Waterproofing & Fixing Stage Inspection — What’s Checked at Stage 4
Waterproofing + fixing stage — the wet-area checks that prevent 5-year leaks. Quick answer: The fixing / waterproofing stage inspection happens after plasterboard is up and waterproofing is applied to wet areas — but before tiling and final fit-off. It’s the last chance to catch waterproofing failures before tiles seal them in. An independent VBA-registered […]
New Home Defects Builders Try to Dismiss — And How to Push Back
Defects builders try to dismiss — and the Standard that says otherwise. Quick answer: Builders routinely dismiss new-home defects as “industry tolerance,” “settling,” or “not covered under warranty.” Many of these dismissals don’t hold up against the National Construction Code, AS 1684 (timber framing), AS 4773 (masonry), or the Victorian VBA Practice Standard. An independent […]
Lock-Up / Pre-Plaster Inspection — Your Last Look Before the Walls Close
Lock-up / pre-plaster — your last look at the structure before walls close. Quick answer: The lock-up (also called pre-plaster) inspection happens once the home is sealed against weather — windows, doors, roof on — but before plasterboard goes on. It’s your final chance to inspect waterproofing, electrical and plumbing rough-ins, insulation, and flashings before […]
Pre-Slab Inspection — What’s Checked Before the Concrete Pour
Pre-slab inspection — what’s checked before the concrete pour. Quick answer: A pre-slab inspection happens after the formwork, reinforcement and vapour barrier are in place — but before the concrete is poured. It’s the only chance to catch slab defects without breaking concrete to fix them. An independent VBA-registered inspector checks reinforcement size and spacing, […]
Frame Stage Inspection — What Your Independent Inspector Checks Before Plaster
Frame stage inspection — the 8 critical checks before plaster goes up. Quick answer: A frame stage inspection happens after the timber wall and roof framing is up and the bracing is on, but before plasterboard goes on. It’s your last chance to catch structural defects before they’re hidden inside walls. An independent VBA-registered inspector […]
PCI Checklist — What to Inspect Before Signing Handover on Your New Home
Practical Completion Inspection — the 12-item checklist before you sign handover. About the author: Michael Tuder is a Victorian Building Authority Registered Builder and the founder of Star Building Inspections. With 30+ years building and inspecting homes across Melbourne’s western suburbs, Michael personally carries out every inspection. AS4349.1-2007 and AS4349.3 compliant. The Practical Completion Inspection […]
Why Your Builder’s Inspection Is Not Enough (and What an Independent Inspector Finds)
Builder’s inspector vs independent inspector — who they work for, and what that changes. About the author: Michael Tuder is a Victorian Building Authority Registered Builder and the founder of Star Building Inspections. With 30+ years building and inspecting homes across Melbourne’s western suburbs, Michael personally carries out every inspection. AS4349.1-2007 and AS4349.3 compliant. Volume […]
The 5 Stages of a New Home Build (and What to Inspect at Each)
The five stages of an independent inspection across a new home build. About the author: Michael Tuder is a Victorian Building Authority Registered Builder and the founder of Star Building Inspections. With 30+ years building and inspecting homes across Melbourne’s western suburbs, Michael personally carries out every inspection. AS4349.1-2007 and AS4349.3 compliant. Building a new […]
