BUILD CODE QA
Inspection Agreement & Terms of Service
Purpose of Service
Build Code QA provides independent construction inspection, site supervision and advisory services for residential building projects.
The purpose of the service is to independently assess, document and report on the condition of building works visible at the time of attendance and identify observed items that may not comply with approved documentation, applicable building standards, manufacturer requirements or accepted construction practices.
Scope of Service
Build Code QA services are limited to the inspection stages, site attendances, reporting deliverables and other services specifically identified in the accepted quotation, booking confirmation or agreed service package.
Services may include:
- Slab and footing inspections
- Frame inspections
- Brickwork and roof covering inspections
- Linings and waterproofing inspections
- Second fix inspections
- Practical Completion / Pre-Handover inspections
- Reinspections
- Independent site supervision
- Construction advisory services
- Client or builder meeting attendance where specifically agreed
Any services requested outside the agreed scope may incur additional fees and must be agreed in writing prior to commencement.
Visual Inspection Limitations
Unless otherwise stated, inspections are visual in nature and limited to areas that are accessible and reasonably visible at the time of attendance.
Concealed, hidden, covered or inaccessible defects may exist and cannot be reported where they are not visible at the time of inspection.
The inspection and report do not constitute a guarantee that all defects, incomplete works or non-compliant items have been identified.
Services Not Provided
Unless specifically agreed in writing, Build Code QA does not provide:
- Engineering certification
- Structural design services
- Surveying services
- Geotechnical investigations
- Pest inspections
- Electrical certification
- Plumbing certification
- Building approval services
- Occupancy approval services
- Statutory approvals
- Construction warranties
Site Readiness
The Client and/or Builder is responsible for ensuring the construction stage is complete, safe and ready for inspection at the scheduled inspection time.
Additional fees may apply where works are incomplete, inaccessible, covered, obstructed, unsafe, still under active construction or require return visits, additional attendances, reinspections or amended reports.
Access Requirements
The Client is responsible for ensuring site access is available and that any required permissions have been obtained from the Builder, Site Supervisor, Property Owner or other relevant parties.
Where access cannot be obtained or an inspection cannot proceed due to circumstances beyond the Inspector's control, additional fees may apply.
Inspection Reports
Inspection reports are generally issued within 48 hours of the site visit.
Reports are prepared exclusively for the Client named in the booking and represent the Inspector's observations and opinions based on conditions visible at the time of inspection.
Reports are generally issued electronically via Google Drive or another electronic delivery method determined by Build Code QA.
Compliance References
References to the National Construction Code, Australian Standards, manufacturer requirements, approved documentation or accepted construction practices are provided as guidance only.
Build Code QA does not provide statutory approvals, engineering certification, building approvals, occupancy approvals or construction warranties.
Reinspections
Reinspections are not included in the original inspection fee unless specifically stated in writing.
Where rectification works are undertaken following an inspection, a separate reinspection may be required to verify the status of those works.
Reinspections are charged at the current Build Code QA reinspection rate.
Additional Services and Attendances
Inspection fees include only the services and attendances identified in the accepted quotation, booking confirmation or agreed service package.
Additional site attendances, supplementary inspections, site reviews, meetings, consultations, advisory services, supervision attendances or other services requested outside the agreed scope may incur additional fees in accordance with the current Build Code QA fee schedule.
Availability
Build Code QA is a specialist independent service operated by a single inspector.
The Inspector may be unavailable from time to time due to annual leave, illness, family commitments, business commitments, professional development, public holidays, workload, travel requirements or periods of high inspection demand.
Build Code QA does not guarantee same-day, next-day, emergency or fixed-time inspection availability.
Where availability is limited, inspections will be scheduled on a best endeavours basis.
Cancellation and Rescheduling
Bookings may be rescheduled where reasonable notice is provided.
Build Code QA reserves the right to reschedule, postpone or reallocate any inspection booking where reasonably required due to workload, travel requirements, weather conditions, project changes, illness, annual leave, personal commitments, site readiness or other unforeseen circumstances.
Reasonable notice will be provided wherever practical.
Where the Inspector attends site and the construction stage is not ready, safe or accessible for assessment, additional attendance charges may apply.
The Client agrees that Build Code QA shall not be liable for any delay, project cost, builder claim, liquidated damages, construction delay, loss of opportunity or consequential loss arising from a rescheduled inspection or Inspector unavailability.
Build Code QA inspections are not suitable where the Client requires guaranteed attendance within a specific time window or where attendance is critical to the continuation of construction works.
Reliance on Reports
Inspection reports may only be relied upon by the Client who commissioned the inspection.
No responsibility is accepted to any third party who may obtain access to the report.
Payment Terms
Individual Inspections
- Full payment is required at the time of booking unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Inspection Packages
- A deposit is required to secure the inspection package.
- The deposit amount will be displayed during the booking process.
- The remaining balance is payable progressively prior to subsequent inspection stages.
- Inspection reports may be withheld until payment has been received for the relevant inspection stage.
Additional Services
- Additional services, attendances and reinspections are charged separately unless specifically included in writing.
- Payment may be required prior to attendance or prior to release of any associated report.
Travel Fees
A travel surcharge applies to sites located more than 70 km from Golden Grove, South Australia.
Any applicable travel fee will be advised prior to attendance.
Fixed Pricing and Scope
Build Code QA services are provided in accordance with the current published fee schedule, accepted quotation, booking confirmation or agreed service package.
Pricing is based on defined services, inspection stages, package inclusions and dwelling floor area where applicable.
Additional services, attendances or variations requested outside the agreed scope are not included unless specifically agreed in writing.
Limitation of Liability
Build Code QA's liability is limited to the amount paid for the relevant service.
The inspection, report, supervision or advisory service does not constitute a guarantee, warranty or certification of the building works.
Construction defects may arise after the inspection date or may exist in concealed areas that were not visible or accessible at the time of attendance.
Acceptance
By proceeding with a booking, the Client acknowledges that they have read, understood and accepted these Terms of Service.