Frequently asked questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear, practical answers from a licensed builder. If you can’t find what you need, send a message.
General
Are you fully insured?

Yes. Build Code QA is fully insured with both Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance. This protects you in the unlikely event of an error, oversight, or onsite incident during your inspection.

Professional Indemnity Public Liability
Will I have online access to my inspection reports and plans?

Yes. Every client receives a secure private online project folder containing inspection reports, photographic records, relevant drawings and documents. Your folder is updated as inspections are completed and remains accessible throughout the build.

Why have a building inspection during construction?

Independent staged inspections help ensure each stage of your home is completed to the required standard before it’s covered up. Many defects can’t be seen once the next stage begins (for example: waterproofing errors, inadequate structural fixings, or missing flashings).

Inspections provide early identification of issues, practical rectification guidance, and confidence that the build meets the National Construction Code (NCC), relevant Australian Standards, approved plans and manufacturer requirements.

Regular staged inspections also improve accountability, protect your investment, and provide documentation to support warranty or defect claims later.

How many checks are done in a 6-stage inspection?

Across a full 6-stage package we typically complete around 400–600 individual checks, depending on the size and complexity of your home. Each stage targets structural, safety, quality and compliance items that must be assessed at the correct time.

Do you check everything at every stage?

No — each stage has specific items that can only be checked at that point in construction.

  • Reinforcement and membranes must be checked before concrete is poured.
  • Frame, bracing and tie-downs must be checked before linings go on.
  • Waterproofing must be assessed before tiling or covering.

This staged approach maximises visibility and prevents issues being concealed.

What kinds of problems do you typically find?

Common issues include reinforcement errors, poor frame alignment, missing bracing, incorrect structural connections, waterproofing faults, brickwork defects, roof drainage issues, incorrect falls in wet areas, and cosmetic or functional defects at handover.

Catching these early helps prevent delays and protects construction quality.

Why is staged inspection more effective than a single inspection at the end?

By handover, the majority of construction is concealed behind finishes. Staged inspections identify issues early when they can be corrected more easily and at lower cost — rather than becoming hidden defects that may never be properly resolved.

Hasn’t my builder got a responsibility to build it correctly?

Yes — absolutely. Builders are required to carry out work in accordance with the NCC, relevant Australian Standards, and the approved plans/specifications. They also have contractual obligations around fitness for purpose, durability and workmanship.

However, construction involves many trades, time pressures and sequencing challenges — even good builders can miss things. Independent inspections add a practical layer of quality assurance.

It’s not about catching builders out — it’s about protecting your investment, maintaining quality, and giving everyone confidence that the work complies from start to finish.

When should inspections be done?

Inspections are typically carried out at key construction milestones:

  • Slab (pre-pour)
  • Wall & Roof Frame
  • Brickwork & Roof Covering
  • Internal Linings & Waterproofing
  • Second Fix & Finishes
  • Handover / Practical Completion

You can book single inspections or a stage package from 3-stage through to the full 6-stage package for quality assurance from start to finish.

Are the inspection reports issued to the builder or me (the client)?

All reports are issued directly to you, the client — you are the paying customer and the report is your property. The builder does not automatically receive a copy, but you’re encouraged to share it to assist rectification and clarification.

Reports are written in clear, factual, professional language and reference the NCC and relevant standards so they can be understood by both clients and trades.

Can my builder refuse an inspection?

No — as the property owner, you have the right to engage an independent inspector during construction. Most professional builders understand quality assurance benefits all parties.

What happens if issues are found?

Your report will document any non-compliant or defective work with photographs and recommended actions. You can provide this to your builder for rectification before the next stage proceeds. In most cases, issues are addressed quickly when supported by a detailed standards-based report.

Do I get a report after every inspection?

Yes. Every inspection includes a detailed photographic report identifying compliance, workmanship and items requiring attention. Reports are typically delivered within 24–48 hours.

What if my builder refuses to fix an issue raised in the inspection report?

If a builder disputes an item, you still have clear rights and pathways:

  • Discuss the findings first — share the report and talk through items calmly and factually.
  • Request written feedback — ask the builder to respond in writing to keep a clear record.
  • Reinspection / clarification — request a reinspection or a second opinion if required.
  • Contact CBS (SA) — Consumer and Business Services can investigate and advise pathways for defective work disputes.
  • Keep documentation — reports, photos and communication records are valuable evidence.
Can Build Code QA assist in disputes?

Yes — while Build Code QA operates independently and cannot enforce rectification, we can:

  • provide clarification and technical interpretation of findings
  • conduct follow-up reinspections after rectification
  • provide supporting documentation for dispute pathways (including CBS)

Our goal is to help you reach a professional and fair resolution while maintaining a workable relationship with your builder.

Do you work for the builder?

No — Build Code QA is fully independent and client-focused.

What standards do you inspect against?

Inspections reference the NCC (Vol 2) and relevant Australian Standards applicable to the stage (for example: AS1684, AS2870, AS3700), along with approved plans/specifications and manufacturer requirements.

How fast is the report provided?

Reports are usually issued within 24–48 hours and delivered by email (and uploaded to your private project folder if applicable).

Do you do pre-purchase inspections?

No. Build Code QA services are for new builds and construction stage inspections only.

How far do you travel?

I operate in South Australia. The travel radius included in fees is 70 km from Golden Grove. Areas outside this radius are assessed individually and may incur additional travel charges.

Can you supervise and sign off construction work?

Yes — I hold SA Building Contractor and Building Supervisor licences. Sign-off can only be provided for works I have directly witnessed/inspected during construction. I will not sign off completed projects I have not been involved with.

Do you inspect for termites?

No — while I am a licensed timber pest manager and can offer general advice, I assess termite management systems, barriers and protection measures as part of staged inspections.

For ongoing monitoring, treatment and warranties, I recommend engaging a specialist pest inspection company.

Pricing & Inclusions
Why do your prices vary by tier?

Pricing is based on the total floor area of your home (including garage and alfresco). Larger homes take longer to inspect, include more elements and require more detailed reporting.

To keep pricing fair and predictable, we use fixed tiers:

  • Tier 1: ≤ 250 m²
  • Tier 2: 251–350 m²
  • Tier 3: 351–500 m²
What is included in the inspection price?

Every inspection includes:

  • On-site assessment of critical construction items
  • Review against plans, NCC and relevant Australian Standards (and manufacturer requirements where applicable)
  • Photographic documentation
  • A clear digital report (usually within 48 hours)
  • Travel within 70 km of Golden Grove SA
  • Support communicating findings with your builder
  • Free rescheduling if your build stage is delayed

Packages include the above for each stage.

Are reports included in the price?

Yes. All inspection prices include a fully written digital report with photos, defect descriptions and recommended actions.

Is travel included?

Yes for properties within 70 km of Golden Grove SA. Travel beyond this radius is charged at $0.80 per km each way.

Are your prices fixed?

Yes. Prices are fixed according to your property’s tier and are displayed clearly on our website and booking page. No quoting required and no hidden extras.

Do I need to pay a deposit for packages?

Yes — a 35% deposit is required at booking to secure a multi-stage package. The remaining balance is paid before each stage inspection.

Why are you more expensive than some other inspectors?

Our prices are fixed and very competitive for the level of service. Many inspectors are not licensed builders. Your inspections are completed by a Licensed Builder, Licensed Carpenter, Licensed Timber Pest Manager, and Construction Supervisor/Manager with 40+ years’ hands-on experience.

This provides:

  • more accurate defect identification
  • trade-level understanding of how homes are built
  • practical rectification guidance
  • reports written in builder-friendly language
  • stronger protection for clients

This is why our service aligns with premium-level inspection services.

The Build Code QA Difference

Independent inspection, compliance and construction quality assurance across residential and commercial projects. Build Code QA combines hands-on building expertise with a proprietary NCC-referenced assessment and stage-rating system — providing a rare level of objective construction quality verification in South Australia.

Build Expertise
QA Oversight
Independent Inspection
Compliance Verification