Building and Pest inspector standing in front of Jims Building Inspections car

Call 131 546 and get a quote or book a New Home Inspection for Birkenhead online today.

Jim’s Building Inspections conducts new home inspections (also known as new construction inspections) in Birkenhead and the surrounding areas. Our expert consultants can assist you with every stage of your build and ensure your new build meets your expectations and the necessary standards.

Our local consultants have extensive experience and hold public liability and professional indemnity insurance—meaning you can have peace of mind when you acquire the services of a Jim’s Building Inspector.

We offer same day service for New Home Inspections in Birkenhead and provide written reports via email within 24 hours of the inspection being conducted.

New Home Inspection Checklist

There are four key inspection stages which can be carried out for New Home Inspections:

1. Slab Stage

The slab stage or the base stage inspection is essential in the inspection process. Finished concrete is inspected to ensure there is an even and consistent finish. The surface should not be powdery or flakey. Levels are checked to confirm the slab has been installed within allowable deviation in the over level across and room or the entire build. The edge rebate is checked to ensure it is not “honeycombed” and there is no evidence of steel reinforcement protruding as it must have at least 40mm concrete coverage. The vapour barrier must extend past the poured concrete slab with adequate overlap left so that it extends up the side wall of the slab past the final finished ground level once the construction is completed.

2. Frame Stage

Frame stage inspections are conducted providing an independent assessment of the works to confirm they have been completed ready for stage payment. Internal checks and company appointed inspections are supported with a fresh and focussed and our review monitors the frame with respect to the approved construction methods stipulated in Australian Standard 1684.2 and the Engineers design requirements as detailed on the Approved Plans.

The installation of windows and door frames are checked at this stage. Frame positioning in relation to the supporting slab is checked with any overhanging tolerances along with load bearing timbers, lintels and orientation of Jack Studs above openings. Items such as the correct number of timber blocks and their securing method are checked along with all bracing, mechanical fasteners, tie downs and anchors.

3. Lockup

At this stage we inspect the roofing that is installed to ensure it is complete and free of defects and damage, all flashings are installed. A visual inspection is carried out to check the installation of Flashings. Brick work is checked for correct installation. All windows and doors are installed with the correct fixings using appropriate blocks and the frame straight, plumb and true.

The installed plaster to the ceilings, wall linings and fitted cornice is checked to ensure it is installed to acceptable standards. Waterproof membrane to showers & wet areas are inspected to ensure they are correctly installed and comply with the requirements of the Building Code.

4. Handover

Handover Inspections require an exhaustive check of the construction. At handover inspection we check that all the work completed “In a proper and workman like manner” ensuring that the workmanship is at an industry standard. The construction of the dwelling needs to reflect the Approved Plans and we check that all components of the building comply with relevant Australian Standards and Building Codes.

Handover or Final stage inspections are also called Practical Completion Inspections (PCI) and Pre Handover Inspections. Handover inspections are generally carried out on new homes when construction of the entire home has been completed and all internal fittings, fixtures and finishes have been installed and applied inside the home compliant with the relevant building plans and specifications.

To arrange a quote or a building inspection for a property in Birkenhead, call Jim’s Building Inspections on 131 546.

Or book your Birkenhead New Home Inspection service online. Reports can be delivered within 24 hours of inspection.

Rental Reforms To Hit Queensland

Queensland’s 40-year-old rental laws are under scrutiny. One big potential change: making it easier for tenants to own pets and more pressure to address repairs in a timely manner. Property owners, however, may have more powers in their hands to ch...
Read more

Property Styling - the Melbourne stats

Property Styling, Melbourne, works. If you were considering property styling in Melbourne as part of your sale campaign, you can now rest easy knowing that every dollar invested in property styling is likely to return over $1900 to your back pocket ...
Read more

Asbestos Imports - A Health Concern

If you follow the news, you’ll be aware that Chinese companies have been exporting asbestos products to Australia. But did you know that they’re not alone? There’s a long list of countries exporting products with asbestos to Australia. They ...
Read more

The Dirty World Of Termites

This summer it’s time to think pests. "Generally the soil moisture is high, that makes a big difference to termites. Termites are really just organised cockroaches," says Dr Ewart to The Age in an article titled: Hungry termites marching on Melbour...
Read more

How To Avoid Renovation Traps

Renovations done right can pay off. Literally. That said there are some serious traps to avoid. Potential problems from wiring to asbestos issues often come up especially in older houses, so it’s important to seek professional help. Jim’s Buil...
Read more

What does Domestic Building Insurance means to Builder or an Owner Builder in Victoria.

Whether you are a homeowner who is using a Builder or an Owner Builder, it is mandatory to get a domestic building insurance. If you undertake domestic building work worth more than $16,000, then you need domestic building insurance. Furthermore,...
Read more

Am I An Owner Builder?

Whether you are or aren’t an owner builder can sometimes be a tricky concept to get your head around. Even if you didn’t personally lift a hammer, but rather project managed different trades to do the work, – you are still, legally, the owne...
Read more

Blacklists For Potential Tenants? You Betcha!

Yes. Blacklisting tenants is a thing and may not be talked about because of shame-related issues. According to the ABC, a person can be blacklisted without even being aware. His or her name in such a case will pop up on tenancy databases meanin...
Read more

The Pitfalls Of Property Investment

The pitfalls of property investment are many. Andrew Heaton from Sourceable advances the argument that it’s important to get a quality survey. While a retail store is often happy to return a $10 item of clothing, it’s far more complex with rea...
Read more

Timing of a building inspection

THE TIMING OF A BUILDING INSPECTION MOSTLY DEPENDS ON THE METHOD OF SALE. As the findings of a building inspection report may prompt you to withdraw an offer, you should always ensure that you are correctly informed of your rights and options. This ...
Read more


In Birkenhead

sa Suburbs Index

New Home Inspections suburbs in port-adelaide region