Lock Up Inspections

The lock up inspection is ready to be done when external cladding or brickwork for your new home is complete. In addition, the roof covering and flashings have been installed, along with all external doors and windows. The floor should also be laid.

There are many points to check on a lock up inspection. The overall purpose of this stage of inspection is to make sure your home is safe and watertight. That is why we do a thorough inspection of both the inside and outside of your new home.

Usually at this stage of your new home your builder will request a further payment from you, so it’s important to make sure everything is right. That’s why our lock up stage inspection will provide you with peace of mind!

Our Lock Up Inspection Includes:

There are many things we look for when we do a lock up inspection. As we have been doing new home inspections for many years, throughout Melbourne, we know what to look out for!

Externally:

External wall cladding (including bricks and weatherboards) is fixed
All roofing is fixed
All external doors and windows are fixed (however these can be temporary at the lock up stage)
The eaves line against the brickwork line
Brickwork does not overhang the slab
Brickwork is level, plumb, square and straight
Mortar is checked for strength
The cavities are checked to make sure no build up of excessive mortar.
Rendered surfaces do not have scratches
Articulation flashings articulation joints, and weepholes correctly installed
Gutters correctly aligned and water does not sit in the gutters
Glass fitted to windows and doors are not cracked, scratched or chipped
Door handles and locks in working order
Windows open and close properly
Locks on windows in working order
Window and door frames free from damage
Roofing correctly installed and fixed in position
Correct space between windows and brick sills
Any external paint finishes is free from runs or blemishes etc
No gaps for pests (including birds and possums) to enter the roof spaces
Overall make sure the home is safe and watertight

Internally:

Make sure the placement of plumbing and electrical rough is correct (ie placement of power cables through the wall frame and ceilings).
Ceilings are level, plumb, straight and square
The insulation wrap around the frame is intact and not torn at any point
No damage to the concrete slab
Any timber flooring is fixed correctly and does not squeak when walked on
Plumbing waste outlets in correct position
Shower bases are in the correct position and level