BUILD CODE QA

Inspection Agreement

1. Parties and Agreement

This agreement is between Build Code QA and the person or entity identified as the client in the booking. The client confirms that they are authorised to engage Build Code QA for the nominated project and to arrange access to the site.

The agreed service consists only of the inspection stage, site attendance and reporting deliverables shown in the booking confirmation, accepted quotation or agreed service package.

2. Purpose of the Inspection

Build Code QA provides independent construction inspections for residential building projects. The purpose of an inspection is to observe and document the condition of building work that is reasonably visible and accessible at the time of attendance.

The inspector may identify observed work that appears incomplete, defective or inconsistent with the approved documentation made available, applicable construction requirements, manufacturer instructions or accepted construction practice.

3. Inspection Stages

The service booked may include one or more of the following:

• slab and footing inspection;
• frame inspection;
• brickwork and roof covering inspection;
• linings and waterproofing inspection;
• second-fix inspection;
• practical completion or pre-handover inspection;
• reinspection of identified items; or
• another specifically described inspection, supervision or advisory service.

Each inspection stage is a separate attendance unless the booking confirmation expressly states otherwise.

4. Visual and Non-Destructive Inspection

Unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing, the inspection is visual and non-destructive. It is limited to work that is safely accessible and reasonably visible during the attendance.

The inspector is not required to:

• remove, damage or dismantle building work, linings, finishes or fixtures;
• excavate, expose or uncover concealed work;
• move heavy objects, stored materials or construction equipment;
• enter unsafe, restricted or inaccessible areas;
• operate plant, equipment, services or systems unless specifically agreed; or
• perform testing requiring specialist certification or destructive investigation.

5. Limitations

Concealed, covered, inaccessible or latent conditions may exist and cannot be reported where they are not visible or otherwise reasonably identifiable at the time of inspection.

An inspection is a reasonable professional observation at a particular stage and time. It is not a continuous audit of the works and does not guarantee that every defect, omission, incomplete item or non-compliant condition will be found.

Conditions may change after the inspection. Work may also be altered, covered, damaged or completed after the inspector leaves the site.

6. Documents and Information

The client is responsible for providing the relevant approved drawings, engineering details, specifications, variations and other project documents in sufficient time for the inspection.

Build Code QA may rely on documents and information supplied by the client, builder, designer, engineer or other project participants without independently verifying their authenticity, completeness or current approval status.

Where relevant documents are unavailable, incomplete or inconsistent, the report may record this limitation and the inspection will proceed only to the extent reasonably possible.

7. Compliance References

References to the National Construction Code, Australian Standards, approved documents, manufacturer requirements or accepted construction practices are provided to explain the basis of an observation.

Build Code QA does not act as the building certifier, relevant authority, engineer, surveyor or approval body. The final determination of regulatory compliance may rest with the relevant qualified practitioner or authority.

8. Services Not Included

Unless specifically agreed in writing, the service does not include:

• engineering certification, structural design or engineering calculations;
• land surveying, set-out verification or boundary identification;
• geotechnical investigation or soil testing;
• electrical, plumbing, gas, fire-safety or mechanical certification;
• building approval, occupancy approval or statutory certification;
• pest, asbestos, hazardous-material or environmental assessment;
• cost estimating, quantity surveying or valuation;
• legal advice, contractual administration or dispute determination; or
• a warranty or guarantee of the building work.

9. Site Access and Safety

The client is responsible for obtaining permission for Build Code QA to enter the site and for providing accurate access arrangements and site-contact details.

The inspector may decline to enter or remain in any area considered unsafe, prohibited or unreasonable to access. Any resulting limitation will be noted where practicable.

10. Site Readiness

The client and builder are responsible for ensuring that the nominated stage is sufficiently complete, visible, safe and ready for inspection at the scheduled time.

If work is incomplete, concealed, obstructed, unsafe or actively progressing in a manner that prevents a reasonable inspection, Build Code QA may limit or stop the inspection. A further attendance or reinspection may be required and charged separately.

11. Inspection Report

The report records the inspector's observations and professional opinions based on the conditions encountered during the attendance and the documents then available.

Reports are generally issued electronically within 48 hours of the attendance, subject to the nature of the inspection, availability of documents and any further clarification reasonably required.

The report is prepared for the client identified in the booking. It should be read as a whole, including its photographs, limitations, qualifications and recommendations.

12. Rectification and Reinspection

The builder or relevant contractor remains responsible for deciding how work is rectified and for obtaining any required design, engineering or approval advice.

Build Code QA does not verify rectification unless a reinspection or other review is separately booked. A reinspection is limited to the items and areas reasonably available at that later attendance and is charged separately unless expressly included in writing.

13. Client Acknowledgement

By accepting this agreement, the client acknowledges that:

• the inspection has the scope and limitations described above;
• the service is not a certification, warranty or guarantee of the building work;
• site access, readiness and relevant project documents are the client's responsibility; and
• additional work or attendances outside the booked scope may incur additional fees.