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Essendon West rebuilds and knock-down rebuilds often sit on tighter blocks with existing services, mature trees and variable ground conditions—so getting the base right before the pour is critical.
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Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We check visible set-out markers, slab edge formwork position and key dimensions that affect where the home sits on the block. On tight Essendon West lots, small set-out errors can create boundary clearance issues, drainage conflicts and rework once concrete is poured.
We visually assess the subgrade condition, including signs of soft spots, uncontrolled fill, ponding, inadequate trimming and uneven bearing areas. Poor base preparation can lead to differential movement and cracking that’s extremely difficult to correct after the slab is in.
We inspect formwork bracing, straightness and visible level control, plus rebates, steps and penetrations where applicable. Stable, accurate formwork helps ensure the slab thickness and edge beams are achieved as designed, reducing the chance of out-of-tolerance finishes and structural issues.
We check the placement of mesh and bars, including laps, tie spacing, support chairs/barriers and whether reinforcement appears positioned to achieve the required cover. Incorrect reinforcement location can reduce performance and durability, especially where ground moisture and salts can attack steel over time.
We look for membrane continuity, tears, punctures, taped laps, turn-ups at edges and detailing around penetrations. Proper membrane installation is vital for controlling rising damp and protecting floor finishes, particularly in established Essendon West areas where ground moisture conditions can vary across a site.
We review plumbing and other service penetrations for placement, protection and sealing readiness, plus any visible edge detailing that affects moisture control and slab performance. Getting this right now avoids future leaks, termite entry pathways and costly concrete cutting.
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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 once the site is boxed up and ready: formwork is in, reinforcement is placed, service penetrations are installed and the vapour membrane is laid (or about to be laid), but before concrete is poured. On Essendon West infill builds, the window can be short because pours are often scheduled quickly, so it’s best to line us up as soon as you have an estimated steel date.
The big-ticket items are reinforcement placed too low or with poor laps, torn or badly joined vapour membranes, and subgrade areas that look soft, wet or uneven. We also see formwork that isn’t well braced or aligned, which can affect slab thickness and levels. Fixing these before the pour is usually straightforward; fixing them after is disruptive and costly.
Yes, where the relevant documents are available on-site or provided ahead of time. We use them to guide what we’re looking at, such as slab type, visible beam layout, reinforcement intent and moisture barrier requirements. If something can’t be confirmed visually at pre-slab stage, we note it clearly in the report as an item to verify with your builder/engineer before pouring.
Rebuilds can leave behind backfilled areas, old rubble, previous drainage runs and disturbed soil that can behave differently under a slab. We pay close attention to signs of uncontrolled fill, trimming quality, water sitting in the base and how the membrane and penetrations are detailed. On established streets with mature trees and neighbouring footings nearby, getting the base stage right helps reduce future movement and moisture pathways.
It doesn’t have to. The key is timing: book the inspection as soon as the builder indicates the steel date so we can attend before the pour is locked in. If we find issues, many can be rectified quickly (for example, adjusting chairs, re-tying laps, taping membrane joins). Our report focuses on actionable items so your team can respond efficiently.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections delivers a photo-backed Stage 1 report that flags base-stage defects early, so your Essendon West build starts on a compliant slab. Call 0485 857 077.