Building a new home in Doreen is an exciting journey, but ensuring quality and compliance at every stage is crucial. Many homeowners assume that council inspections are enough, but independent building inspections provide an extra layer of protection against potential defects. At PADinspections PTY LTD, we specialise in new home inspections in Doreen, helping you avoid costly issues and ensuring your home meets Australian building standards.
What Are Stage Inspections?
Stage inspections involve checking key milestones in the construction process to identify defects before they become major problems. Each inspection assesses workmanship, compliance with building codes, and overall structural integrity.
The 5 Essential Stages of a New Home Inspection
1. Slab Stage Inspection (Pre-Pour)
Before concrete is poured, a slab stage inspection ensures:
✅ The site is correctly prepared with proper reinforcement
✅ Plumbing and electrical services are positioned correctly
✅ There are no signs of poor compaction or drainage issues
A poorly constructed slab can lead to foundation cracks and structural instability, which can be costly to fix later.
2. Frame Stage Inspection
This inspection occurs once the timber or steel frame is in place. A frame stage inspection in Doreen checks for:
✅ Proper alignment and bracing of walls and roof trusses
✅ Compliance with engineering plans and building codes
✅ Any defects that could cause long-term stability issues
Skipping this step can result in structural problems, misaligned walls, or weak roofing.
3. Lock-Up Stage Inspection
At this stage, the home is externally complete with windows, doors, and roofing installed. The inspection ensures:
✅ Doors and windows are correctly fitted and sealed
✅ External cladding, brickwork, and roofing are properly installed
✅ Waterproofing is done to prevent leaks and moisture issues
This is a critical step as poor workmanship at lock-up stage can lead to water damage and energy inefficiency.
4. Fixing Stage Inspection
Once internal features like plaster, cabinetry, and flooring are installed, a fixing stage inspection checks:
✅ Proper installation of walls, ceilings, and skirting
✅ Kitchen and bathroom fittings for quality and alignment
✅ Electrical and plumbing rough-ins comply with regulations
Defects at this stage often relate to poor finishes, misaligned cabinetry, or plumbing leaks.
5. Pre-Handover (Final) Inspection
The final inspection ensures your home is move-in ready by checking:
✅ Paintwork, tiling, and finishing details
✅ Electrical and plumbing fixtures for proper function
✅ Compliance with contract specifications and building codes
This step helps you avoid unexpected repairs or safety hazards before receiving the keys.
Why Choose an Independent Building Inspector in Doreen?
Hiring a licensed building inspector in Doreen provides peace of mind by identifying issues early, saving you from expensive post-build repairs. Unlike builder-appointed inspectors, independent home inspections ensure unbiased assessments.
At PADinspections PTY LTD, we offer:
✅ Experienced construction inspectors in Melbourne’s North
✅ Comprehensive reports with photos and expert recommendations
✅ Flexible scheduling to align with your builder’s timeline
Book a New Home Inspection in Doreen Today
If you’re building a new home, don’t leave quality to chance. Protect your investment with professional stage inspections from PADinspections PTY LTD.
👉 Book a new home build inspection in Doreen today or call us for expert advice!