Call 131546 and get a quote or book a New Home Inspection for Hilltop online today.
Jim’s Building Inspections conducts new home inspections (also known as new construction inspections) in Hilltop 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 Hilltop 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:
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.
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.
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.
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 Hilltop, call Jim’s Building Inspections on 131546.
Or book your Hilltop New Home Inspection service online. Reports can be delivered within 24 hours of inspection.
The Politics Of Smoke Alarms
From 1993 to 2015, CSIRO conducted tests on smoke alarms but the public is yet to read the findings. This comes at a time when activists want ionised smoke alarms banned due to alleged issues with response times to common fires. In America, the alarm...Read more
The Science Of Inspections
There’s a science to property inspections. Seriously. Because while your average inspector can and does spot problems, a trained inspector can find problems behind problems and other easy-to-miss issues. What’s more, he or she is less likely t...Read more
Property Management and Smoke Alarms are Good Friends
Property management and smoke alarms are good friends. Or at least they should be. Worst possible scenario: Inaction can lead to deaths and a stint in prison. It’s a familiar story, even in developed countries, however. From one BBC report: “A...Read more
Re-stumping red flags
A guide to Re-Stumping Re-stumping - or re-blocking as it's known in Victoria - is big business in Australia and can be a very costly exercise, particularly if you don't know what you're looking at and you don't understand what you've bought into....Read more
Asbestos Dumpers Beware
There’s a right way and a wrong way to do a job and this is especially true for asbestos. As the APP reports: People and businesses that illegally transport or dump asbestos in NSW will face on-the-spot fines of up to $15,000 under tough new pen...Read more
Three Simple Ways To Fight Mould
Some things are out of our control. Others are in our control. Thus, when speaking about mould, there are many things we can do. One: Root causes. Find them. A good place to start: Jim’s Building Inspections. When mould is found by experts it’...Read more
Concrete stumps are not immune to decay under extreme conditions.
Many elevated properties sit on some type of stump support whether it be timber , steel , masonry or concrete . Whist most people would consider concrete stumps to be maintenance free , this is far from the truth . Recently one of our Building Inspe...Read more
What is Caveat Emptor?
Increasingly property buyers are aware of their responsibility to discover building defects before sale – this is known as the Latin principle Caveat Emptor or ‘buyer beware’. The full quotation is ‘caveat emptor, qui ignorare no...Read more
Common defects found in homes
Are you buying a home or investment property? Here are some of the common defects that our building inspectors in homes. Termite damage The advantages of getting a vendor report before putting your house on the market. Termite damage was found ...Read more
Why 'The Block' Is More Than Just A Pretty Living Space
Sure, it’s pretty. No question. Her inner-city beachy location is also a big positive. But besides the prospect of rising property and house prices long-term there’s another reason why ‘The Block’ is more than just a pretty face on a reality ...Read more