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Independent construction inspections

Every stage.
Worth a closer look.

Construction stage inspections for new homes in Canberra and nearby NSW, from slab and frame to practical completion and handover.

SLAB & FRAMEENCLOSURE & LININGSFINISHES & HANDOVER

Your construction guide

The right check.
Before the next trade.

Explore our construction stage inspections by phase. See what each visit covers and when to arrange it, before the next trade conceals the work.

✓   Start with one inspection or arrange a sequence. The plan is tailored to your build.

See package pricing

Illustrative construction: Structure

Before the work is enclosedStructure

01 · Slab inspection

An inspection at the agreed slab stage records visible conditions while the relevant work remains accessible. Timing is important: checks before a concrete pour have a different scope from checks of a completed slab.

  • Accessible formwork and slab preparation at the agreed stage
  • Visible reinforcement and service penetrations where exposed
  • Visible slab finish and defects when inspecting after the pour
When to arrange it

Contact us before the pour or stage completion. Confirm the inspection point with your builder before arranging attendance.

Full inspection details

The framing stage is an opportunity to examine visible structural elements, connections and workmanship before wall linings conceal them.

  • Accessible wall and roof framing
  • Visible bracing, connections and fixings
  • Openings and visible alignment concerns
When to arrange it

Arrange the inspection when framing is complete and the relevant work is accessible, before it is covered.

Full inspection details

Illustrative construction: Enclosure & linings

As the building takes shapeEnclosure & linings

03 · Roof inspection

Roof coverings, drainage details and visible junctions deserve attention before the build progresses. The available inspection method depends on roof pitch, height, weather and safe access.

  • Visible roof coverings and installation details
  • Accessible flashings, junctions and penetrations
  • Gutters and downpipes at the agreed stage
When to arrange it

Book after the relevant roof work is complete, with access arrangements confirmed in advance.

Full inspection details

A façade inspection focuses on accessible external walls and visible installation details, helping you record defects before access changes or scaffolding is removed.

  • Visible brickwork, cladding and rendered finishes
  • Openings, junctions and penetrations
  • Accessible flashings and external sealing details
When to arrange it

Coordinate with the builder while the relevant external work and any required access remain available.

Full inspection details

At lock-up, the roof, external walls, windows and doors are generally in place. This is an opportunity to assess visible enclosure details before internal finishes progress.

  • Accessible external enclosure elements
  • Windows, external doors and visible installation details
  • Visible damage and unfinished work
When to arrange it

Ask the builder to confirm the lock-up stage and what work will be complete on the inspection date.

Full inspection details

Once plasterboard is installed, much of the work behind the walls can no longer be seen. A pre-lining inspection records accessible framing, insulation and other visible details before they are concealed.

  • Accessible framing and visible alterations
  • Insulation placement where installed
  • Visible service penetrations and surrounding details
When to arrange it

Arrange the inspection after the relevant work is ready and before wall and ceiling linings are fitted.

Full inspection details

Waterproofing deserves a dedicated check before tiles conceal it. We inspect the visible membrane and accessible detailing at the agreed stage, recording observations you can discuss with your builder or waterproofer.

  • Visible membrane coverage and condition
  • Accessible wall-to-floor junctions and corners
  • Details around penetrations, drains and water stops
When to arrange it

Book after the membrane has been applied and is ready to inspect, before tiles or other finishes are installed. Coordinate the timing with your builder and waterproofer.

Full inspection details

Illustrative construction: Finishes & handover

From the final details to moving inFinishes & handover

08 · Paint inspection

Paint finishes are assessed for visible workmanship concerns and incomplete areas at the agreed stage. Recording the location of each finding makes the report easier to work through with the builder.

  • Visible paint coverage and finish
  • Runs, missed areas and surface preparation concerns
  • Damage and incomplete finishing
When to arrange it

Arrange the inspection when painting is sufficiently complete, before final handover or rectification sign-off.

Full inspection details

This stage focuses on visible finishes and installed fittings as the home comes together. It can be coordinated with painting or practical completion depending on the construction programme.

  • Accessible doors, trims and cabinetry
  • Visible fixtures and fittings within the agreed scope
  • Junctions, sealants and finishing details
When to arrange it

Book when the relevant fittings and finishes are installed and ready for inspection.

Full inspection details

A practical completion inspection provides an independent assessment of accessible finished work before handover. We record visible defects, unfinished items and workmanship concerns in a report you can discuss with the builder.

  • Accessible internal and external finishes
  • Doors, windows, cabinetry and visible fittings
  • Wet-area finishes and visible sealing details
When to arrange it

Book when the builder advises that the property is ready for practical completion, allowing time to review the findings before handover.

Full inspection details

Living in a new home can reveal issues that were not apparent at handover. A defects inspection records visible concerns and the items you have noticed since occupation.

  • Visible changes and defects since handover
  • Items you have reported from everyday use
  • Accessible finishes and fittings within the agreed scope
When to arrange it

Check the notice period in your building contract and book with enough time to provide the findings to your builder. The relevant period is not the same for every contract.

Full inspection details

Good timing makes the difference

Plan your construction stage inspections.
Before work is covered.

Construction stage inspections work best when the agreed work is complete and still visible. Builders may use different stage names or combine activities, so match each booking to the actual work on site. Send the construction programme and the relevant drawings before the first visit. Keep us informed as dates change.

Earlier reports help us follow up items that remain visible. If a stage has already been covered, a later visit cannot confirm everything behind the finishes. Discuss any missed stage when booking rather than assuming the next inspection includes it.

01

Share the programme

Send the property address, upcoming stage, expected completion date and relevant drawings. Include your builder’s and site supervisor’s names and contact details.

02

Confirm the inspection point

Get the builder’s permission for the visit and confirm when the work will be ready. Agree safe access before attendance; inspectors cannot authorise a client to enter the site.

03

Allow time for the findings

Book before the work is covered and allow time to discuss the findings with your builder. A visit records what is visible that day; it does not replace daily supervision.

A package around your project

Choose the stages.
Know the fee.

Book an individual construction stage for $497 + GST, or arrange a package with subsequent visits at $397 + GST. Practical completion and 90-day defects are $547 + GST. Construction-stage fees are fixed. Practical completion and 90-day defects pricing may vary with the property and agreed scope; we confirm the fee before booking.

Full pricing & conditions

01

Standalone stage / first package visit

Arrange one stage or begin a package.

$497+ GST

02

Subsequent package inspections

Per visit, including a waterproofing stage.

$397+ GST

03

Final practical completion

Review the home before handover.

$547+ GST

The detail is in the report

Understand the finding.
Know the next step.

Your report should be useful when you sit down with your builder, agent or adviser. We explain what was observed, where it was found and what needs attention.

◫Photographs with contextSee the location and detail behind the finding.
☷Clear prioritiesUnderstand defects, maintenance and further investigation.
▤Practical recommendationsKnow which questions to raise and what to do next.

How we approach your inspection

CLARITY, IN WRITING 01 / 03

MY CANBERRA
BUILDING INSPECTIONS ACT

HOW A FINDING IS EXPLAINED

A clear location.
A specific observation.

01 — Location
Kitchen · benchtop junction
02 — Observation
Localised gaps were observed in the sealant at the junction between the benchtop and splashback.
03 — Recommendation
Have the affected sealant renewed to provide a continuous seal along the junction.

Illustrative text example · not a property report

Location. Observation. Recommended action.

Before you book

A few useful
answers.

Ask us directly

Yes. Construction stage inspections can start partway through a build. Tell us what is complete and what is scheduled next so we can agree the most useful visit. Concealed work cannot be checked in the same way as exposed work. If several stages have already passed, we will explain the limits and whether another visit is recommended.

For construction stage inspections, ask your builder to confirm the work is ready and give permission for access. Send the address, proposed date, supervisor’s contact details and relevant plans or earlier reports. If you want to attend, arrange this with us and the builder when booking so access, scope and any extra cost can be agreed.

We do not use access we consider unsafe. See WorkSafe ACT’s scaffolding safety guidance for more information.

Your construction stage inspection report records visible findings, their locations and supporting photographs, with recommended next steps. It also explains access restrictions and work that could not be checked. Use it to discuss the findings with your builder; it does not certify every part of the construction.

No. An independent inspection provides additional information about the agreed work. It does not replace mandatory inspections, approvals or certification. Your builder and certifier remain responsible for their respective roles.

Yes. Our service area includes Queanbeyan, Googong, Karabar, Bungendore, Yass and surrounding areas. Tell us the address so we can confirm availability, travel and the applicable fee.

A clear next step

Let’s take a
closer look.

Tell us about your property and what you need to know. We’ll help you arrange the right inspection.

0466 033 726

info@canberrabuildinginspections.com

BASED IN CANBERRA

Canberra · Queanbeyan · Googong
Bungendore · Yass & surrounding areas

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