Mandatory inspections must be carried out on all approved building permits. Builders must notify the building certifier (in writing or otherwise) when a building work is at a stage when inspection can take place.

The inspection is to ensure that the building work is being carried out in accordance with the building permit and relevant building standards. Building inspections for the construction of a house must be performed at the following stages:

• Footing: inspection of the foundation material and the reinforcing steel before concrete is placed
• Slab: a check on the bearing capacity of the soil, inspection of the moisture-proof barrier, and the reinforcing steel before concrete is placed
• Frame: inspection of the frame including timber sizes, fixing, tie-down, and bracing before the cladding or wall linings are fixed
• Final: checking on any previous outstanding items and the collection of certificates such as termite protection, wet area membrane installation, glazing, and certification of engineer designed elements such as roof trusses.

The final inspection will also cover aspects such as:

• the control and discharge of stormwater
• the height of the floor above ground
• support of any earthworks necessary to protect the building and other property
• protection against water penetration
• fire safety issues such as smoke alarms, solid fuel appliances, fire protection near boundaries and in designated bushfire areas
• room ventilation
• toilet door swing
• vermin proofing
• sub-floor ventilation
• termite protection and re-treatment notice
• stairs, handrails and balustrades
• swimming pool fencing.

More details on the legislative requirements concerning inspections can be found in Part 8 of the Standard Building Regulation.

In addition to these building inspections, there are also mandatory plumbing and drainage inspections. Contact your local council for more details on what inspections may be required.