Frame Stage Inspection

Because we have completed countless expert inspections across all of Melbourne and surrounding areas, we have a precise method that means everything is properly checked, which gives you peace of mind that any issues are identified. Some of the more common issues we find are walls overhanging the concrete slab, roof trusses not properly supported onto walls, and walls installed out of plumb.

Frame Stage is reached once the wall and roof frame has been fully completed. Sometimes on double storey homes, the garage or other lower roof areas do not need to be finished to reach frame stage.

At frame stage, the building surveyor’s inspector must attend to do a check of the house frame, but often pass frames with dozens of defects and incomplete areas. We are often astounded at the number of defects missed by these inspectors, and further troubled when the builder tries to hide behind an “approved” frame, when multiple issues are clearly present. All house frames must comply with the relevant Australian Standard, AS 1684 – Residential Timber-Framed Construction, as well as the NCC’s Building Code of Australia, and the engineer’s drawings. With so many areas a frame can be defective, it is extremely important to have it thoroughly and properly checked.

We inspect the following at a frame stage inspection;

• Concrete slab for level, cracking, exposed steel, overhangs etc.
• Wall framing, including all elements
• All bracing, both AS 1684 and engineer
• Window openings
• Any structural steel
• All beam and bracket connections
• Floor framing and flooring
• Roof frame/trusses
• Appropriateness for installation of plaster, cladding and brickwork etc
• All engineering items
• Adherence to Australian Standard AS 1684
• Adherence to NCC’s Building Code of Australia
• Fascia, gutter or roofing if installed