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Hawthorn knock-down rebuilds and tight inner-block sites leave little room for base-stage mistakes—one missed moisture barrier lap or poorly supported formwork can lock in drainage and slab edge problems for decades.
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Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We verify that the prepared base matches the intended footprint and check visible levels and edge alignment so the slab is positioned correctly on the block. This helps avoid slab edges ending up too close to boundaries, misaligned setbacks, or incorrect thresholds that can create future drainage and step-height issues.
We inspect the condition of the sub-base and bedding, looking for soft spots, uneven build-up, and signs that the base hasn’t been prepared consistently. While we don’t perform geotechnical testing, we flag visible issues that can contribute to slab movement, cracking, or uneven floors once the home is built.
We assess formwork for straightness, stability, and adequate bracing so it can hold shape during the pour. Poorly supported formwork can bow or move under concrete pressure, changing slab dimensions and affecting slab thickness at edges and beams—problems that are costly to correct after curing.
We check that reinforcement appears correctly placed and supported with appropriate bar chairs/spacers so it sits at the right height within the concrete. Incorrect placement or inadequate support can reduce the slab’s performance and increase the risk of cracking, particularly at edges, corners, and openings.
We look for tears, punctures, inadequate laps, and poor detailing around penetrations and edges. A compromised membrane can allow moisture vapour to migrate into the slab, which can affect floor coverings and internal moisture levels—issues that are frustrating to diagnose once the home is finished.
We review visible plumbing and service penetrations for positioning, sealing readiness, and clashes with reinforcement or beams. Misplaced penetrations can force last-minute site fixes, weaken slab zones, or cause ongoing sealing problems where pipes pass through the slab and membrane.
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Professional inspections with attention to every detail. Here's a glimpse of our work.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
Book as soon as you have a likely pour date. In Hawthorn, sites can be tight and trades often work close to the scheduled pour, so we aim to inspect after formwork, steel and the vapour barrier are installed, and before concrete arrives. If the pour is moved forward, tell us early so we can adjust and still inspect while everything is visible.
On Hawthorn multi-dwelling builds, we often see pressure to progress quickly on narrow access sites, which can lead to membrane damage, messy detailing around service penetrations, or formwork that isn’t braced as well as it should be. We also pay close attention to edge detailing near boundaries because once the slab is poured, correcting alignment, levels, or edge support can be disruptive and expensive.
We assess visible workmanship and installation against good building practice and common compliance expectations at base stage, and we note items that appear inconsistent with typical engineering intent (such as reinforcement height/support and membrane continuity). Final responsibility for design sits with the engineer and builder, but our report gives you clear, actionable items to query and rectify before the pour locks them in.
Yes, we regularly inspect Hawthorn sites where side access is narrow. We work with what’s available, focusing on accessible edges, corners, internal beams, penetrations and membrane laps that can be viewed safely. If a particular area is fully blocked, we’ll note the limitation in the report and suggest practical ways to provide access or evidence (for example, photos before temporary barriers are installed).
You’ll receive a detailed report with photos, a clear list of observed issues, and recommendations for what to address before pouring. The best approach is to forward the report to your site supervisor immediately and ask for written confirmation of rectification. If needed, we can clarify items so you can have a direct conversation about what should be fixed before concrete is placed.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections checks Hawthorn base-stage prep, formwork, steel and moisture barriers while they’re still fixable—call 0485 857 077 to lock in an inspection time.