Building a new home or renovating a house is a complex process. Most builders are reliable, but even the most reputable can’t be 100% perfect. Reap the benefits of our experienced Building Inspectors’ independent expert advice and you can rest assured that your new home construction or home renovations conform to building codes and are completed to a good standard.
If you are starting a new home construction and need independent advice we provide inspections, reports, photographs and references to building codes at all the main stages. This includes a final inspection (also called Practical Completion or Handover) listing defects and incomplete works. Stages include:
- Slab Down or Base stage
- Frame
- Lock up (also known as pre-plaster)
- Fixing (when plaster, waterproofing and cabinetry is ready)
- Final (Practical Completion and Handover)
Our reporting is accumulative, ensuring any visible previous defects and concerns are re-checked and reported on in each new report. We keep watch for you.
You may want to consider a pre-pour inspection by Houspect (formwork, steel reinforcing, saddles, waffle pods, setbacks, drainage and site management). We provide support during your project, your queries may be answered on site by the inspector, or by phone or email to the Houspect office.
Call us for new home and renovation inspections services in Melbourne and regional Victoria including Bendigo, Ballarat, Geelong, Warragul and surrounding areas.
About the Houspect Building Inspector
All Houspect Building Inspectors are licensed builders with many years’ experience in the industry. Our inspectors will provide professional, independent and unbiased information on the progress and condition of the construction.
What is Houspect’s Methodology?
Houspect conducts inspections by using checklists for each Stage (regularly updated according to building codes and standards) and your construction plans to ensure your house is being built according to;
- Your final plans and specifications.
- The requirements of the Building Codes and Tolerances
- A good standard of workmanship.
What’s covered in a Houspect Construction Inspection?
Our reports will assist your understanding and communication with your site supervisor regarding rectifying any issues or defects occurring during the construction process. Our reports help avoid problems by identifying defects and issues early for each stage, so problems can be fixed in time by the builder.
Construction Defects Identified by Our Building Inspections
Houspect Building Inspectors identify all sorts of defects during the construction of new home builds and renovations. We help your understanding of what’s wrong and what needs to be done to rectify the problems, so you have peace of mind. Typical examples include:
- Incorrect slab dimensions and set backs, vapour barrier damaged
- Retaining walls and site drainage not considered on sloping to steep blocks
- Down pipe socks not fitted
- Wall frames not straight and plumb, missing noggings and bracing
- Unsupported frame overhangs, masonry overhangs
- Defective brick veneer – excessive ‘perpends’, out of plumb, mortar voids
- Missing window flashings
- Windows not centred/wrong location
- Timber doors not sealed top and bottom, insufficient and variable margins
- Damaged sliding door and window tracks
- Missing & defective door furniture
- Starved paintwork, paint runs and over-painting on trims and cornices
- Gaps and bows to cornices, skirting boards and architraves
- Kitchen and bathroom cabinets penetrations not sealed
- Wet areas not waterproofed to standards, tiling not properly caulked
- Missing/unsecured roof flashings
- Cracked and broken roof tiles, debris in valleys and gutters, gaps at gables not weatherproofed
- Ceiling insultation not installed or missed sections
For more information or to book a Construction Inspection, call Houspect on 03 9808 4000, email us at info@houspectvic.com.au or complete our online enquiry form.