It’s a brand new house surely nothing can go wrong? Actually we often find many plumbing defects and issues when we inspect new homes and extensions at pre plaster and pre hand over stages.

A pre plaster or pre hand over plumbing inspection will give you peace of mind that the plumbing has been installed defect free, compliant with the Australian Standards and the quality of the work is to a satisfactory standard.
Many of the defects we identify during construction can cause considerable damage before their effects become visible. After the building is plastered and the plumbing is not visible it can take months or years after you move in to see the damage caused by defective plumbing. Resolving plumbing defects before plastering is considerably more cost effective than the alternative. Non compliant plumbing or poor workmanship can also reduce the likelihood of a successful future water ingress insurance claim. It is always far easier to have builders and plumbers to rectify defects prior to making progress or final payment on your new house or renovation.​

A standard PRE PLASTER/ PRE HANDOVER inspection checks covers the following*:

• Hot and cold water pipe​​ work to ensure it has been clipped correctly
• Gas pipe work to ensure it has been clipped correctly
• Visually check and test all plumbing fixtures in the home for correct installation and operation
• Suspended drainage to check correct fall and that it has been clipped correctly
• Guttering, roofing, flashings and down pipes
• Installation of any heating and cooling ducting and pipe work

*This will vary depending on the type of inspection carried out (pre-plaster or pre-handover).

Common issues identified include*:

• Insufficient clipping of the pipe work that could cause water hammer
• Insufficient fall and clips on suspended drainage which can result in potential blockages in the future
• Incorrect fittings used
• Incorrect installation of plumbing fixtures not meeting the Australian Standards
• Defects in roof and gutter installation resulting in water ingress
• Poor venting of the drain which can cause blockages if not installed correctly

*This will vary depending on the type of inspection carried out (pre-plaster or pre-handover).

Additional inspections that we recommend are conducted at the same time include:

• CCTV inspection of the sewer and storm water drains to identify any defects in the drains
• Thermal imaging to show possible missing insulation in the walls and/or ceiling or identify moisture from leaks not yet seen