Supporting service
Mandatory Inspections
Critical stage inspections are the mandatory checks at set points in construction, carried out before each stage is covered up. For Class 1 and 10 buildings the legislation sets out exactly when they must happen and who may carry them out.
Overview
Each inspection confirms the work has been built in accordance with the approved documentation before it is concealed. The inspections must be carried out by the Principal Certifier, or by another registered certifier as agreed with the Principal Certifier.
Timing matters: a stage covered before it is inspected cannot simply be checked afterwards. It can require an alternative means of demonstrating compliance and hold up the Occupation Certificate. We confirm the inspection points for your project at the outset and keep the records the Occupation Certificate relies on.
The mandatory inspections
For a Class 1 or 10 building, an inspection is required on each of these occasions, before the work is covered up:
- After excavation for, and before placing, a footing.
- Before pouring an in-situ reinforced concrete building element.
- Before covering the framework for a floor, wall, roof or other building element.
- Before covering waterproofing in a wet area.
- Before covering stormwater drainage connections.
- After the building work is completed and before the Occupation Certificate is issued. This is the final critical stage inspection.
Source: Environmental Planning and Assessment (Development Certification and Fire Safety) Regulation 2021. Your development consent or CDC may set additional inspections.
What’s involved
Inspections as Principal Certifier
Where we are appointed, we carry out each mandatory inspection at the right point and record the result.
Inspections for other certifiers
We carry out critical stage inspections on behalf of other principal certifiers, as the agreed certifier the EP&A (DC&FS) Reg 2021 allows, for reliable coverage.
On-site assessment
Each stage is checked against the approved plans and the applicable standards before the work is covered.
Documented results
Every inspection is recorded as evidence for the Occupation Certificate, with clear outcomes if anything needs attention.
When you need it
- Throughout construction of a Class 1 or 10 building under a CDC or Construction Certificate.
- When we are appointed as your Principal Certifier.
- When you are a principal certifier needing a registered certifier to carry out inspections by agreement.
Frequently asked
What are the mandatory inspections for a house?
For a Class 1 or 10 building, the Environmental Planning and Assessment (Development Certification and Fire Safety) Regulation 2021 requires an inspection after excavation and before footings are placed; before pouring an in-situ reinforced concrete element; before covering the framework; before covering wet-area waterproofing; before covering stormwater drainage connections; and a final inspection after completion, before the Occupation Certificate. The development consent or CDC may set additional inspections.
Can another certifier carry out the inspections?
Yes. The critical stage inspections must be carried out by the Principal Certifier, or by another registered certifier as agreed with the Principal Certifier. We act in both roles: as the appointed Principal Certifier, and as the agreed certifier carrying out inspections for other principal certifiers.
What happens if an inspection is missed?
A stage covered before it is inspected cannot simply be re-inspected later. It may require an alternative way of demonstrating compliance and can delay the Occupation Certificate, so inspections are best booked in advance.
Ready to get started?
Need inspections carried out?
Whether you are building, or a certifier needing inspection coverage, tell us the project and stage and we will set out the inspection points.
We respond to enquiries within one business day.