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The Building Stage Inspections / Practical Completion Inspection (PCI) Inspection Process
We strongly recommended that independent building inspections are carried out at certain construction stages, to ensure the quality of construction work undertaken is not being compromised or defective.
Stage 1: Building Stage Inspection of the footings
Check that the footings of the building are constructed as per the requirements of the footing engineered plans, the National Construction Code and Australian Standard 2870.
A typical Footing Inspection requires the inspector to inspect footing preparation prior to pouring of concrete. Footings are the lower structural building element which rest directly on the foundation material and once poured are basically inaccessible. It is imperative that footing preparations are carried are diligently and fully compliant with engineers plans and specification. Serious errors in footings can cause a disastrous outcome, which sometimes may not come to light until years later.
For peace of mind, a Footing Inspection prior to pouring concrete is strongly recommended. A typical Footing Inspection will tell you about deficiencies, defects, and items of non-compliance, including issues relating to: excavation, footing dimensions, steel reinforcement dimension and placement, reinforcement supports, clearances at footing penetrations by service pipes. All reinforcement, when necessary, should also be secured and tied at lap and/or splice joints.
Note: Concreting contractors should place concrete carefully as not to displace reinforcement or cause concrete segregation. All concrete should be of specified mix, consistency, and compacted when poured, in accordance with engineer’s recommendations.
Stage 2: Inspection of the completed wall and roof frames
An inspection to determine if the wall and roof frames are structurally sound and in accordance with the National Construction Code, the framing Australian Standard 1684, engineering plans and framing plans.
A typical Frame Inspection requires the inspector to inspect the structural frame work of the building for standard of workmanship, and compliance.
For peace of mind, a Frame Inspection is imperative for ensuring that the building frame structure is sound and meets design requirements.
An inspection will tell you about deficiencies, defects, and issues relating to non-conformances. Inspections focus on structural material compliance, stress grades, wind braces, lintel and lintel supports, point loads, horizontal wind beams, load transfer connections to roof and/or floor diaphragm, tie-down, ceiling height, framing secure and straight.
Stage 3: Inspection of completed external roof and wall cladding
This inspection is completed once the roof and external wall cladding have been installed. We assess the quality, compliance, and weatherproofing of the building envelope, including roofing, cladding, flashings, sarking, weep holes, and articulation joints.
All works are checked against approved plans, manufacturer installation requirements, Australian Standards, and NCC requirements. Any defects are identified early, allowing rectification before internal finishes commence and helping protect your home from water ingress and long-term issues.
Stage 4: Inspection of internal linings and completed waterproofing
This inspection will ensure that the internal linings are installed as per the National Construction Code, the applicable Australian Standard 3740 and manufacturers guidelines to check thoroughly over the waterproofing of the wet areas.
A waterproofing check is critical to prevent future bathroom leaks and water damage.
Final handover: Practical completion inspection
The Practical Completion Inspection is the final quality check before handover, ensuring the home is built in accordance with the National Construction Code, Australian Standards and manufacturer requirements.
At this stage, any defects and omissions are inspected and documented and agreed upon by the builder and homeowner. Practical completion is reached when all major works; electrical, plumbing, tiling, fixtures and external finishes are completed, operational, and the home is practically ready for occupancy.
