Should I get an independent building inspection?
Regardless of the size of your new home, whether it’s your first, second or the beginning of your investment portfolio, there is a lot to know and millions of decisions to make, all while maintaining your sanity!
One of the decisions you may come across is the discussion around the engagement of an independent building inspector at various stages during construction. And, there are lots of forums exploring this subject without conclusion! We’ve collated some information so you can make a decision that works for your home building journey.
What is a building inspection?
New home building inspections are conducted by a registered building surveyor, to check construction has been completed in compliance with the Building Code of Australia and the relevant Australian Standards. They don’t focus on quality of finish and workmanship, but rather adherence to the regulations and overall construction integrity. Building surveyors generally don’t work directly for builders, they are employed as consultants, to maintain independence and ensure that they operate without any conflict of interest.
What inspections are included with my builder?
When you make the decision to engage a builder you should request information regarding their entire process so you can be aware of what to expect along with some rough timelines. Most new home builders will conduct inspections upon completion of the base, frame, fixing and final completion stages, in alignment with the HIA contract schedule of progress payments.
Why engage an additional inspector?
Many new home buyers opt to engage an additional private building consultant to provide them with further assurance that they are receiving an end product that meets their expectations. These inspectors can be briefed by the new home owner as required, meaning they can cover quality assurance detail in addition to the regulatory requirements. Importantly, when looking to engage a private consultant, you should ask to see previous inspection reports to get a feel for the way they work, and be sure to provide a detailed brief as to what information is important to you.
Should I involve my builder in this discussion?
Anecdotally, the most successful home building journeys are achieved when there is a genuine partnership developed between the builder and the client. This ensures communication is two-way and expectations are recognised and fulfilled. If you are considering hiring an independent building consultant, you should definitely discuss this with your chosen builder. At the end of the day, they are managing a construction site and should have complete transparency over visitors to the site at all times.
