Understanding Building Stage Inspections and Aspect Inspections

There are four prescribed stages of inspection for certification in new builds. However, projects involving alterations, additions, or existing structures may not require all stages but will need certification for the stage(s) relevant to the changes being made.

Additionally, the development approval from your local council or the private building certifier may request additional Stages to be inspected such as retaining walls.

Building Inspections Stage	When to be inspected?	Aspect of Inspections
Excavation and Foundation Stage	After reinforcement is in place and before concrete poured	Compliance of: footing excavation reinforcement (Outcome: form 12 & Form 16)
Slab Stage	After reinforcement is in place and before concrete poured	Compliance of: floor level check application of termite treatment reinforcement of slab and beams installation of vapour barrier (Outcome: form 12 & Form 16)
Frame Stage	Before the cladding or lining is fixed or, for reinforced masonry construction, before the wall cavities are filled.	Compliance of: sub-floor framing wall framing roof trusses bracing (Outcome: form 12 & Form 16)
Final Stage	At practical completion	Compliance of: site works drainage fire safety Build defects overall (Outcome: form 21)

The building certifier signs off on each Stage by issuing form 16, with competent persons approved by the certifier signing off on the various Aspects. There are two Aspects with mandatory requirements:

• A Surveyor must sign off on the boundary clearances/siting Aspect (form 12)
• A Structural Engineer must certify, via form 12, that the footing system, Slab and Frame Aspect has correct steel reinforcing according to the design.
• Other Aspects can be signed off by competent persons approved by the certifier having regard to the individual’s experience, qualifications, skills and relevant licences (e.g. carpenters, electricians, plumbers, glaziers). these aspects are certified viz form 12 or form 43, as applicable.

When an Aspect of a Stage is ready for inspection:

• The builder or owner builder is responsible for notifying the competent person (or certifier) to request an inspection once a stage is ready for inspection.
• The competent person certifies that the Aspect inspected is compliant with the documentation issued for building approval or following a non-compliant inspection he competent person issues rectification list prior to signing off. 
• Building Form 12 Aspect Inspection certificate must be used by the competent person and provided to the building certifier.
• The next Stage cannot begin until the work has been rectified and certified with a Form 16.

Although the Building Regulations allow you to book the certifier to do Aspect inspections, they also point out that for an individual to be deemed competent to inspect the reinforcement of a footing system Aspect of building work they must be a registered professional engineer (RPEQ).
Moreover, Structural Engineers can both inspect and advice about a way forward to keep the build on track. At Rainbow Engineering we work in a complimentary way with building certifiers, developers, builders and owners applying our expertise and knowledge on structural stage Aspects.

For advice or to book a stage inspection with Rainbow Engineering, give us a call on 0499 887 867 or fill up the contact us form on our website