Pre-plaster Inspection

OVERVIEW

This is sometimes referred to as the lockup stage, and often coincides with the lockup stage payment. It is worth noting that a house at pre-plaster stage might not necessarily be physically locked up yet (see FAQ below for further explanation). After the frame stage has been completed and the builder has fixed all the defects, then the services (pipes and wires) are run in as they prepare for the plasterboard. These services make up a major part of what we inspect at this stage.

This is often the first opportunity to inspect the lower storey roof - speak to us about a drone inspection if you would like your upper storey roof inspected. We also check the brickwork and external cladding at this stage, if it has been completed.

What do YOU Check at Pre-Plaster stage?

The brickwork and cladding will be inspected if it has been completed. Some builders use a process called “reverse building”. This means that they will prepare the inside for plaster before the brickwork and cladding has been installed. Often this is a necessity because of the house design. In most cases, this does not adversely affect the outcome for the homeowner, but if you have any queries please contact us for more information.

We will check the sarking and the roof for potential leak points, and we will check the windows and doors. If the insulation batts are installed, we can check these as well. As the plasterboard hides all frame and services defects, it is crucial to have your house inspected at this stage. We recommend asking your site supervisor for the plasterboard install date in advance, so that this inspection can take place at the appropriate time. Once the house is plastered, there is no further opportunity to check the floor, wall and roof frames.

Pre-Plaster Stage FAQ

  • Lockup stage is a milestone in the build which is defined in the relevant legislation (Section 40 of the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 (Vic)), and which can be varied in your building contract by agreement. It usually coincides with a lockup stage payment, but it is not the same as pre-plaster. Pre-plaster stage simply means the last chance to inspect the house and services before the plaster is installed. The pre-plaster stage usually comes before or at the same time as the lockup stage milestone.

  • The pre plaster inspection should be booked after the services have been run in. The wall and ceiling insulation should ideally be installed.

  • We check the roof cover, the brickwork and/or cladding, the wall and roof frames, and the services (pipes and wires). We also check the heating/cooling and the insulation if installed.