Building Stage Inspections
Inspections at the time of construction help ensure the building is consistent with the original plan stated in the development consent and construction certificate. It helps ensure the building meets all acceptable standards of safety, amenity and health.
The Building Code of Australia (BCA) and the relevant Australian Standards have formulated a few construction phase laws. Mandatory critical inspection in this stage are for all classes of buildings, including houses, garages, pergolas and carports which require approval and was commenced in 2004.
Who conducts these inspections?
The job of building inspections is the sole duty of a qualified building inspector or surveyor. In some parts of Australia they are referred to as the Principle Certifying Authority or the PCA. These qualified inspectors need to be well-versed with the technical sides of building a house, together with different interpretations and building regulations of that state or area. Depending on the state you are in, building surveyors may be required to hold accreditation with the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (AIBS) and hold a current state-issued license. You can find building inspectors through AIBS or search online.
Who pays for such inspections?
Inspections are a mandatory part of the planned building process. The cost of building stage inspections are mostly a part of the building contract. Though you must always check the contract before signing it or make sure there is room for additional inspections done if necessary.
What do building inspections include?
Building inspections throughout Australia include a physical inspection and report that may include the following:-
- A full building and pest inspection
- Thermal imaging to uncover any kind of hidden damage
- A physical inspection by a QBCC licensed inspector
- Details of electrical connections, appliances and installed devices including, smoke alarms, wiring, hot water and plumbing
- Identification and recommendation of the major and minor defects of the construction
- A room-by-room analysis of the home identifying defects and other concerns
- A comprehensive report.
Depending on the structure of the building being constructed and how it is being constructed, the PCA might be able to carry out two or more of the required inspections at the same time. The PCA also holds the sole discretion as to whether any additional inspections are required during the construction stage of the project.
What are the phases of building stage inspections?
The above is a list of mandatory inspections that need to be carried out, when a building is under construction. Inspex Building and Pest Consultants operates across Queensland, having offices in Brisbane and Gold Coast. Our team has qualified Building Stage Inspectors who can execute all the four phases. Hire our experts at Inspex to get a detailed building stage survey (pre handover) report.