Building inspections

Mandatory inspections are a condition for getting a building permit. 

Inspections ensure building work complies with the building permit, plans and building standards.

The builder must notify a certifier when the building reaches an inspection stage. 

Building work inspectors

Building certifiers or private certifiers may perform inspections themselves. They may also authorise and use another competent person to inspect and certify aspects of work:

  • that are outside their own competence
  • if it's impractical to be present during a specific construction phase.

For example, a building certifier who is not an expert in concrete structures may authorise inspection by an engineer with this experience.

Before the inspection, the building certifier must confirm that the person they use is competent to carry out that inspection.

Building foundation inspection stages

There are several stages for building inspections.

Site preparation:

  • after site set-out
  • when excavating the foundation material
  • before laying the footings.

Footings:

  • after excavating the foundation material
  • before laying the footings.

Slab:

  • after placing the formwork and steel for the slab
  • before pouring concrete for the slab.

Building fire resistance inspection stages

Wall:

  • before lining walls
  • before core filling of concrete
  • after constructing fire resistance.

Frame:

  • before fixing cladding or lining to the frame, if the frame bracing doesn't consist of cladding or lining
  • after fixing cladding or lining to the frame, if the frame bracing consists of cladding or lining.

If the frame uses reinforced masonry construction, inspect it before filling the wall cavities.

Building final inspections

The final inspection takes place when all building work is complete.

Other inspections

There are also mandatory plumbing and drainage inspections.

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