New Construction-Progress Inspections (Package)

Having a home built? Consider the benefits of having your own independent progress inspections completed—at three key stages during the project.

If you’re like most home owners, you don’t have the knowledge or expertise to assess the quality of work being carried out during construction. Yet the way your house is finished throughout each stage of the building process is important, not only for your comfort and satisfaction but for later resale value.

Surety carries out independent progress inspections for new construction at three key stages—(i) pre slab pour inspection; (ii) frame and brickwork inspection; and (iii) final handover inspection.

We find most people only have one inspection done, at final handover. But once your house is complete, it’s impossible to check the quality of certain elements (say frames that have been covered with gyprock and painted) and it can be too late to rectify building issues that affect the quality (and value) of your home. It can also be difficult to get back the progress payments you’ve already paid to the builder.

So it’s important to have a ‘reality check’ before the final handover, especially since defects can cause a lifetime of problems, cost a lot of money, and lead to legal disputes. It’s best, therefore, to invest in a package of progress inspections—to fully protect yourself and your investment. Using one company is not only more convenient, it also importantly provides continuity.

Surety are experts at progress inspections and have conducted many on properties of all size, shapes and values. You can engage our services for any one, or all three stages of progress inspections.

For further information take a look at our 12 tip fact sheet.

Difference between our work and that of a private certifier

Private certifiers are engaged by builders to sign off on project stages to ensure they meet local government and/or council regulations. A certifier does not, however, inspect the quality and finish of the work. Nor do they advise if the work has or has not been carried out to a good tradesman-like manner.

We act on your behalf and check both quality and finish, to provide you with total assurance on your investment.

Three stages of progress inspections

Inspection 1 – Pre Slab Pour Inspection

At this stage—before the concrete slab is placed—we ensure work has been carried out correctly. This includes:

• plumbing and drainage
• piercing and protection from termites 

Inspection 2 - Frame and brickwork

At this stage—whether you are building a timber, brick veneer, full brick or heavy structured home—we check if the walls of your home are built to an acceptable tradesman-like manner. This is key for durability and visual appearance.

Inspection 3 – Final handover report 

At this stage—once your house is complete—we inspect the whole building from front to back, and inside and outside. We then provide you with a detailed and itemised, room-by-room, defects list.

During this inspection, we also review the inclusions list in your contract and report if there are discrepancies or missing items. We even check that all power points and electrical appliances work properly.
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Why should I bother when I can rely on the builder and private certifier?

You’d be surprised at the number and type of problems that owners discover about the construction of their new homes.

An article in The Canberra Times, for example, reported on the extensive problem a young couple had with their new home, which they assumed was built to perfection by a reputable builder. 

Other benefits

	Best possible advice from an expert inspector.
	Unbiased, independent inspections, that put your mind at ease and arm you with the knowledge you need on the quality before you make progress payments to your builder.
	Clear and concise reports, complete with photos—that you can take back to a tradesmans, builder or lawyer.
	Quick service—our thorough reports are ready within two business days.
	Convenient online access—you have access on our website.
	Respect and care for the property—we always use overshoe booties, drop sheets, gloves and ladder gutter protectors.
	Approachable and attentive service—our consultants are available to discuss the inspection outcome with you after the inspection is completed.
	To view a sample report.

Questions or place an order?

To organise your new construction-progress inspections, simply complete the order form and receive a online booking discount. We will contact you within 24 hours or during the next business day.
 
To have your questions answered, simply complete this short contact form and well contact you within 24 hours or during the next business day.