Lock Up Inspection
Instant quote
We'll call you and provide a quotation over the phone, followed up via email.
WHAT IS A LOCK UP inspection
A major milestone in the construction of your new home.
A Lock Up Inspection is the third construction stage inspection which is typically done once the roofing and external cladding is installed, and the external windows and doors are securely fixed into place, making the house “locked” up. External finishes such as paint and render are not a prerequisite for this inspection.
The purpose of a private Lock Up Inspection is to identify defects and non compliant building works so that you can ensure your builder rectifies them, which will result in significantly less long term issues and ensure that your home is being built to a high standard of workmanship. Everything from rendering, to painting and even internal insulation and plastering is dependant on the quality and compliance of the external cladding, so it’s important that you have it inspected before proceeding to rough in and plaster.
What DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A LOCK UP INSPECTION
During a Lock Up Inspection our main goal is to confirm that the installation of materials has been completed in accordance with the National Construction Code (NCC) and the relevant Australian standards (AS 4773.2) whilst also adhering to the Architectual drawings, project specifications and manufacturers installation guidelines. Everything is inspected from the fascia and gutters, to downpipes (if installed), eaves, roof cover such as concrete roof tiles, roof plumbing, external cladding, articulation joints, weep holes as well as the windows and external doors. It is also a great way to confirm if the stage claim issued by the builder is actually due and payable in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in the building contract.
fascia & Gutters
A thorough inspection of the fascia and gutters will be completed to ensure they are installed correctly, have sufficient fall to prevent gutters from holding water and comply with relevant Australian Standards.
Downpipes
Assuming downpipes have been installed when the lock up inspection takes place, they will be inspected to ensure they are installed correctly and comply with the relevant Australian Standards.
Eaves
All eaves and soffit linings to the entry porch and alfresco will be inspected to ensure they are installed correctly and to a high standard of workmanship. This includes the installation of expansion joists.
Roof Cover
A detailed inspection of the concrete roof tiles or slate roofing, ridge and hip cappings, fixings, valleys, anti ponding boards and sarking to ensure the dwelling is water tight and installed correctly.
Roof Plumbing
A comprehensive inspection of the roof plumbing works including sheet roof materials, apron flashings, ridge, hip and parapet cappings, fixing details and box gutters to ensure everything is compliant.
External Cladding
An inspection of external wall claddings including brick veneer, weatherboards, hebel, foam, FC sheet etc to confirm it is installed as per the NCC, Aus Standards and manufacturers installation guidelines.
Articulation Joints
An inspection of all external claddings to ensure that articulation joints have been installed and comply with the National Construction Code, relevant Australian Standards and manufacuters guidelines.
Weep Holes
An inspection of all external claddings to ensure that weep holes have been installed and comply with the National Construction Code, relevant Australian Standards and manufacuters guidelines.
Windows & External Doors
The installation of all windows and external doors will be inspected to ensure they are securely fixed, plumb and level, locks, latches and winders are fully operational and relevant flashings are installed.
FIND OUT IF YOUR HOUSE IS Compliant WITH A
LOCK UP INSPECTION
A Lock Up Inspection conducted by the Home Building Consultant is done so with a meticulous attention to detail, identifying defects and non compliant building works to prevent long term issues in your home, such as water leaks, drafts, access points for pests etc. In many cases, issues may not visually present themselves in the short term whilst your home is covered by the builders warranty. If this was the case, and issues went unnoticed for years, it can be costly and stressful on your family to rectify at a later date. Water leaks in particular can cause significant damage to your home if left unresolved.
FEEDBACK FROM Home Owners LIKE YOURSELF
WHAT DOES A LOCK UP INSPECTION Cost
The cost of a Lock Up Inspection can vary depending on the size of the dwelling, number of storeys, complexity of the design, site access issues and of course the location of your site due to travel expenses. We understand that during the construction of a new home, every dollar counts, so where possible we try to eliminate unforseen costs. To do this, we offer an obligation free quote so you know exactly what to expect and can book an inspection with peace of mind.
ASK US ABOUT A Lock Up INSPECTION
If you would like to know more about a Lock Up Inspection, fill out the form below and we’ll give you a call within 24 Hours. If you have specific questions about your project, please upload your Architectural drawings so that we can have them open when we call. If you intend to book a Lock Up Inspection, we recommend that you notify your builder of your intention as soon as possible, as this will ensure that the scaffolding and fall protection is not dismantled prior to our inspection.