New home and stage
New home and stage inspections in Brisbane
A stage inspection is an independent check of a new home at key points of construction, such as the slab, frame, lock up, fixing and practical completion, so defects are found before they are covered up. With Forsite each stage costs $495 and the handover inspection costs $640, including GST.
Your builder's supervisor and the private certifier each have a role, but neither works for you. An independent inspector does. We check the work against the plans, the National Construction Code and good building practice, and give you a clear list to send to your builder.
New home stage inspection
$495
Per stage
Practical completion (handover)
$640
Final inspection before you accept the keys
Prices in AUD, including GST.
The stages we inspect
- Slab or base stage: before the concrete pour where possible, checking set out, steel, plumbing penetrations, termite management and edge details.
- Frame stage: wall and roof framing, tie downs, bracing, lintels, straightness and anything damaged or missing.
- Lock up (enclosed) stage: roof, windows, external doors, cladding, flashings and wall wraps before linings go on.
- Fixing stage: internal linings, waterproofing in wet areas before tiling, cabinetry, doors and trims.
- Practical completion (handover): a detailed defect list before you sign off and take the keys.
Why it matters in Queensland
Once plasterboard, tiles and paint go on, many problems become invisible and expensive to fix. A short independent visit at each stage catches issues while they are easy for the builder to correct. Your contract will set out how and when you can access the site; we coordinate with your builder so inspections happen at the right time.
After handover, Queensland's QBCC Home Warranty Scheme covers certain defects for set periods. Check the QBCC website for current time limits, and keep your stage reports, as they are useful evidence if something comes up later.
Also for renovations and extensions
Raising a Queenslander, building in underneath, or adding a large extension? The same stage approach works. Tell us what is planned and we will suggest which stages are worth inspecting.
Questions about this inspection
What is a stage inspection?
It is an independent inspection of a home under construction at a specific point, such as the slab, frame, lock up, fixing or practical completion stage, before that work is covered up by the next stage.
Do I need a handover inspection on a brand new home?
We strongly recommend it. New homes commonly have a list of defects at handover, from paint and tiling to doors, drainage and waterproofing. Getting them on a written list before you sign off makes them much easier to have fixed.
Ready when you are
Book your inspection before the deadline sneaks up.
Tell us the address and your Inspection Date. We organise access with the agent and confirm a time, usually within 1 to 2 business days.