Building a new home in Western Australia is one of the biggest investments you will make. Stage inspections give you an independent set of eyes on your build at each critical milestone, catching defects before they get covered up by the next phase of construction.
At Bestwest Building, our extensive team of highly experienced registered builders carry out stage inspections for new home builds across Perth. This guide explains exactly what gets checked at each of the five build stages, and why independent inspections matter for the quality of your finished home.
In this article:
- Why Get Independent Stage Inspections?
- Stage 1: Slab Inspection
- Stage 2: Brickwork and Framing Inspection
- Stage 3: Roof Frame Inspection
- Stage 4: Waterproofing and Roof Cover Inspection
- Stage 5: Practical Completion Inspection
- How Many Stage Inspections Should I Get?
- Book Your Stage Inspection
- Frequently Asked Questions About Stage Inspections in WA
| The Five Build Stages at a Glance |
|---|
| • Stage 1: Slab, before the concrete slab is poured |
| • Stage 2: Brickwork/Framing, before the roof frame begins |
| • Stage 3: Roof Frame, before the roof cover is installed |
| • Stage 4: Waterproofing and Roof Cover, before wet area tiling is completed |
| • Stage 5: Practical Completion, the final comprehensive walkthrough |
| Get a free instant quote at bestwestbuilding.com.au/instant-quote/ |
Why Get Independent Stage Inspections?
Your builder has their own quality assurance processes. But these are not a substitute for an independent inspection by a registered builder working on your behalf.
An independent inspector identifies defects, workmanship issues, and compliance concerns that may not be picked up through the builder’s internal checks. Catching these issues early, while the work is still exposed and accessible, is far cheaper and easier to fix than discovering them after handover.
Any significant defects identified should be addressed by the builder before major works continue. Some minor defects can be left until later in the building journey.
Stage 1: Slab Inspection
The slab inspection takes place before the concrete slab is poured. At this stage, the formwork is in place, reinforcement steel has been laid, and service penetrations (plumbing, electrical conduits) are set.
Your inspector checks the formwork alignment, reinforcement placement and coverage (bar sizes, spacing, and mesh chairs), drainage and plumbing rough-ins, service penetrations through the slab, and any evidence of inadequate site preparation such as poor compaction or uncontrolled fill.
This is a critical stage because once the concrete is poured, everything inside the slab is hidden permanently. A slab defect discovered after pouring can be extremely expensive to rectify.
Reinforcement steel laid out before slab pour with inspector checking
| KEY TAKEAWAY The slab inspection is the most important single stage to get right. Once concrete is poured, defects are hidden permanently and extremely expensive to fix. |
Stage 2: Brickwork and Framing Inspection
This inspection takes place after the walls are up but before the roof frame begins. For brick construction (the dominant wall system in Perth), the inspector assesses brickwork quality, mortar joints, lintels above openings, wall ties, flashings, tie downs, and cavity insulation where applicable.
For framed construction, the inspector checks wall framing for straightness, correct sizing, adequate bracing, and proper fixing. Tie-down placement is verified against the engineering specifications.
Dimensions of main habitable rooms are also checked at this stage to confirm they match the approved plans. This is your last practical opportunity to identify dimensional errors before the roof goes on.
Brickwork inspection showing mortar joints and wall ties
Stage 3: Roof Frame Inspection
The roof frame inspection happens after the frame is complete but before the roof covering (tiles or metal sheeting) is installed. The inspector assesses rafters, ridgeboards, battens, collar ties, hanging beams, strutting beams, and ceiling joists for compliance with the engineering design.
This inspection also checks rectification of any visible defects identified at the previous brickwork/framing stage. If issues were raised at Stage 2, your inspector will verify they have been addressed before the roof cover goes on.
Stage 4: Waterproofing and Roof Cover Inspection
This stage covers two critical elements that will be hidden once the build progresses. The waterproofing inspection checks the membrane installation in wet areas: bathrooms, ensuite, and applicable laundry and WC. Correct waterproofing is essential to prevent moisture penetrating the floor and wall structure, which can cause long-term damage.
The roof cover inspection assesses the installation of tiles or metal sheeting, flashings, valley gutters, and ridge capping. Correct installation at this stage prevents water ingress that may not become apparent for months or years after handover.
Wet areas mean bathrooms, ensuite, and laundry or WC only. Alfresco areas or the kitchen are not included in the waterproofing scope.
Stage 5: Practical Completion Inspection
The practical completion inspection is the final, most comprehensive stage. It covers the entire home, inside and out, before handover. This is your last opportunity to have defects identified and raised with the builder before you take possession.
At this stage, the inspector assesses everything from structural elements to fit-off items such as taps, power points, cabinetry, tiling, painting, and external landscaping. The report provides a detailed list of defects for the builder to rectify before you sign off on the build.
Practical completion inspections for standard properties in WA are priced between $1,095 and $1,495, depending on property size, location, and complexity.
| WHY IT MATTERS The practical completion inspection is your last opportunity to have defects raised with the builder before you take possession. Once you sign off, your leverage decreases significantly. |
How Many Stage Inspections Should I Get?
If you are building a single storey home, we recommend all five stages for a complete picture of your build quality. If budget is a concern, the minimum we suggest is the slab inspection (because it is hidden permanently) and the practical completion inspection (because it is your final check before handover).
If your build has already commenced and you have missed earlier stages, we can still help. Give us a call or fill out our instant quote and leave a note explaining where your build is up to. We can carry out an ‘as it stands’ inspection to review the previous stages based on what is currently visible and accessible, then continue with the remaining stages from that point forward.
The best approach is to book your inspections at the start of construction. From there, we will liaise with you and your builder throughout the build to attend at each stage as it is reached.
For a detailed guide on what the final inspection covers, read our article on what a practical completion inspection is.
Book Your Stage Inspection
Bestwest Building provides independent stage inspections for new home builds across Perth. Our registered builders deliver same-day digital reports with full-resolution photographs so you can share the findings with your builder immediately.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Stage Inspections in WA
What are the five stages of a new build inspection in WA?
The five stages are: Slab (before pouring), Brickwork/Framing (before the roof frame begins), Roof Frame (before roof cover), Waterproofing and Roof Cover (before wet area tiling is completed), and Practical Completion (final walkthrough before handover).
Do I need an independent inspector if the council already inspects my build?
Yes. The majority of councils in WA do not carry out any compliance checks at any stage of construction. Some isolated councils may check footings, however it is extremely limited. You cannot rely on the local council to check the compliance of your build. An independent building inspector assesses workmanship quality, identifies defects, and provides a detailed report that you can use to hold your builder accountable.
When should I book my stage inspections?
The best approach is to book at the start of construction. Once you engage us, we will liaise with you and your builder throughout the build to attend at each stage as it is reached. This ensures timely scheduling and continuity across the full build.
