Frame Inspection

OVERVIEW

The Frame Stage is ready to inspect when the walls and roof frame of your house are all done. Sometimes, for two-story houses, parts like the garage or lower roofs may not be finished.

During frame stage, we check the entire frame for defects, and check the floor slab and floor frame (for double storey homes). We can also check the finish of the slab, as it has been poured at the frame stage. Even though the building surveyor will inspect the frame for regulatory compliance, it is the most important stage, and homeowners are often surprised by how many mistakes the surveyors miss.

What do YOU Check at the Frame stage?

During the frame stage of construction, a building surveyor’s inspector is responsible for checking the house frame. However, they often approve frames that have numerous defects and incomplete areas. We are frequently shocked by how many issues these inspectors miss, and it’s frustrating when the builder hides behind the excuse of an “approved” frame, even though there are clear problems.

All house frames must comply with the relevant Australian Standard, AS 1684 – Residential Timber-Framed Construction, as well as the NCC - Building Code of Australia, and the engineer’s drawings. Since there are many potential defects in a frame, it is crucial to have it inspected thoroughly by Skycheck.

Frame Stage FAQ

  • We check all the frame elements that make up the house, including the wall framing, structural steel, roof frame/trusses, floor frame and anything else that has been completed.

  • The relevant legislation defines when frame stage is complete, but this can be modified in your building contract. The usual threshold for frame stage completion is when the building surveyor has approved the frame (or part of the frame). However, the builder is still responsible for fixing all defects, even after the frame stage payment has been made. If you are unsure whether your frame stage is complete, please contact Skycheck.

  • The building method for some double storey homes means that the garage or other lower roof areas are not finished until after the lockup stage is competed. Normally this won’t affect the frame insection, but please call if you have any queries.

  • Generally, no. Often there is scaffolding or oter reasons why the windows can’t be installed at the frame stage. The windows are also less likely to be damaged if they are installed at a later stage.

  • The roof being covered is no a requirement for the frame stage, but sometimes the roof cover has been fitted at our inspection. This doesn’t matter, as we can inspect the roof frame from underneath.