Building a new home can be both an exciting and anxious time. You as a consumer have the right to engage an independent building consultant such as Red Dog Property Inspections, who can make sure the plans suit your specific needs and check the quality of work during construction.

Red Dog Property Inspections will also be able to provide the with a technical understanding of the building project. By law, the builder can request payment when certain stages of the project are complete. This is your opportunity to inspect or appoint a consultant such as Red Dog Property Inspections to confirm:

• the work has passed the applicable stage,
• works have been completed in a proper and workmanlike manner, in accordance with the plans and specifications set out in the contract,
• all materials supplied are good and suitable for the purpose and are new, unless otherwise stated in the contract,
• the builder has carried out the work with reasonable care and skill and completed works by the date (or within the period) specified by the contract

Inspections can be carried out at all stages listed below or you may just want one or two stages inspected.

Base – Post Pour Slab or Stumps, piers or columns are complete
An inspection on the footings and overall dimensions, vapor barrier and site drainage issues that can affect movement through the foundations throughout the course of construction.

Frame – The frame is completed
An inspection of the timber and steel frame where dimensions, connections and general construction issues pertaining to relevant Australian standards are inspected. Other items in this inspection include the following; room dimensions, alignment and fixing of the frame to the concrete slab or stumps, the frame is level, plumb, straight and square and all bracing has been correctly installed, fascia boards, bargeboards correctly aligned, damage to the window and door frames, roof trusses are adequately braced and installed to meet manufacturers requirements, Structural flooring is level, properly fixed and does not move or squeak, insulation wrap correctly installed and not damaged.

Lock-up/Pre-Plaster – External wall cladding and roof covering are fixed, the flooring is laid, and external doors and windows are installed.

This stage inspection looks at the external wall claddings such as brickwork/rendered polystyrene/weatherboards. Roof claddings, fascia boards, bargeboards and gutters, external doors and windows, damage to specially coated surfaces, articulation joints, flashings, and weep holes.

The inspection also enables us to check the following items: insulation to perimeter and internal walls, electrical wiring for correct location of light switches and power points, baths and shower bases correctly installed, frame damage caused by installation of electrical or plumbing pipes and if pipes have been correctly positioned and secured.

Fix – All internal cladding, architraves, skirting, doors, built-in shelves, baths, basins, troughs, sinks, cabinets, and cupboards are fitted and fixed in position.

This inspection will also review the waterproofing system and pick up on plastering defects needing to be rectified prior to paint. If you’re building a double-story home, this is when the stairs will be installed.

Practical Completion – A PCI is a thorough inspection of your property carried out once it is completed, but before you take final ownership.

When the home is nearing completion and where all contractual obligations by the builder have been finalised. This inspection will thoroughly inspect all items previously inspected and all completion items that had not been inspected previously.

Our PCI inspection includes items such as the following but not limited to:

• Structural elements including roof void framing, external walls & cracking.
• Roofing, gutters, flashings.
• Ceilings and wall workmanship.
• Tiling & grouting.
• Sealants particularly in wet areas.
• Painting finishes.
• Fixtures & fittings such as door handles, towel racks, kitchen cabinetry, bench tops along with many other elements of the property.

It is important to note that certain items (such as large/expensive kitchen appliances) may not yet be installed. This is because these items are typically installed as close to handover day as possible to minimise any risks.

Handover – Handover inspections involve a complete assessment of the final construction work of a property when the builder is ready to handover your keys!
Even if you trust the builders and contractors on your project, it is still recommended to conduct a handover inspection to ensure all items identified at the Practical Completion Inspection are completed in a proper and workman like manner and ready for you to take possession of the property.