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 online today.

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

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

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

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

The Dirt On Property Depreciation

What’s depreciation? In a nutshell, it’s an allowance under tax laws in Australia for investors. It means they can claim deductions for expenditures in their property investments. Why depreciation? Even extremely well-built houses aren’t imm...
Read more

Beating the Dangerous World of Mould - Related Illnesses

Moving to a share house is an exciting adventure for young adults. At least, that’s the theory. So when healthy Tim Kirby started losing weight, developing insomnia, experiencing frequent headaches and battling fatigue, he was in search of answers....
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

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

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

GET YOUR HOME READY FOR WINTER!

With winter only around 7 weeks away it is time to think about doing those essential jobs around the home that is really easy to forget. Then one day you look out the window and you have water cascading down your fascia and into your eaves. This happ...
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

Buying Off-The-Plan Housing Needn't Be Scary

Buying an off-the-plan house needn’t be scary if you make smart choices. One important choice: Seeking out experts in New Construction – and Jim’s Building Inspections is a good place to start. Buying off-the-plan with professional guidan...
Read more