Complete Building Stage package
Building under construction inspection services
At Housecalls we know having your new home built is an exciting time, at the outset enthusiasm abounds, there are great expectations, the plans are approved, the preliminaries are under way and now the real building work is about to start. Then a few weeks into the project time checking on the build progress kicks in; you have questions for the site supervisor, he may be difficult to contact, or you are directed through an office team member, either way you feel your concerns are not being actioned effectively.
The Housecalls “Build Under Construction – Our Complete Package” is your answer. At Housecalls we understand from years of experience the stresses that can build as your new home develops. That’s why our team are here for you. We provide the complete package; all our “build-under-construction” stage inspections are carried out along with “Site Drop-ins” between the stages to check on the projects progress, all these are included in our package price.
It makes sense to have the complete project independently inspected –our inspectors each have over 40 years’ experience in the building industry – By monitoring the projects progress we have time to speak with the supervisor and trades people working on site during the inspection, and this is where we can discuss any construction details that may be of concern now.
We have found from experience that by highlighting any issues noted as the project progresses can be actioned at this stage, and reduces the chance of any major issues being identified when final completion approaches.
“The quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten.” Sir Henry Royce.
Our Complete Building Stage Package Includes:
The concrete slab and footings for construction needs are completed. This stage might also include footings necessary for brick pillars for other structures on the site.
The site is likely to have underground drainage pipes completed.
Ancillary power to the site may also have been established with the electrical run in.
(Note: Two or more storey buildings may have additional progress payments).
This commonly refers to the completion of the rudimentary structure. Typically it refers to the walls having been erected and provides a platform for the next storey or the ceiling or the roof assembly to rest on a ‘plate’ of timber or steel on the top of the walls.
All window and door frames will usually have been built into the brickwork and internal walls should have been constructed.
The roof of the building has been installed, along with all valley flashings or gutters, facia and down pipes. Depending on the type of roof material being used, flashings, linings installed and ridge capping placed but not necessarily grouted so that the roof is basically water tight. In some cases down pipes may be incomplete to facilitate painting or rendering at a later time.
Externally:
- The structure is now able to be secured, hence the term lock up. All external doors and windows have been installed. In some cases external door openings are secured temporarily to prevent damage to specialist timber frames and doors, but generally all glazing and glass sliding doors have been fitted.
- Rendering of the external walls (if part of the proposed structure) may be complete at this stage but painting or texturing comes later.
Internally:
- First fit plumbing and electrical (pipes and wires have been run but are not functional).
- Wall plastering and ceilings have been installed.
Generally the structure is ready internally for the finishing trades such as carpenters, electricians, cabinet makers, tilers, plumbers and painters.
Some contracts will provide for a progress payment after the finishing trades have completed their work to a final finish stage. If so, this would cover tiling, plumbing fit-off, cabinet work, and carpentry and electrical fit-off.
The home building works are completed, except for any omissions or defects which do not prevent the works from being reasonably capable of being used for its intended purpose. For example, the house can be occupied comfortably with all utilities connected, but not every last detail will necessarily be complete.
Handover will generally occur thereafter within the timeframe specified under the residential building contract. Within the ensuing defects liability period, the builder is to remedy any defects or omissions that may have been identified at the time of practical completion or which come to light and are notified during that period.