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New Build Staged Inspections ยท Sydney & Wollongong

Independent inspections at every stage of your new build

From pre-slab to handover โ€” licensed builders checking your build against Australian Standards, so you don't pay for someone else's mistakes.

  • 6-stage coverage
  • AS-compliant reports
  • Licensed builders
37+ YearsCombined Experience
Settled Building Inspections team
New Build Staged Inspections

Building a new home? We've got your back.

Sydney has been plagued by cowboy builders leaving a wake of defective buildings put together by amateur tradesmen. Builders hate us, and we love it. Our dedication to thoroughness might not always sit well with builders, but it's precisely what makes us valuable allies for homeowners.

We're firmly on the side of our customers, advocating for your best interests โ€” after all, you're paying for the project. By holding builders accountable and meticulously inspecting every stage, we make sure you get the quality and safety you deserve.

Inspector checking a wall for defects
Still not convinced?

Why you need a staged building inspection

  • Quality Assurance โ€” ensures your home meets industry standards and local codes.
  • Early Problem Detection โ€” issues are spotted at each stage before they become costly.
  • Compliance & Documentation โ€” independent, code-compliant reports for future reference and resale.
  • Cost-Efficiency โ€” early detection prevents expensive rework and strengthens your negotiating position.
  • Peace of Mind โ€” an independent expert overseeing the work while you get on with life.
  • Protecting Your Investment โ€” safeguards quality, safety and resale value.
  • Avoiding Legal Hassles โ€” keeps your project within the bounds of the law.
Sub-Structure & Pre-Slab
Stage 1

Sub-Structure & Pre-Slab

Arguably the most crucial stage of the project, yet the most overlooked. We ensure the foundations of your home are as per the Structural Engineer's drawings, AS 3600 (Concrete Structures), AS 3660 (Termite Management) and the BCA.

  • Site gradient
  • Footings and piers in place and correct sizes
  • Sub-base material
  • Termite collars and barriers
  • Formwork edge board, step downs and set out
  • Adequacy of vapour barriers
  • Slab steel sizing, lapping, chairing and concrete cover
  • Sewer, stormwater, water and electrical provisions
Frame Inspection
Stage 2

Frame Inspection

Once framing is complete, we offer an impartial evaluation of construction progress to verify it's ready for the next payment stage โ€” checked against AS 1684.2 and the Engineer's structural drawings.

  • Sub-structure including stumps, posts, height and embedment
  • Bearers and joists โ€” sizing, spacing, location and fixing method
  • Flooring and decking, including levelness and expansion joints
  • Wall framing โ€” plumb, stud lamination, noggings, openings and lintels
  • Roof timber โ€” beams, purlins, rafters, strutting and gable ends
  • Bracing โ€” structural wall, roof bracing and fixings
  • Fixing and tie-down compliance for all timber members
Lock Up Stage
Stage 3

Lock Up Stage

A crucial check before you release one of the largest stage payments โ€” once external cladding, roof covering, doors and windows are affixed, even if temporary.

  • Masonry workmanship, horizontal and vertical deviation
  • Control joints installed in accordance with AS 3700
  • Lintels and weep holes to AS 3700
  • Cladding installation including sarking
  • Eaves and fascias
  • Doors and windows โ€” water entry and flashing requirements
  • Roofing irregularities and roof pointing
  • Gutters, downpipes, apron flashing and parapet capping
  • Wall and ceiling linings and insulation
Fixing Stage
Stage 4

Fixing Stage

This is where your property starts to look like a home โ€” internal cladding, skirting, tiling, waterproofing, and kitchen and bathroom completion.

  • Balcony balustrades to NCC 3.9.9.2
  • External waterproofing substrate and falls to AS 4654
  • Waterproofing junctions, laps, joints and seams
  • Liquid waterproofing terminations, penetrations and membranes
  • Wet area waterproofing to AS 3740 โ€” falls, thresholds, hobs and niches
  • Kitchen cabinetry, benchtops and splashback
  • Laundries, bedrooms and bathrooms
  • Hallways, living areas and outbuildings
  • Wall lining installation to relevant standards
Waterproofing Flood Test
Stage 5 ยท Optional

Waterproofing Flood Test

Often skipped by builders โ€” we conduct a flood test on waterproofed areas before tiling. Water outlets are blocked and the area is flooded to 50mm, then left 24 hours to check for leaks. Your builder may promise this was done; we recommend having it independently verified. You'll also receive a full waterproofing inspection report to AS 4654 and AS 3740.

Hand Over Stage
Stage 6

Hand Over Stage

The final step โ€” a thorough review of every detail of your property, identifying defects, incomplete work, or deviations from the original plans before you take the keys.

  • Quality assurance against the highest construction standards
  • Defect detection before you assume ownership
  • Correct payment timing โ€” leverage to resolve issues before final payment
  • Peace of mind for a seamless move-in
Get started

Request a fast, free quote

NSW doesn't require building inspectors to be licensed builders. We are โ€” so you get a higher standard of inspection, every time. Tell us a little about the property and one of our licensed inspectors will call you back with pricing and the next available booking.

  • Licensed, qualified builders
  • Reports within 48 hours
  • Servicing Sydney & Wollongong
  • Support after your inspection

Tell us about your property

A few details and we'll send back a fixed price the same business day โ€” no site visit needed to quote.

Obligation-free. We'll never share your details with third parties.

What we do

Our services

Licensed, insured, and backed by the wider Settled Group.

Settled Building Inspections

Why choose us

Latest Technology

Thermal cameras, drones and termite radar detect what the eye can't.

Post-Inspection Support

We're on hand for advice and questions long after the report lands.

Fast Response Times

Clear, detailed reports delivered quickly so your build isn't held up.

Licensed Timber Pest Inspectors

Licensed builders on every inspection, not just qualified technicians.

How it works

Our inspection process

Booking

Book online or by phone at a time that suits you.

Inspection

A licensed inspector thoroughly assesses the property.

Review

We talk you through what we found and answer questions.

Report

You receive a clear, detailed report โ€” fast.

Ongoing Help

We're here for advice long after the report lands.