New Build Stage Inspections: The Full Sequence

Every construction stage locks in the work from the stage before it. Once the slab is poured, the reinforcement is set permanently. Once roof tiles go on, the frame cannot be inspected without removing them. Once plasterboard is fixed, the bracing, insulation, and wall ties disappear from view.

Stage inspections are completed at the point where each set of elements is still accessible, before the next trade starts work and covers them. This is when defects can be corrected at low cost. Catching the same issues after completion is significantly more disruptive and expensive.

Know Your Construction Type First

The stage sequence depends on how your home is built. Confirm before booking anything.

Double brick (cavity brick) is the dominant construction method in WA. Both internal and external walls are brick, with a cavity between them. The build sequence runs: slab, brick walls to plate height, roof frame, roof cover, lock-up, practical completion.

Brick veneer and timber frame is common in NSW and appears in some WA builds. The structure is a timber or steel frame; the external brickwork (if present) is a non-structural veneer. The build sequence runs: slab, frame, lock-up, practical completion.

The concrete stages, lock-up, practical completion, and handover apply to both construction types. The middle of the sequence is where the two paths differ.

If you are unsure which applies to your build, call us on 1300 787 327 and we will work it out with you from the plans.

Concrete Stages: Three Inspection Windows

Pre-Pour

The concrete pre-pour inspection is completed before the concrete is poured, after the steel reinforcement and vapour barrier are installed. The inspector verifies the formwork, footing depths and configuration, steel placement and cover, vapour barrier laps and penetrations, and set-out dimensions against the approved engineering drawings and AS 2870.

Book as soon as your builder confirms the pour date. This is the only point at which the reinforcement, vapour barrier, and footing configuration can be checked. Once the concrete is placed, these elements are permanently enclosed.

Pour Witness

The pour witness inspection adds attendance during the pour itself: pre-pour verification plus on-site presence while the concrete is placed, with the slump test observed and installation monitored. One visit covers both the pre-pour check and the pour.

Post-Pour Slab

The slab inspection is completed after the concrete has cured, before any brickwork or framing begins. The inspector assesses finished levels, cracking, dimensional compliance, and above-slab services against the approved plans. Book before the next trade arrives on site.

Double Brick Path: Plate High, Then Roof Frame

Plate High

The plate high inspection is completed once the brick walls reach the top plate, before the roof frame or trusses are installed. The inspector assesses brickwork against AS 4773.2: flashings and their laps, weep hole position and spacing, lintel size and bearing, brick tie spacing, wall cavity cleanliness, roof straps, mortar joints, levels, and dimensional compliance.

Book when the brick walls reach plate height, before trusses arrive on site. The top of the wall cavity is only open at this stage; once the roof frame is set, it becomes a closed system.

Roof Frame (Double Brick)

The roof frame inspection is completed after the roof structure is erected, before the roof cover is installed. The inspector checks the framing against AS 1684.2: member sizes and spacing, span compliance, bracing, connections, and anchors to the brickwork. All roof types are covered, including conventional, truss, skillion, and cathedral.

Book before roof cover (tiles or metal) is installed. Truss fixing and roof bracing are concealed under the roof cover for the life of the house.

Frame Path: One Combined Stage

Frame Inspection (Brick Veneer / Timber Frame)

The frame inspection is completed once all frame work is complete, wall and roof, before the roof cover, external cladding, or internal plasterboard is installed. The inspector checks against AS 1684.2 and the approved plans: frame straightness and level, structural connections, bracing, lintel and bearer sizing, wall ties, flashings, and dimensional accuracy.

Book before any linings or cladding go on. Bracing, tie-downs, and lintel sizing can only be checked at this stage.

Lock-Up: Both Paths

The lock-up inspection applies to both construction types. Lock-up is the point at which the building is enclosed: roof complete, windows and external doors installed, external brickwork or cladding done, and internal wet area waterproofing completed.

The inspector covers four scopes in one visit: external brickwork and wall ties to AS 4773.2, roof cover fixing and penetrations, plasterboard installation where commenced, and wet area waterproofing to AS 3740.

Book before internal plasterboard starts. This is the last point at which waterproofing membranes, flashings, and insulation are visible before linings conceal them permanently.

Practical Completion Inspection (PCI)

The PCI is completed once the property is fit for occupation and all work is finished. It covers all non-structural fixtures, fittings, and finishes per AS 4349.0: roof cover, drainage, appliances, cabinetry, painting, and polarity testing.

Book 1-2 weeks before your scheduled handover date. Defects documented at PCI are contract corrections, the builder rectifies them before settlement while contract obligations are still live. The report goes directly into the handover process.

Handover Verification

After the builder advises that PCI defects have been rectified, and before you accept the keys, the handover inspection verifies the rectification item by item. The inspector works through the PCI defect list, confirms what has been fixed, and notes anything outstanding.

This step gives you independent confirmation that every PCI item was actually addressed before you sign off.

Warranty Inspection

A new home continues to move after handover. The warranty inspection documents settling and seasonal movement while the builder is still responsible for them. Book within the applicable warranty period for your state; your SURE inspector can advise when to schedule this based on your handover date.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which stages apply to my build? A double brick build typically runs: pre-pour (or pour witness), slab, plate high, roof frame, lock-up, PCI, and handover. A brick veneer or timber frame build replaces plate high and roof frame with the single combined frame inspection. Your builder’s construction schedule will confirm when each window opens.

Can I combine stage inspections into fewer visits? Some stages can only be combined if the work is completed at the same time. Pour witness combines the pre-pour check and the pour attendance. Otherwise each stage has its own inspection window, which closes when the next trade starts work.

How long does a stage inspection take? Generally 1-3 hours depending on the stage and size of the home. Reports are delivered the same day, subject to access and availability.

When should I book? As early as possible once your builder confirms the stage date. Most inspection windows are short; the pre-pour window is particularly tight because it closes when the concrete truck arrives.

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Book your stage inspection or call 1300 787 327 to discuss your build timeline.