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Abbotsford blocks often sit close to the Yarra and include tight infill sites where drainage, moisture barriers and reinforcement placement can be tricky—checking the base stage before the pour helps prevent dampness and cracking that’s hard to fix later.
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Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We review the prepared building platform for soft spots, uneven compaction indicators and cleanliness before membranes go down, because an inconsistent sub-base can contribute to slab settlement and cracking once the home is loaded.
We inspect the boxing for straightness, bracing and set-out (including slab edge steps and rebates where visible) to reduce the risk of out-of-square walls, misaligned frames and slab edges that don’t match the approved layout.
We check mesh and bar placement, laps, tying and the use/spacing of chairs to help ensure reinforcement sits at the correct height in the slab, not on the ground, where it won’t perform as intended.
We look for punctures, correct lapping and taped joints, and proper sealing around penetrations, because gaps in the membrane can allow ground moisture to track into the slab and flooring system.
We assess the visible locations of plumbing and other penetrations relative to the slab/formwork, as incorrect placement can lead to awkward bathroom layouts, structural notching later, or costly rework after the pour.
We review how the site is being prepared to direct water away from the slab area and check for potential ponding points, as poor early drainage can undermine the base, affect curing and increase long-term moisture issues.
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Get Stage 1 – Pre-Slab (Base Stage) Inspection as part of a comprehensive inspection package
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
Book it for the window after the formwork is installed and the reinforcement and vapour barrier are in place, but before concrete is poured. In Abbotsford, pours can be scheduled quickly once the site is ready, so it’s smart to line up the inspection as soon as you get notice the steel is down. If the membrane isn’t installed yet, we can still check earlier items and return for the pre-pour stage.
We focus on the items that become impossible to verify after the pour: sub-base condition, formwork set-out, reinforcement placement and support, vapour barrier lapping and penetrations, and visible service locations. We also assess obvious water management risks around the slab area. You’ll receive a report with photos and clear rectification notes you can provide to the site supervisor before concrete arrives.
We inspect against common construction requirements and good practice, and we flag concerns that may not align with typical engineering drawings or NCC expectations (such as reinforcement support, laps, and membrane detailing). However, we don’t replace the project engineer or building surveyor. If we identify an issue, we’ll describe it clearly so you can request confirmation or rectification from your builder and, where required, refer it back to the relevant consultant.
Yes. Abbotsford has plenty of tight infill builds and sites where managing surface water and ground moisture matters, especially on lower-lying blocks or near the Yarra corridor. Small errors—like a poorly sealed membrane penetration or inadequate site fall—can lead to moisture tracking into the slab and finishes later. The Stage 1 inspection is your best chance to verify these details while they’re visible and fixable.
On narrow lots, we often see crowded services and penetrations, rushed membrane detailing around pipes, and reinforcement chairs displaced by foot traffic. Tight access can also lead to uneven base preparation near edges where it’s harder to compact. We pay close attention to these high-risk areas and document anything that should be corrected before the pour so the slab and internal layouts aren’t compromised.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections will check the formwork, steel and moisture barrier details that matter at Stage 1—call 0485 857 077 to lock in a Pre-Slab (Base Stage) Inspection in Abbotsford.