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Carlton blocks often sit close to neighbours and older drains, so a small set-out or moisture barrier mistake can become a long-term damp or movement issue once the slab is poured.
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Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We review the slab set-out against plans so the footprint, offsets and critical dimensions match what was approved. On Carlton’s tighter blocks, small set-out errors can trigger boundary clearance problems, fencing disputes, or rework to walls and frames once the slab is down.
We assess site prep, including excavation depth, base material placement and signs of inadequate compaction or soft spots. A pre-slab base that isn’t prepared correctly can lead to slab movement, cracking and uneven floors—issues that are far harder to address after the pour.
We check formwork is straight, stable and set to the correct levels, including edge beams and rebates where specified. Accurate formwork helps the concrete pour to the right thickness and shape, and reduces the risk of honeycombing, blowouts or incorrect slab levels.
We inspect the reinforcement layout, laps, ties, and bar positioning, including that mesh and bars are properly supported on chairs to achieve cover. Correct reinforcement placement is essential to the slab’s performance and durability and helps avoid cracking caused by poorly positioned steel.
We check the vapour barrier is installed with suitable overlaps, sealed penetrations and minimal damage, and that it is placed as required for the slab system. In Carlton, where future moisture issues can affect flooring and indoor air quality, getting the membrane right before the pour is critical.
We verify plumbing and electrical penetrations are positioned as per plans, sleeved where needed, and not compromising beams or reinforcement. We also look for debris, standing water and site conditions that can impact the pour, so problems are raised while they’re still easy to fix.
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Inspection photo 1
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
Book it after the formwork, steel reinforcement and vapour barrier are installed and the services are roughed in, but before any concrete is poured. In Carlton, schedules can move quickly due to tight site access and staged deliveries, so it’s best to line up the inspection as soon as you receive a pour date. If the site isn’t ready, we’ll advise what needs to be completed first.
A Stage 1 inspection can identify issues like incorrect set-out, unstable or misaligned formwork, missing or poorly supported reinforcement, inadequate laps, damaged or poorly overlapped vapour barriers, and penetrations placed in the wrong locations. We also look for site conditions that can compromise concrete quality, including debris in beams, water pooling and base areas that appear soft or inconsistently prepared.
Yes. We review the available drawings and compare key on-site elements to what’s documented, including slab layout, thickened edge beam locations, and the general positioning of penetrations and rebates. If you provide engineering details and the relevant plans, we can check more thoroughly. Where something looks inconsistent or high-risk, we note it clearly so you can raise it with your builder or engineer.
They can be. Limited access often means materials and reinforcement are brought in stages, which can increase the chance of membrane damage, missing chairs, or steel moved out of position before the pour. Tight boundaries can also make set-out accuracy critical. A pre-slab inspection in Carlton helps confirm the base stage hasn’t been compromised by access constraints, last-minute changes or rushed preparation.
You’ll receive a detailed written report with photos, itemised observations and clear recommendations on what should be addressed prior to pouring. The report is designed to be practical—so you can forward it to your builder and request rectification while the slab stage is still open. If you need help prioritising items, we can explain which issues are urgent and why.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the critical pre-pour details—set-out, reinforcement, vapour barriers and penetrations—so you can raise issues early while fixes are still straightforward. Call 0485 857 077.