure they are centred - ours aren't .... some of our openings are not straight but we decided it wasn't worth fixing at PCI stage - too much mess and nobody else would notice. One side of our family room window has a gap between the ledge and the architrave because it was never straight to start with - again too hard to replace once the house is built so we are putting up with it .... we have discovered a lot of things that you will only see once you move in and as the house settles. Great lists though! For info on our build: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=43093 Built the McLaren by Dechellis - slab down 22 Feb - handover 30 Aug 2011 - and gardens finished 9 Dec 2012!! Re: What Was Missed In Final Inspection? 15Mar 22, 2013 8:08 pm Thanks for all the additional suggestions they are great and I appreciate your time. Re carbon paper - the black stuff you put between two sheets of paper so when you write on one it makes a copy on the other. My SS has indicated he will accept both my list and the PCIs list and has also given me a copy of his own list. The carbon paper is for my list so I have a record of what I have noted too, I have been told I will get a copy of the PCIs report. I noted what some of the other posts said about time, with one person saying they took several hours. I hope it doesn't take us that long but I have arranged to take the day off so I don't need to rush. I will look into roof compliance thing, that would be a real worry. Thanks Re: What Was Missed In Final Inspection? 16Mar 22, 2013 9:37 pm Getting things fixed at completion seems to make sense, as that Final Payment is a good incentive. Even though there may be a 12 month warranty, you might be waiting in line, it could be a case of "out of sight, out of mind" to some builders. The long term cover is something really worth reading in detail, and may only involve larger problems. Still, if a larger issue results over time from a smaller problem you and the SS agreed on, you will have more proof, if required. Great list. Re: What Was Missed In Final Inspection? 17Mar 22, 2013 9:54 pm Great list everybody. Will come in very handy if I ever get my knockdown/rebuild underway. Is this list based on personal experience or having heard of the issues from someone who heard from someone? Don't get me wrong, it's a really useful list but I would be interested to know the specific issues that people here have actually experienced during their builds. If you used an independent inspector did he pick up anything significant that you and your SS missed? Basically what I am trying to find out is if the major building companies are good/bad/otherwise when it comes to the quality of their workmanship and also in their response after you point out problems to them. Re: What Was Missed In Final Inspection? 18Mar 22, 2013 10:50 pm kasyd Great list everybody. Will come in very handy if I ever get my knockdown/rebuild underway. Is this list based on personal experience or having heard of the issues from someone who heard from someone? Don't get me wrong, it's a really useful list but I would be interested to know the specific issues that people here have actually experienced during their builds. If you used an independent inspector did he pick up anything significant that you and your SS missed? Basically what I am trying to find out is if the major building companies are good/bad/otherwise when it comes to the quality of their workmanship and also in their response after you point out problems to them. - Hollow tiles Found 4 tiles, grout has fallen away on one set. I'll get to it one day - Gradients to shower niches Absolute pain in the rear, I might have to redo the whole lot, SS didn't want a bar of it - Base of toilet is chalked to the floor maintenance guy picked this up and was kind to do it on the spot - Chalk is applied between the shower frame and the tiles started to leak so I siliconed it myself, SS gave be some BS before hand - Roof tiles are sound, none are cracked water left a nice stain on the front hall way. Their idea of fixing it was to repaint the patch and not find the root cause - The lintels above your windows on the outside are painted inspector picked it up. Didn't bother chasing it up. Will do myself - There is a gradient all the way around your house for water to not accumulate Didn't push because I didn't know the significance of it. Now I do. Inspector should have picked it up - Windows are closing correctly and there is no gap once closed Picked up during 3 month maintenance and fixed - All vents have been installed Chased the builder for a few months but finally got it done - Power points in the right spot In our case a switch that was put somewhere else for convenince. Told them to put it back to the plan - Doors have enough gap around for when your house starts to move Over time your house will move. A gap of 1mm won't cut it - Expansion gaps in your brickwork are not clogged with cement Inspector picked it up, builder didn't want a bar of it Although I will explain my recent experience. After 2 years of having lived in our place, I read on another forum that ceaserstone chips like crazy if the aris (bevel) is too small. Funny enough, ours had chips and upon looking on the ceaserstone website realised that it should be a 3-4mm aris not the 1mm I had. I rang up the builder, Simonds Homes, asked them to fix it, next day a maintenance supervisor inspected the ceaserstone and 3 weeks later it was fixed! It really comes down to the SS. Yes the company has a big contributing factor to the satisfaction of your home but the SS effectively is building it. But in this case, the builder looks like (after 2 years) have their reputation to rebuild and for that I must give them credit where due. Re: What Was Missed In Final Inspection? 19Mar 23, 2013 1:02 am DeeMM I will look into roof compliance thing, that would be a real worry. I can PM you a few threads to look at if you like. You will be shocked when I indicate what to look at. People remain oblivious. 3in1 Supadiverta. Rainwater Harvesting Best Practice using syphonic drainage. Cleaner Neater Smarter Cheaper Supa Gutter Pumper. A low cost syphonic eaves gutter overflow solution. Re: What Was Missed In Final Inspection? 20Mar 23, 2013 6:33 am SaveH2O DeeMM I will look into roof compliance thing, that would be a real worry. I can PM you a few threads to look at if you like. You will be shocked when I indicate what to look at. People remain oblivious. That would be great thankyou. kasyd Is this list based on personal experience or having heard of the issues from someone who heard from someone? I have built before so some of it is from my previous experience (although that was a much simpler house all 12sq of it with no extras), quite a few of these are collected from several threads on here or other internet sites. Adam.M After 2 years of having lived in our place, I read on another forum that ceaserstone chips like crazy if the aris (bevel) is too small. Funny enough, ours had chips and upon looking on the ceaserstone website realised that it should be a 3-4mm aris not the 1mm I had. Ours just has the simple standard pencil profile do you know if caeserstone tends to chip anyway? We have had granite in our current kitchen for 13 years and apparently both it and caeserstone have a mohs rating of 7. Our granite has never chipped it has a bullnose profile. Based on what you indicated about having the aris replaced I take it that means if we wanted one retro fixed it can be done after installation too? Thanks once again all - hope all your builds go well. i would suggest nothing is unreasonable for PCI. we did all sorts, including checking the hot water, checking all the GPO's had power, testing that the showers were… 9 98695 The significant date is when receive final payment invoice Check that section of contract Bit of fluff by builders prior to that 1 15952 Hi, I am approaching end of the build. My final invoice will be given to me soon to pay. Some context before I ask my question. 1. My builder wont do the landscaping or… 0 3870 |