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Construction

Stump & Post Installation Inspection

From $450 inc GST

Stumps and posts verified against engineering drawings, dimensions, levels and installed services checked before the frame goes up.

  • Same-day report (subject to access and availability)
  • Upfront pricing
  • 12 months free advice
Illustration of a stump & post installation inspection
Scope

What's in your stump & post installation inspection

Included

  • Inspection of installed stumps or posts against engineering drawings
  • Verification of dimensions and spacing to plans
  • Level assessment across all installed stumps or posts
  • Inspection of services laid around the stump/post installation
  • Compliance assessment to AS 4349.0-2007
  • Same-day written report with photo evidence

Not included

  • Subfloor framing inspection (separate service at frame stage)
  • Engineering certification
  • Footing or foundation inspection (separate service)
Australian Standards
AS 4349.0-2007
Stump & Post Installation Inspection on site

Our inspectors document every accessible element on site with photo evidence and severity ratings.

When to use this inspection

Why you might need this

  • Timber-framed homes on stumps where the installation needs to be verified before the floor frame is laid
  • Decks or pergolas with post footings that need documented compliance
  • Renovation or extension where new stumps or posts are installed
  • Owner-builder wanting independent verification before proceeding to the frame stage
  • Construction loan requiring a stage inspection at the stumps/posts milestone
Pricing

Stage pricing is confirmed at booking. The fee depends on the build stage, site access, and inspection scope. Use the guide price in the header as a starting point, then book online to confirm your quote.

The build sequence

Where this inspection sits in the build

Every stage inspection has a right moment. Here is the full sequence, with this inspection highlighted and when to book each of the others.

  1. Stage 1 of 11

    Pre-Pour

    1-2 days before concrete is poured

    When to book
    Book as soon as your builder confirms the pour date. We inspect one to two days before the trucks arrive.
    Why it matters
    Once concrete is poured, the formwork, footings and reinforcement can never be checked again.
  2. Stage 2 of 11

    Concrete Pour Witness

    On the day of the pour

    When to book
    Book once the pour date is locked in. One visit covers the pre-pour check and the pour itself.
    Why it matters
    The one chance to check the slab while it is being placed, not after it has set.
  3. Stage 3 of 11

    Concrete Slab

    2+ days after the concrete is poured and set

    When to book
    Book for two or more days after the pour, before your builder starts framing or brickwork.
    Why it matters
    Once the walls go up, nobody can check the slab set-out or catch early cracking.
  4. Stage 4 of 11 This inspection

    Stump / Post

    As soon as stumps or posts are installed

    When to book
    Book the moment stumps or posts are in. If there are footings, they need to be poured first.
    Why it matters
    Framing is built straight over them. Alignment and fixing faults disappear from view.
  5. Stage 5 of 11

    Plate High

    Once the brick walls are completed

    When to book
    Book when the brick walls top out, before the roof trusses arrive on site.
    Why it matters
    Wall plumbness, plate level and tie-downs are out of reach once the roof frame goes on.
  6. Stage 6 of 11

    Frame

    Once all frame work is completed (wall and roof)

    When to book
    Book the day framing finishes, before any roof cover, cladding or plasterboard goes on.
    Why it matters
    Bracing, tie-downs and lintel sizing can only be checked now.
  7. Stage 7 of 11

    Roof Frame

    Once the frame has been completed

    When to book
    Book once the roof frame is up, before the roof cover goes on.
    Why it matters
    Truss fixing and roof bracing get sealed under the roof cover for the life of the house.
  8. Stage 8 of 11

    Lock Up

    When the house is sealed from the weather and can be locked

    When to book
    Book once the building is sealed and lockable: roof on, external doors and windows in, before internal fit-out begins.
    Why it matters
    Your last look at flashings, brick ties and waterproofing before the linings hide them.
  9. Stage 9 of 11

    PCI

    Once the property is fit for occupation

    When to book
    Book as soon as your builder gives you the PCI date and time.
    Why it matters
    Defects documented at PCI are contract corrections. Miss them and they turn into warranty disputes.
  10. Stage 10 of 11

    Handover

    Once repairs are completed

    When to book
    Book once the builder confirms the PCI defect repairs are finished.
    Why it matters
    Independent confirmation that every PCI item was actually fixed before you accept the keys.
  11. Stage 11 of 11

    Warranty

    In the months after handover, before your warranty period closes

    When to book
    Book in good time before your warranty period closes. Your builder or contract sets the exact window.
    Why it matters
    The last window to put settling and movement defects back on the builder before the warranty closes.
How it works

The process

  1. 1

    Book after stump or post installation is complete

    Schedule the inspection after all stumps or posts are installed but before the floor frame or deck framing begins.

  2. 2

    Inspector verifies installation against plans

    Your SURE inspector checks dimensions, spacing, levels, and services against approved engineering drawings.

  3. 3

    Same-day report delivered

    A detailed report with photos and any defects noted is delivered the same day.

  4. 4

    12 months free advice

    Questions about findings can be directed to your inspector during the 12-month free advice period.

Sample report

See exactly what you get before you book

Our stump & post installation inspection report includes annotated photos, severity ratings, AS 4349 references and actionable remediation advice. Written in plain language so you can act on it the day you receive it.

  • Photo evidence per finding
  • Severity rated: critical, moderate, cosmetic
  • Australian Standards cross-referenced
  • Remediation guidance you can quote
First page of a real SURE stump & post installation inspection report
Sample report
DefectIndex

What our stump & post installation inspections commonly find

Our DefectIndex documents inspection findings across Perth and Sydney. Browse the defect categories most relevant to this type of inspection.

The detail

About a stump & post installation inspection

The Stump & Post Installation Inspection verifies the installation of foundation stumps or posts against approved engineering drawings, completed in accordance with AS 4349.0-2007 (Inspection of Buildings, General Requirements). The inspector checks dimensions, spacing, levels, and installed services to ensure compliance before the floor frame or decking is laid.

This inspection is particularly relevant for timber-framed homes on stumps, elevated decks, and extensions where post footings are used. Identifying non-compliances before the frame is erected allows corrections at minimum cost. Adjustments to height, spacing, or position are straightforward at this stage and costly once the floor frame is bearing on them.

Common questions

About stump & post installation inspection

When is this inspection relevant?

This inspection is used when a property uses stump or post foundations rather than a concrete slab, common in older or elevated homes, and for decks, pergolas, and extensions. It verifies the installation meets the engineering specification before the floor frame is erected.

Is this inspection required by council or the bank?

Requirements vary by lender, council, and building contract. Some construction loans require stage inspections at every milestone including stumps. An independent inspection report documents completion of the stage.

Can I combine this with other construction stage inspections?

Each construction stage inspection is booked separately, as they occur at different points in the build timeline. Your inspector can advise on the right sequence for your project.

Does this cover the subfloor framing?

No, subfloor framing is assessed at the frame stage inspection, not the stump/post inspection.