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Kensington blocks are often tight, close to neighbours and exposed to heavy foot traffic from trades—so drainage falls, moisture barrier laps and edge formwork accuracy need to be right before the concrete locks it all in.
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Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We check that the slab formwork matches the approved footprint and is positioned correctly on the block. On tighter Kensington sites, a small set-out error can affect setbacks, boundary clearances and the alignment of walls above, so we look for straightness, squareness and obvious measurement discrepancies before the pour.
We assess the exposed base for soft spots, uneven trimming, contamination and signs of disturbance from repeated vehicle and wheelbarrow traffic. A consistent, properly prepared base supports the slab and helps reduce differential movement, which is difficult to correct once concrete is placed.
We inspect boxing for bracing, line and level, and the quality of edge formwork at garage entries, step-downs and rebates. Accurate formwork helps achieve correct slab thickness and falls, and reduces the risk of out-of-level floors that can create issues for framing and door clearances.
We review the reinforcement layout, including mesh/lap lengths where visible, bar placement around openings, and whether chairs/spacers are providing appropriate cover. Correct steel position is critical for slab performance; steel sitting low, bent, or inadequately supported can reduce the slab’s intended strength.
We check the vapour barrier for tears, punctures and correct lapping, and we focus on sealing around penetrations and edges. In Kensington’s mixed streetscapes, moisture management is important for long-term floor finishes and indoor comfort, and poor membrane detailing can allow vapour ingress after handover.
We inspect plumbing and conduit penetrations for location, protection and stability so they’re less likely to move during the pour. We also flag obstructions or missing items that commonly delay pours or lead to shortcuts, such as unsealed membrane laps, incomplete boxing, or unprotected penetrations.
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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 once the formwork, steel reinforcement, moisture barrier and service penetrations are installed, but before any concrete is poured. In Kensington, pours can be scheduled quickly due to tight site access and traffic management, so it’s best to organise the inspection as soon as you receive the pour date. We’ll attend pre-pour and provide a report you can send to the builder for rectification where needed.
On smaller Kensington allotments, we often see moisture barriers torn or punctured from heavy trade traffic, membrane laps not sealed neatly around penetrations, and reinforcement that has shifted or is poorly supported in high-traffic areas. Edge formwork level and straightness can also be affected when materials are stored tight to boxing. A pre-slab inspection targets these items before they become locked in.
We compare visible site conditions to typical stage requirements and review key items that should align with the approved documents, such as slab footprint, step-downs and reinforcement placement where identifiable. If anything appears inconsistent or unclear, we note it for confirmation with your builder, engineer or surveyor. This approach helps you raise questions early without relying on assumptions after the pour.
Yes. On narrow sites, accuracy and protection matter more because there’s less room to correct errors later. We pay close attention to slab set-out, edge formwork stability, and areas where the membrane and steel can be disturbed by constant foot traffic. We also look carefully at penetrations near boundaries and along access paths, as movement during the pour is more likely when space is tight.
You’ll receive a detailed report with photos, clear descriptions of each issue, and practical recommendations you can forward to your builder. We focus on items you can act on before the concrete pour, such as membrane repairs, reinforcement support adjustments, and formwork level concerns. If something needs clarification against engineering or plans, we’ll note exactly what to request so the response is specific and useful.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the base-stage details that are easiest to miss on tight Kensington sites—call 0485 857 077 to secure a Stage 1 inspection time that matches your builder’s pour schedule.