Construction Stage Inspections
Brisbane & Queensland

A construction stage inspection is a professional assessment conducted at key milestones during the building process. These inspections verify that work meets the National Construction Code (NCC), Australian Standards, and Queensland-specific requirements under the Queensland Building Act 1975 and the Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991 before construction progresses to the next phase.

In Queensland, the Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991 provides a 6 years 6 months defect period for residential building work. Construction stage inspections identify defects and non-compliance early, before they become hidden behind walls or concrete. This protects your rights under the Queensland Building Act 1975, ensures compliance with the QBCC requirements, and prevents costly corrections later.

We recommend inspecting six key stages: Bored Piers/Screw Piles (optional), Slab Pre-Pour, Frame, Lock-Up (Pre-Plaster), Fixing including Waterproofing, and Completion (PCI) Pre-Handover. Each stage covers critical elements that will be inaccessible once construction continues.

Book each inspection after your builder notifies you that a stage is complete but before they proceed to the next phase. Timing is crucial as some elements become inaccessible once the next stage begins. Contact us as soon as you receive notification from your builder.

All defects are documented in a detailed report with photographs. You can then present this report to your builder who is required to rectify the issues before proceeding. Under the Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991, your builder has statutory obligations to fix defective work. Our reports provide clear evidence to support your position and are accepted by QCAT.

Yes. Owner Inspections is licensed with the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC). Our inspectors are licensed building professionals with extensive experience in residential construction across Queensland, from Brisbane to the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and across South East Queensland.

Each stage inspection typically takes 1-2 hours depending on the size of the property and complexity of the construction. We thoroughly examine all accessible elements relevant to that stage, with additional time possible for complex properties at no extra charge.

Our promise is a full report within 24 hours of your inspection completion, guaranteed. Reports are delivered via cloud-based online link, PDF email attachment, and SMS link for convenient access.

Owner Inspections provides construction stage inspections across all major Queensland regions including Brisbane (inner city, north side, south side, western suburbs), Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Ipswich, Logan, Moreton Bay, Redland Bay and surrounding areas across South East Queensland.

Our inspectors can work independently. You can submit requests 24 hours ahead via our online checklist system, though attendance is welcome if OHS requirements are met. This gives you the opportunity to see the construction progress firsthand and ask questions.

New construction in Queensland must comply with the National Construction Code (NCC), Australian Standards, the Queensland Building Act 1975, and the Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991. Our inspectors assess compliance with all applicable standards, including specific requirements for cyclone zones, termite management (AS 3660), and energy efficiency standards for Queensland climate zones.

No. Travel expenses are included in our fixed fee across all Queensland service areas with no additional transport costs. Our fixed-price quotations cover all inspection costs with no hidden charges upon agreement.

Common defects in Queensland new builds include expansive soil issues in South East Queensland causing slab movement, inadequate termite protection in the subtropical climate, non-compliant waterproofing in wet areas exacerbated by high humidity, frame and roof issues related to cyclone zone requirements in North Queensland, insufficient ventilation for tropical conditions, and drainage problems on sloped sites common across Brisbane and the hinterland.

Under the Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991, Queensland homeowners have a 6 years 6 months defect period for residential building work from the date of practical completion. Construction stage inspections create a documented record of defects discovered during construction, which strengthens your position if issues arise after handover.

No. As the property owner, you have the right to arrange independent inspections at any stage of construction. This is supported by QBCC guidelines. Most building contracts include provisions for owner inspections. If your builder objects, this may be a warning sign worth investigating further.

Yes, we offer package pricing for multiple stage inspections that provides significant savings compared to booking each stage individually. Contact us for a customised quote based on your Queensland property details and the number of stages you would like inspected.

Queensland council or private certifier inspections verify minimum compliance with building regulations and are typically brief mandatory checks. Our independent stage inspections are far more thorough, checking workmanship quality, Australian Standards compliance, and identifying defects that certifiers are not required to assess. We act solely in your interest as the home owner.

Yes, we provide ATO-acceptable invoices and receipts for eligible tax deductions. Contact your accountant to confirm your specific situation.

Yes, you can book inspections at any remaining stage of construction. While inspecting all stages provides the best coverage, later stage inspections still add significant value. Our inspectors will assess all visible and accessible elements at the current stage of your build.

Yes. In Queensland, builders must hold QBCC Home Warranty Insurance for residential work over $3,300. This insurance provides protection if your builder becomes insolvent, disappears, or fails to rectify defective work. Construction stage inspections complement this protection by ensuring quality workmanship throughout the build and creating documented evidence should you need to make a claim.