CST Consulting Engineers’ forensic engineers are highly experienced in delivering objective, independent reports on structural integrity and failure for both residential and commercial buildings. Trying to verify what is cosmetic or serious structural damage is important to quickly determine the right course of action. We show every client of our Engineer Report And Inspections
Our experience in the field, including an assessment process with thorough personal consultations, ensures that you’ll receive a detailed, tailored report in a timeframe that exceeds the industry norm. Forensic investigations can involve complex technical processes, which for some clients can be difficult to understand. CST’s team knows how to cut through the complexities and present reports that are clear and easy to understand.
Compliance is an important process when ensuring clients meet the relevant design documentation and council requirements. CST’s professional and experienced engineers conduct these compliance inspections in a timely manner to ensure work has been carried out in accordance with the original approved design. All defects will be identified and instructed to be rectified before final compliance approval is given.
This Compliance inspection is offered to all our clients as part of our desire to provide a complete service. Additionally, we can provide you with advice and options on what would be involved in fixing any serious defects and provide a comprehensive Form 16. These services are to include:
– Building construction
– Cracked Walls
– Sinking Footings
– Damages Slabs
– Leaning Retaining Walls
– All other structural and civil defective works
CONSTRUCTION INSPECTIONS AND REPORTS
We inspect new homes or renovations either during the build or at final handover, without compromised quality.
Construction Progress Inspections
It means at each major stage you are on top of any issues and can have them corrected before having to pay your builder. Surety carry out independent progress inspections for new construction at three key stages.
- pre slab pour inspection;
- frame and brickwork inspection; and
- final handover inspection.
Inspection 1 – Pre Slab Pour Inspection
Before the concrete slab is placed, we ensure work has been carried out correctly. This includes:
- plumbing and drainage points
- vapour barriers not damaged
- review engineering plans
- assess slab reinforcement
- step downs correctly located
Inspection 2 – Frame and brickwork
Whether you are building a timber, brick veneer, full brick, or heavy structured home, you need to know the walls are built to an acceptable standard. This is key for durability and visual appearance. This includes:
- tie-downs and bracing for the frame, brickwork, and roof
- termite system installed
- correct location of wiring, plumbing, and insulation
- wall cavities cleaned out
- quality of workmanship
- Walls are plumb and level
Inspection 3 – Final handover report
Once your house is complete, we inspect the whole building
- from front to back,
- inside and out.
- provide you with a detailed and itemised, room-by-room, defects list.
- review your plans and inclusions list
- review poor trade work
it is recommended you engage a Surveyor at the pre pour stage to ensure accuracy within accordance of your plans.
During the third (final) inspection, we also review the inclusions list in your contract and report if there are discrepancies or missing items.
CONSTRUCTION INSPECTIONS & CERTIFICATION
Slab
This is the first stage of focus once the concrete has been poured and slab allowed to set. A building inspector must ensure the accuracy of the dimensions and size of the slab according to submitted build plans, that plumbing is placed properly and that there are no cracks.
Wall and roof framing
This stage inspects the framing of the walls and roof. Once completed, the role of the inspection determines whether the roof frame, wall placement, windows and doors specifications have been adhered to and properly installed.
The ultimate role of stage construction inspections and engineers report is to ensure that all work has been carried out according to Australian standards and your satisfaction. Any potential defects can immediately be spotted and rectified. Homeowners can also avoid disputes or any time-consuming legal battles with their contractors.
Site Inspection
Checking a property typically begins with a site inspection. This is an assessment of the site for any conditions that may have a negative impact on any buildings or associated structures on the property (conditions conducive to structural damage).
Fencing, Retaining Walls and Swimming Pools
Your inspector will check fencing and retaining walls as part on the site inspection. Timber structures are checked for wood decay and termite activity. Pool fencing, swimming pools and pool equipment do not form part of a pre-purchase property inspection as defined by Australian Standard AS 4349.1
Other Structures
Outbuildings such as carports, garages pergolas are also checked as part of the site inspection. These structures are checked in much the same way as the main building or dwelling would be checked.
Building Exterior Inspection
Checking weep holes
Wall cracks
The exterior inspection of the dwelling starts with an overview from the front of the property (or preferably from across the road) to sight the lines of the building for any signs of unevenness, bowing or sagging in the walls or roof.
Stormwater Drainage and Water Damage
The area around the base of the building is checked for signs of inadequate drainage, seepage and ponding water. The roof water downpipes and stormwater connections are checked for damage and leaks. The number of roof water downpipes and the distance between them should be checked. It is common for older buildings to not have enough downpipes, which causes the guttering to overflow to the base of the building. Typically it is leaks and water that play the major role in building degradation. In most cases, water ponding at the base of the building will destabilise the foundation earth supporting the structure.
Brickwork and Stumps
With slab on ground brick veneer homes, particular attention is paid to the brickwork. Whilst in most cases the brickwork on a modern home is not structural and is no more than a cladding, it is a very good indicator of building movement. Gaps can open up between the brickwork and window or door frames. Brick and/or mortar can develop cracks as the concrete slab floor subsides or heaves. Gaps between the soffits and brickwork can also develop with significant movement.
The concrete stumps of a stumped building should be checked for movement, damp or cracking. Concrete stumps have steel reinforcing bards within them, which will corrode and blow out (concrete cancer) if the stumps are subjected to poor drainage and damp conditions. Timber stumps are checked for termite damage and decay.