WHY should I get an independent construction building inspection done – whether for a house renovation and extension or a completely new build? What value and benefits does it offer me?
It is highly recommended you get an independent construction building inspection done for either house renovation/extension or new build projects in Victoria. An independent building inspection is an important step to ensure the quality, and compliance of the construction work being carried out. An independent building inspection offers numerous benefits and value, whatever your construction scenario, to give you that peace of mind.
Here’s our Top Tips on WHY you should consider having an independent building inspection done:-
1. Quality control: Regular inspections by a building professional can help ensure that the construction is being done to high-quality standards. An independent building inspector should have a VBA-licence as a registered builder (DBU) and will assess both the quality of materials and the standard of builder workmanship used in the construction process. This can help prevent any issues such as faulty workmanship or materials, or identify any defects early, thus avoiding any potential safety hazards or future maintenance issues requiring repairs.
2. Compliance with building codes: Building inspectors are trained to ensure that construction work is completed in compliance with relevant building codes, regulations and standards as per your building specifications and permit. This can prevent costly delays and possible rework during the final inspection stage.
3. Problem identification and resolution: A building inspector conducting regular inspections during the build process can identify potential issues early on and work with the builder to find solutions. This can prevent costly problems from escalating and ensure a smoother construction process overall. This can also help you avoid potential legal issues or penalties for non-compliance.
4. Legal Protection: An independent building inspection can protect you from potential legal disputes down the road by documenting the condition of the building at the time of completion/purchase. Houspect’s professional expertise overseeing the construction process via provision of inspections at the key critical build stages provides you with both the cumulative and ‘given point in time’ documentation of the quality and progression of work. This can be invaluable in case of disputes or legal issues. Overall, an independent building inspection provides you with valuable information and peace of mind when making any real estate transaction, ensuring that you are making an informed decision and protecting your investment.
5. Negotiating Power: If you are considering purchasing a property with existing renovations or extensions, a building inspection can help identify any issues or defects that may affect the value of the property. An inspection can uncover any hidden issues with the building, such as structural damage, potential electrical problems, or plumbing issues, giving you the leverage to negotiate a lower purchase price knowing the potential future repair or rectification costs. If the inspection uncovers some such significant issues, you may then be able to make a reduced offer (minus the cost of repairs) or else ask the seller to make necessary repairs before closing the deal.
6. Construction Progress inspections: For new build projects, having regular progress inspections can help ensure that the construction work is on track and being executed according to the agreed plans and specifications. By identifying any issues early on, you can address them long before they become major problems. This will potentially save money on repairs in the long run.
7. Safety & Peace of mind: By having a building inspector assess the condition of the building, you can have a better understanding of any potential issues or defects that need to be addressed. Knowing that your construction project has been thoroughly inspected by a qualified independent professional gives you peace of mind that the work is being done correctly, safely and to a high standard.
Overall, having an independent building inspector involved in the construction process can provide you with greater peace of mind that the project is being done properly and in compliance with regulations, leading to a smoother final sign-off process with the local authority building surveyor.
WHEN are the BEST TIMES during a new build or renovations/extension construction to have an independent building inspection done?
In general, it is recommended you get an independent construction building inspection done at the key critical stages of the construction process. This will help identify any issues early on and ensure that the construction work meets regulatory requirements and, most importantly, your expectations.
There are typically five agreed critical or key ‘notification’ stages of building completion as per a typical construction contract:-
1. Slab Down or Base; slab poured or base completion
2. Framing; walls and roofing framework completion
3. Lock-up / Pre-plaster; external walls/roofing completion & building ‘lockable’
4. Fixing / Pre-paint; plastering/waterproofing/cabinetry completion/utilities roughed-in
5. Final; Practical Completion & Handover
In Victoria, building inspections must comply with the following building codes, rules and regulations. Building inspectors with a builders VBA registration (DBU) are familiar with these codes, rules, and regulations to ensure that buildings are constructed and maintained in a safe and compliant manner:-
Building Act 1993; Building Regulations 2018; Australian Building Codes/National Construction Codes (NCC); Planning and Environment Act 1987; Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004; Environmental Protection Act 1970; and the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) guidelines.
Whilst a Building Surveyor is primarily tasked with ensuring building permit regulations have been met, it is the Building Inspector’s role as a qualified professional hired by the property owner or developer to oversee or inspect the onsite construction process periodically. They work independently and are responsible for ensuring that the building project complies with regulations and meets quality standards of workmanship, installation, finishes, etc.
In summary, while both Inspectors and Surveyors are involved in inspections, the key difference lies in their roles and responsibilities – Building Surveyors conduct some mandatory inspections at base stage, frame and provide a certificate of occupancy and mostly enforce the paperwork – permit conditions. Building Inspectors are independent professionals hired by property owners to ensure compliance and quality control of the onsite construction, responsible for ensuring your project meets building codes.
If you are undertaking a new home construction project and need expert advice due to the complexity of all the rules and regulations involved, Houspect can provide building inspection reporting at all the critical main stages of construction, including the Final Inspection. Also known as Practical Completion or Handover, our end-stage report lists all defects and incomplete works needing rectification.
Houspect uses our own expert checklists – devised over the years and regularly updated to match Australian Building Codes and NCC incorporating any recent changes to standards and regulations. This ensures your property is being completed according to;
1. The plans or schematics, and specifications.
2. The requirements of the Building Codes and Standards and Tolerances
3. A good standard of workmanship.
Houspect’s reporting is also cumulative, ensuring any prior visible defects, concerns or variations are reviewed, rechecked and reported on in each new stage report. We offer our support throughout your project, helping you to understand what’s gone wrong with a construction and what’s needed to fix any onsite issues – restoring that ‘peace of mind’. Your queries can be dealt with directly on-site by your inspector, or by contacting Houspect’s office. We keep a ‘watching brief’ on your behalf.
Maybe your concerns were raised due to issues occurring during the construction process and now seek independent advice about your build prior to Final Completion. This is your last opportunity to safeguard the workmanship of your new home has been completed to an acceptable standard prior to handover and occupation.
A Houspect Building Inspection Report will provide you with independent written and photographic documentation of any unsatisfactory and incomplete work or defects referenced to the relevant Australian building codes.
It is certainly much easier (and advisable) – to have potential problems rectified before moving in!
