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 Highcroft online today.

Jim’s Building Inspections conducts new home inspections (also known as new construction inspections) in Highcroft 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 Highcroft 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 Highcroft, call Jim’s Building Inspections on 131 546.

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

Blocked Guttering- One of the most Common Pre-Purchase Defects

Blocked gutters are one of the main defects found during a pre purchase inspection and is also one of the easiest to fix and prevent. Doing something as simple as keeping your gutters clean can save you thousands of dollars in maintenance costs in th...
Read more

Things to consider when building your first home

You might decide that rather than buying an established property as your first home, it would better suit you to build. Building your first home can be both an exciting and overwhelming experience. Building allows you to customise your home from t...
Read more

What Does Jim Know About Building Inspections Anyway?

ACTUALLY, QUITE A BIT MORE THAN WE EVER REALISED! We recently discovered that Jim Penman’s dad was a forensic engineer. From an early age Jim’s father was investigating materials, structures and their components which failed o...
Read more

Property Depreciation - Some Questions

Q: What’s property depreciation all about? A: In a nutshell, depreciation is a tax deduction when your property’s value declines. The result: Less tax, more money in your pocket. Q: Where can I find professional help? A: Jim’s Buildi...
Read more

How is a House Inspection Organised?

Whilst it’s up to you, the majority of our clients simply provide the Real Estate Agents details and then we will then contact them to organise the date and time of the house inspection. Generally this saves you a few more phone calls and emails...
Read more

How do I go back to my home after Fire Damage?

A fire is a traumatic experience, and it can cause more damage than what you can see initially. Beyond the physical fire damage, you must also consider the smoke and soot contamination. Both can be dangerous and costly. Fire damage can extend to t...
Read more

10 Horrifying Traps a (Good) House Inspector Might Find

Number One: Asbestos. Enough said. Number Two: Termites. In a word: EVIL. Number Three: Fire hazards. Wouldn’t wish this upon my worst enemy. Number Four: Faulty smoke alarms. It’s a thing. Number Five: Ghosts. Okay, kidding. Okay, ma...
Read more

Smoke Alarms - America's Move May Trigger Australian Action

It’s an important topic. Will moves in the United States regarding smoke alarms trigger a debate here? The dirt: As the ABC reported, new US smoke alarm laws look likely to drive ionisation alarms out of business – and an American expert has b...
Read more

Asbestos Concerns? Call The Experts

Here’s an all too familiar story from the Newcastle Herald: A Glendale property is demolished after its owners found deadly loose-fill asbestos insulation. This type of asbestos was relatively popular in the1960s and 1970s. Science now tells ...
Read more

How Different Methods of Property Sale Impact When You Need a Building Inspection

THE TIMING OF A BUILDING INSPECTION DEPENDS ON YOUR SITUATION AND MOSTLY THE METHOD OF SALE. As the findings of a building inspection report may cause you to withdraw an offer you should always ensure that you are informed of your ri...
Read more


In Highcroft

tas Suburbs Index