FIXING STAGE INSPECTIONS
As outlined in Section 40 of the Domestic Building Contracts and Tribunal Act 1995, ‘Fixing Stage’ means:
The stage when all internal cladding, architraves, skirting, doors, built in shelves, baths, basins, troughs, sinks, cabinets and cupboards of a home are fitted and fixed in position.
Fixing stage inspections are particularly timely because they assist in identifying the last round of defects and outstanding works that need to be rectified and completed before the final or pre handover inspection.
Fixing stage inspections are typically requested by clients who want to minimise facing a long list of defective and / or outstanding works that need to be rectified / completed at the end of the building project (i.e. at pre handover stage) – which can delay moving in to the home and extend their expensive leasing costs that have to be paid for alternative accommodation at the end of the building project.
If possible, it is recommended that the waterproof membranes in the wet areas (laundry, bathroom, ensuite etc.) are thoroughly inspected during fixing stage inspections – before the floor and wall tiles are installed. Bathrooms or other wet areas that leak can cause extensive damage to the structure of a new home and become an absolute nightmare to deal with after the new home has been occupied.
Finalinspect uses a comprehensive inspection checklist that has been progressively refined and updated over many years. At the fixing stage, Finalinspect closely inspects and checks a wide range of items including but not limited to the following:
Around the home – Finalinspect will thoroughly check:
- The roof above the house and the garage to make sure there are no points where rainwater can enter the house and damage the insulation and plasterboard etc. inside the house.
- Finalinspect will also flag all other defects around the house even though they do not strictly form part of the fixing stage works. The benefit is that all defects around the house are highlighted earlier rather than at the later stages of construction. The earlier that building defects are identified and brought to the attention of the builder, the quicker and more cost effectively they can usually be rectified.
Inside the home – Finalinspect will thoroughly check:
- All internal cladding, architraves, skirting, doors, built in shelves, baths, basins, troughs, sinks, cabinets, vanity units, bench tops and cupboards of a home are correctly fitted and fixed in position compliant with the relevant building plans and specifications, the Building Code of Australia and all relevant Australian standards and tolerances.
- The correct installation of the waterproof membranes in the wet areas (e.g. ensuites and bathrooms).
- Finalinspect will also flag all other defects inside the house at the time of the inspection even though they do not strictly form part of the fixing stage works. The benefit is that all defects inside the house are highlighted earlier rather than at the later stages of construction. The earlier that building defects are identified and brought to the attention of the builder, the quicker and more cost effectively they can usually be rectified.
If you would like to talk to us about Fixing Stage Inspections or would like to arrange a completely independent Fixing Stage Inspection, call us now on 0408 132 152.