Build Inspection on every stage - worth it and which stages?

its · Jul 02, 2019 1:41 pm

Hey Guys

Building a standalone townhouse with a small builder. I was wondering if I should get an inspection done at every stage? Is it worth doing? Which stages?

I have been told by 3 inspection companies the various stages they could inspect are

1) Pre Slab
2) Post Slab
3) Frame Stage
4) Pre-Plaster Stage
5) Fixing Stage
6) Handover Stage

Could you please recommend which stages to do if recommended? each stage is going to cost approx $450-500 with handover being above $600 so just trying to see budget and use.

Builder is ok to get the inspections done so that / access is not an issue.

I have got pre-handover stage done once for my previous house which seemed good. But this time I am thinking if I should do the same i.e. just the last stage or do more stages?

SejaeD · Jul 02, 2019 1:48 pm

its

Hey Guys

Building a standalone townhouse with a small builder. I was wondering if I should get an inspection done at every stage? Is it worth doing? Which stages?

I have been told by 3 inspection companies the various stages they could inspect are

1) Pre Slab
2) Post Slab
3) Frame Stage
4) Pre-Plaster Stage
5) Fixing Stage
6) Handover Stage

Could you please recommend which stages to do if recommended? each stage is going to cost approx $450-500 with handover being above $600 so just trying to see budget and use.

Builder is ok to get the inspections done so that / access is not an issue.

I have got pre-handover stage done once for my previous house which seemed good. But this time I am thinking if I should do the same i.e. just the last stage or do more stages?

Essentially you can combine stage 3 & 4. You want all your bracing and tie downs checked, but you also need to make sure that the i joists have been penetrated correctly during rough in. there is no reason why these cant be done at the same time to save money.

But all the other stages are money well spent providing you have a good inspector

its · Jul 02, 2019 6:25 pm

I was told that Pre Slab might not be necessary too as that is done properly normally by engineers (or someone - can't remember)

Was told to do the following

1) Post Slab
2) Frame Stage
3) Pre-Plaster Stage
4) Fixing Stage
5) Pre-Handover Stage

An example: https://www.newhomeinspections.com.au/pricing/single-dwelling/

Suggests: Pre Slab, Frame, Pre-Plaster, Pre-Handover

Another example: https://www.buywiseinspections.com.au/new-home-inspections

Suggests: Pre-Plaster, Fixing Stage, Pre-Handover

And then https://www.jimsbuildinginspections.com.au

Suggests: All the above stages (1-5)

bank · Jul 03, 2019 3:08 pm

its

I was told that Pre Slab might not be necessary too as that is done properly normally by engineers (or someone - can't remember)

Pre slab is absolutely necessary, probably the most important in my opinion. Yes it is "checked" by the building surveyors inspector but I wouldn't trust that. If they were doing their job properly independent inspectors would never find anything, and yet they do. Our building surveyor's inspector must have been legally blind or didn't even bother to get out of the car.

Our post slab was checked at frame stage.

SejaeD · Jul 03, 2019 3:20 pm

its

I was told that Pre Slab might not be necessary too as that is done properly normally by engineers (or someone - can't remember)

Was told to do the following

1) Post Slab
2) Frame Stage
3) Pre-Plaster Stage
4) Fixing Stage
5) Pre-Handover Stage

An example: https://www.newhomeinspections.com.au/pricing/single-dwelling/

Suggests: Pre Slab, Frame, Pre-Plaster, Pre-Handover

Another example: https://www.buywiseinspections.com.au/new-home-inspections

Suggests: Pre-Plaster, Fixing Stage, Pre-Handover

And then https://www.jimsbuildinginspections.com.au

Suggests: All the above stages (1-5)

Pre slab is incredibly important as you need to check that termite collars are installed, sewer and drainage pipes are in the correct location and the specified reo has been used

alexp79 · Jul 03, 2019 4:38 pm

The absolute majority of building surveyor inspectors/certifiers are just a bunch of lazy clowns.
Don't expect much from them.

its · Jul 05, 2019 10:00 am

Thanks guys.. I understand there is mixed reaction and both sides of the coins

From the three links given above, could anyone recommend or list them on preference?

Still trying to decide to go for, which stages and with whom?

Gaudi · Jul 14, 2019 6:30 pm

Based on advice I had and my experience at minimum I’d recommend

Pre slab!!!!!!! Very important but you do need to have someone who knows what they are doing.
I’d worry about any service saying pre slab pour wasn’t important in Victoria at least where engineer does not come to site.

As someone said above slab (post slab) can be inspected at frame stage as it’s visible.
Frame stage
Pre plaster
PCI/pre handover

(I would add an inspection at fixing stage if you were not confident that work was being rectified)

malypetu · Jul 30, 2019 10:22 am

Hi All
I've read all the comments here, very valuables, I also believe that pre-slab inspections is vital as you can detect problems ahead of time and avoid expensive corrections.

Now I have not been able to find a company in Sydney that offers that. Does anybody have a company in Sydney that does it?

That will be
of great help.

Cheers