Building a new home is exciting, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. With so many stages involved, how can you be sure everything’s on track?
That’s where new home building inspections come in, helping you catch potential issues before they become big problems.
Let’s dive into why these inspections are a must for a smooth, worry-free build.
But... Isn't a New Home Suppose to be Near Perfect?
When you’re handed the keys to a brand-new home, it’s easy to assume that everything behind that front door is pristine and flawless. After all, it’s never been lived in, every wall, window, and fixture is fresh out of the box, and you’ve probably spent countless hours poring over plans, selecting finishes, and eagerly watching the build take shape. So, naturally, you might wonder—why would you need a building inspection? Surely, a new home is the epitome of perfection, right?
It’s a fair assumption. A new home is meant to be a clean slate, free from the wear and tear that can plague older properties. But here’s the reality: even the most meticulously planned and expertly built homes can have hidden issues. These aren’t always the result of poor workmanship; sometimes, it’s just the nature of a complex project with countless moving parts. From the foundation to the roof, every component must come together seamlessly, and even the best builders can overlook a detail or two in the rush to meet deadlines.
So, it’s worth taking a moment to consider if there is anything in your power that you can do, as an insurance policy if you will, to ensure the best outcome for your new home.
What are Common Issues found in the Stages to Building a House?
A variety of issues can arise that may not be immediately obvious when building a new home. These problems, if left unchecked, can lead to significant challenges down the line. Here are some of the most frequent issues uncovered during the various stagenew home building inspections:
1. Foundation and Structural Concerns
Issues Detected: Slabs and footings not level, drainage positioned incorrectly and cracking to the slab.
Why It Matters: At the very foundation of your home, any defects can lead to serious structural problems like shifting walls or cracked floors. Catching these issues early ensures the stability of the entire structure.
1. Foundation and Slab Integrity
Issues Detected: Slabs and footings not level, drainage positioned incorrectly and cracking to the slab.
Why It Matters: A structurally sound slab is vital for the overall durability of the home. If the slab is too thin or improperly reinforced, it can fail to support the weight of the house, leading to serious safety hazards and costly repairs in the future.
2. Brickwork and Framing Issues
Issues Detected: Uneven brickwork or incorrect placement of window and door frames, Incorrect room sizes
Why It Matters: Windows and door frames in the wrong place can lead to bigger issues when walls are plastered. New Home Building Inspections at this stage help ensure that everything is level and true before the next phase of construction begins as they are harder to fix later.
3. Roof Framing Defects
Issues Detected: Non compliance with AS1684 Timber Framing Code wuch as roof is not tied down correctly to brickwork, Incorrectly located roofing beams or supports.
Incorrectly installed roof trusses, poor flashing, or insufficient ventilation.
Why It Matters: Proper tie down of roof frame serves to lessen chance of cracking around the tops of the walls. Incorrectly located timbers may lead to future roof sagging, particularly on tiled rooves.
4. Exterior Integrity and Finishing Touches
Issues Detected: Damaged window frames, scratched glazing, chipped bricks, chipped render.
Why It Matters: At this stage the focus is to ensure the exterior is properly finished and ready for your final inspection. This is the only chance to raise these issues prior to handover. A thorough and timely inspection ensures that the building envelope is tight and well-constructed.
5. Final Finishes and Structural Quality
Issues Detected: Poor workmanship in areas like tiling, painting, or joinery, and any last-minute structural concerns.
Why It Matters: The final inspection before handover ensures that all work has been completed to a high standard. This includes checking for cosmetic defects as well as any remaining structural issues that need to be addressed before you move in.
What then are the Key Stages to Building a House where New Home Building Inspections make a Difference?
By conducting construction inspections at specific stages to building a house, potential issues can be caught and addressed before they become costly problems. Here’s a brief overview of the key stages and how inspections at these points help solve some common issues:
1. Pre-Slab Stage
This is where the groundwork is laid, literally. An inspection ensures correct laying and spacing of the steel mesh and support rods in your slab is compliant to ensure that no future cracking of the slab will occur.
2. Slab Stage
The slab is poured, forming the base of your entire home. Inspecting slab with the use of a lazer level to ensure the slab is within tolerance. Looking for and noting any cracking as well as the level of the footings. Lastly checking drainage is according to the plans.
3. Plate Height Stage
At this stage, walls are constructed, and the house begins to take shape. New home building inspections ensure that the walls are plumb level, and that windows and doors are correctly aligned. The brickwork also need to be built to compliant standards as well as within your plans and specifications.
4. Roof Frame Stage
At this stage the roof structure is installed and tied down to the brickwork. This is to prevent uplift from roof frame by ensuring it is compliant. The stage also needs checks to prevent house from future issues like roof sagging.
5. Lock-Up Stage
Coming to the end of the build, this stage ensures the property is secure from the environment. By ensure waterprrofing is compliant before tiles are laid, this avoids any future leaks to bathroom or shower. Checks to ceilings and cornice for level and compliance are also performed at this stage.
6. Practical Completion Stage
At this final stage, the house is almost ready to be handed over. This is the time to ensure the house has been finished to the Australian standards and your expectations. This includes checking finishes such as painting, tiling, kitchen installation, door installation and paving.
For more information on what building inspectors look for in the stages to building a house, check out our service pages which goes into more detail: Construction Inspections Perth and Practical Completion Inspections Perth.
What are the Specific Benefits that New Home Building Inspections provide?
Investing in new home building inspections isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about securing your peace of mind and protecting your investment. Here’s why these inspections are so beneficial at every stage to building a house:
Catch Issues Early: Inspections at key stages allow you to identify and address problems before they escalate, saving you from costly repairs down the line.
Ensure Structural Integrity: From the foundation to the roof, inspections verify that each part of your home is built to last, ensuring it can withstand the test of time.
Protect Your Investment: A well-inspected home retains its value better, providing you with confidence that your biggest investment is secure.
Avoid Disputes: By having a professional building inspector document issues early, you’re in a better position to negotiate with builders and avoid potential conflicts during or after construction.
Peace of Mind: Knowing that your new home has been thoroughly inspected gives you confidence that it’s safe, compliant with all building standards, and ready for you to move in without worry.
These inspections are more than just a formality—they’re a crucial step in ensuring your new home is everything you expect it to be.
But hang on, isn't that what New Building Warranties are for?
It’s easy to assume that a new building warranty will cover all potential issues in a new home, but this isn’t always the case. Warranties often have limited coverage, focusing mainly on major structural defects, and they may exclude cosmetic issues or minor defects caused by poor workmanship. Inspections catch these issues early, ensuring they’re addressed before they fall outside the warranty’s scope.
Inspections offer early detection, allowing problems to be fixed before they escalate. Warranties generally come into play after a defect has already caused damage, which can be costly and stressful to repair. Inspections prevent these headaches by identifying potential issues while the builder is still responsible.
An inspection provides an independent assessment of your home’s compliance with Western Australia’s strict building standards, something warranties alone don’t guarantee. While warranties are important, they aren’t a substitute for the comprehensive, proactive protection that inspections provide.
BONUS: Most builders offer a 6 month maintenance period in which they rectify issues found. Any cracking to homes within the first 12 months is non-compliant. Builders warranty inspections can pick up on any cracking or maintenance items that need repairs prior to the maintenance period completing.
Secure Your New Home's Future!
When building your dream home, it’s crucial to ensure that every stage of construction meets the highest standards. New home building inspections provide the peace of mind that your investment is protected from potential issues that could arise during construction. While warranties offer some level of protection, they don’t replace the proactive assurance that inspections deliver.
By catching problems early, inspections not only save you money but also ensure that your home is built to last. Whether it’s the foundation, brickwork, or final finishes, every stage is critical, and having a professional inspector on your side makes all the difference.
For a thorough, independent assessment of your new home, contact Broad Building Inspections. Our experienced team is here to help you secure your investment and ensure your new home meets all Australian standards. Don’t leave your dream home to chance—schedule your inspection with us today.
