Independent Advice to Protect Your Investment
Building a new home or investment property is a significant step, and one worth protecting. Ensuring every stage of construction meets the highest standards of quality is critical to protecting your investment, avoiding costly setbacks, and providing peace of mind throughout the process.
At BeSafe Building Inspections, we provide independent construction inspections to give you confidence at every stage of your build. Our inspections help you identify potential issues early and ensure your property complies with the Building Code of Australia and relevant standards.
Our building stage inspection reports are detailed, clear, and practical. You can expect:
- Photographic evidence with clear photos showing compliant work and any defects or areas that require attention.
- Defect descriptions with specific locations and recommended actions to address any issues.
- Compliance assessments noting any work that does not meet Australian Standards or local codes.
- Priority ratings that highlight both minor issues and defects that require immediate attention.
- Professional recommendations and guidance on how to address concerns effectively
What Are Construction Stage Inspections?
Rather than waiting until the final walk-through, a construction stage inspection is a professional assessment that is conducted while a property is under construction. By checking each stage as it happens, this allows us to identify any potential issues before they are covered up or become costly to fix.
Our qualified inspectors examine:
- Structural elements and framework
- Waterproofing and moisture protection
- Electrical and plumbing rough-ins
- Quality of materials and workmanship
- Compliance with Australian building standards and local codes
By inspecting each critical phase, we ensure that your home or investment property is progressing as it should, helping you stay informed and leaving no room for uncertainty.
Construction Stage Inspections For Getting Your Build Right
With many details, timelines and expectations, the construction process is complex. And, without clear communication, small issues can quickly escalate into costly problems. What might cost hundreds to fix during construction could cost thousands later, so staying ahead is essential.
Our construction stage inspections allow you to:
- Set clear expectations: Understand what to expect at every stage of your build.
- Detect defects early: Identify problems before they are concealed
- Save money: Rectification is simpler and cheaper during construction
- Ensure quality: Verify the builder maintains high standards throughout
- Verify compliance: Confirm all work meets NSW building standards
- Protect your investment: Gain peace of mind knowing your home is built correctly
Our inspection process is independent and unbiased. We work exclusively for you, not the builder, providing honest and reliable assessments that you can trust.
Construction Stage Inspections Types
Making Informed Choices with Peace of Mind
With so much at stake, it’s vital to ensure each stage of the construction process meets the highest standards of quality and compliance. At BeSafe Building Inspections, our independent Construction Stage Inspections provide professional oversight at every stage, helping you identify issues early, avoid costly mistakes, and move forward with complete peace of mind.
Pre-Pour (Slab) Inspection
When we inspect: Prior to pouring concrete.
What we inspect:
- Footing size and slab thickness in accordance with the structural engineer’s plan
- Steel mesh and reinforcing bar size, and location to the Structural engineer’s plan
- Vapour barrier is placed and in good condition
- Completed work is in accordance with the building plans and Australian Standards
- Installation and location of plumbing and service in the slab
- Termite protection for plumbing and service penetration
Why it matters: Once the slab is poured, hidden defects are extremely difficult and expensive to rectify. This inspection ensures your build starts on the strongest possible foundation.
Wall and Roof Frame Stage Inspection
When we inspect: Wall framing and roof framing are complete
What we inspect:
- Wall and roof framing in accordance with the engineer’s plan
- Steel beam and post schedule and installation
- Roof and wall framing connections
- Wall and roof bracing in accordance with the Australian Standard
- Tie down straps and anchored correctly
- Windows and doors location
- Concrete slab finish and any signs of cracking
- Completed work in accordance with the building plan and BCA
Why it matters: Early detection of framing issues ensures the strength and safety of the structure before it is concealed by cladding or linings.
Pre-Lining/LockUp Stage Inspection
When we inspect: When the external wall and roof cladding are completed, and plumbing and service pipes have been installed. Prior to the installation of the internal wall lining.
What we inspect:
- Roof cladding is correctly installed
- Brickwork is correctly installed
- Installation and location of plumbing pipes
- Installation of electrical cables
- Room and ceiling height
- Re-inspect the wall and roof frames, and ensure that they are ready for covering
- Re-inspect all major structural components and ensure they are ready for covering
- Location and installation conditions of windows
Why it matters: This inspection ensures key structural elements, plumbing, and electrical work are correctly installed before the walls are covered. Catching issues at this stage helps prevent costly fixes later and keeps your build on track.
Waterproofing Inspection
When we inspect: After completion of waterproofing in the wet areas and prior to installing tiles
What we inspect:
- Verify waterproofing has been applied correctly and meets Australian Standards
- Check water stoppers and seals around doorways and shower areas
Why it matters: Ensuring waterproofing is done correctly at this stage prevents leaks, water damage, and costly repairs down the track, keeping your wet areas safe and secure.
Practical Completion / Handover Inspection
When we inspect: This after all building activities have been completed and is the final check before you take possession of your property.
What we inspect:
- Internal and external finishes, materials, and workmanship, checked against Australian Standards
- Articulation joints in brickwork as per the engineer’s plan
- Installation and operation of windows and doors
- Completion of all trade works and components per the contract scope
- External and internal balustrades and handrails are compliant with the BCA
- All elevations match the architectural plans
- Appliances installed according to specifications and contract
- Bathroom plumbing and fittings are installed and functioning correctly
- Lights installed as per plan and working properly
- Smoke alarms are installed and operational
- Roof plumbing completed and correctly connected
- Air conditioning system installed and functioning
- Site grading and perimeter drainage are completed, and adequate
- Termite protection was installed, and a durable notice was in place
Why it matters: This inspection ensures your property is safe, fully functional, and built to the agreed standards before you move in. It also provides a clear list of any defects your builder must address before settlement, protecting you from unexpected and costly issues.
Why Choose BeSafe Building Inspections?
Independent, Unbiased Construction Reports You Can Trust
Qualified, Licenced & Experienced
Our inspectors are qualified, seasoned experts with 10+ years of hands-on experience. As licensed builders, we know exactly what to look for and assess every detail against Australian Standards and the Building Code. Fully insured and highly skilled, we give you peace of mind from day one.
Independent and Unbiased
We work for you, not the builder. Our assessments are completely objective, giving you the facts you need to take control of your project. If anything falls short, our reports empower you to address it confidently, without guesswork or surprises.
Comprehensive, Easy-to-Understand Reports
Every inspection comes with a detailed, easy-to-read report, complete with photos, clear explanations, and practical recommendations. You’ll know exactly what’s happening on-site and what steps to take next.
Fast and Reliable Turnaround
Construction timelines move quickly, and we make sure you’re never left waiting. Reports are typically delivered within 24 hours (48–72 hours for strata inspections), with same-day service available when urgency is required.
Personalised Support
From coordinating directly with builders or real estate agents to providing verbal updates on-site, we’re here to make the process smooth and stress-free. And if you have questions after the inspection, our team is always available to talk you through the findings.
Local Knowledge, Practical Insight
With extensive experience navigating Sydney’s unique building conditions and compliance requirements, we bring valuable insight to every inspection, ensuring your build is not only structurally sound but future-proof.
Get An Existing Construction Stages Report
Need an inspection report quickly? With BeSafe Building Inspections, you can purchase and download an existing inspection report instantly. Our reports are prepared by licenced, experienced inspectors using the latest technology, ensuring every detail is captured with accuracy and clarity.
More About Building Stage Inspections
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are independent stage inspections important?
New homes must meet Australian Building Codes, Standards, and Tolerances, as well as local authority requirements. However, council inspectors, certifiers, and lending authorities only check compliance with their own criteria, not the overall quality of workmanship, materials, or finishes.
That’s why engaging an independent, licenced building inspector is crucial. We ensure your home isn’t just legally compliant but also built to a standard of quality that protects your investment for the long term.
Why should I choose a licenced building inspector?
Only licenced building inspectors are qualified and insured to conduct quality assurance inspections. Relying on friends, family, or even real estate agents to “look over” a property can be risky. They are not licenced, qualified, or insured to conduct inspections, and missing defects can cost you far more in the long run than the inspection itself.
How long does each stage inspection take?
Most stage inspections take 1–3 hours, depending on the size and complexity of your build. Larger or more detailed projects may require additional time.
Can I attend the inspection?
Yes. In fact, we encourage it. Attending allows you to discuss findings on-site and gain a better understanding of the construction process.
What happens if an issue is found?
If a defect or concern is identified, it will be detailed in your inspection report with photos and recommendations. The builder is then required to rectify the issue before moving to the next stage. This prevents minor problems from becoming costly future defects.
Are construction stage inspections mandatory?
Not always. Some inspections, such as final handover, may be required by law or lenders. Others are optional but strongly recommended. Independent stage inspections give you quality assurance and protect your long-term investment.
How do stage inspections differ from a pre-purchase inspection?
- Construction stage inspections occur during the build, checking compliance and workmanship at each critical phase.
- Pre-purchase inspections are carried out on a completed property before you buy, identifying existing defects.
Both are valuable, but building stage inspections ensure issues are caught before they’re hidden by subsequent building work.
When should I book inspections?
When it comes to construction inspections, timing is key. We recommend scheduling inspections at the following stages of your construction project:
- Pre-slab Stage Inspection/ Foundation Inspection (After excavation, before concrete pour.)
- Wall and Roof Frame Stage Inspection (Once framing is complete, before cladding.)
- Pre-Lining/ Lockup Stage Inspection (When weatherproof, before internal fit-out.)
- Waterproofing Inspection (After completion of waterproofing in the wet areas and prior to tiles installation)
- Pre-handover Inspection/ Completion Inspection (Before settlement and taking possession.)
Booking early ensures inspector availability and smooth coordination with your builder.
Will inspections delay my build?
No. Stage inspections are arranged around your builder’s timeline and usually take 1–3 hours. In fact, most builders value them as part of quality control.
How much do construction stage inspections cost?
Costs vary depending on the property size and complexity. We offer transparent, upfront pricing with no hidden fees. Contact us for a tailored quote.
How quickly will I receive my report?
Reports are delivered within 24 - 48 hours. Each includes clear photos and practical recommendations, giving you time to act while issues are still accessible.