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McKinnon knock-down rebuilds and tight side-access blocks leave little room for slab errors—check drainage, moisture barriers and steel placement before concrete locks issues in.
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Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We assess the prepared subgrade for softness, pumping, uncontrolled fill and uneven bearing areas. Poor base prep can lead to slab movement, cracking and edge drop, so we flag areas that may need rework or proof of compaction before the pour.
We review formwork alignment, bracing and the shape of edge beams where visible. Accurate set-out matters on McKinnon’s narrower blocks because small errors can affect setbacks, step-downs and finished floor levels, and can create drainage issues around the home.
We check reinforcement type and placement as installed, including laps, ligatures, trench mesh positioning and whether steel is adequately supported on chairs/bar supports. Incorrect cover or sagging mesh reduces slab performance and can contribute to cracking and durability problems.
We inspect the membrane for tears, punctures, poor laps and unsealed penetrations where accessible. A compromised barrier can allow moisture vapour to affect flooring, adhesives and indoor comfort, so we note defects that should be repaired before concrete is placed.
We check the positioning and protection of plumbing and other penetrations, plus set-down areas (such as showers or wet areas) where applicable. Errors here can force cutting, patching or rework after the pour, which weakens the slab and delays the build.
We look for obvious water-trapping points, inadequate fall away from the footprint, and areas where water could pond against slab edges once formwork comes off. This is particularly relevant after rain, when McKinnon sites can hold water and increase moisture pressure around the base.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
Book it once the site is prepared, formwork is up, steel reinforcement is tied and the vapour barrier is down, but before any concrete is poured. In McKinnon, pours can be scheduled quickly after steel inspection sign-off, so aim to secure a time as soon as your builder confirms the pre-pour window. We’ll inspect what’s accessible on the day and report what needs attention before the pour proceeds.
A building surveyor’s involvement is generally focused on mandatory stage approvals and compliance snapshots. Our Stage 1 Pre-Slab inspection is a more detailed, practical review of workmanship and risk points—such as membrane laps and punctures, steel support/cover, penetrations, and base prep concerns. We provide a photo-heavy report with clear actions so you can raise issues with the builder while changes are still straightforward.
Yes. Where accessible and measurable on the day, we review formwork alignment and set-out indicators that can hint at future problems, including edge alignment, levels and obvious inconsistencies. On subdivided McKinnon sites with limited clearance to boundaries, small set-out errors can affect drainage outcomes and external clearances. We document concerns and recommend follow-up verification where required.
On knock-down rebuilds in McKinnon, we often see time pressure to pour, which can lead to rushed membrane repairs, poorly protected penetrations, or formwork that doesn’t manage site water effectively after rain. Subdivisions can also introduce complex stormwater and fall requirements. A pre-slab inspection helps confirm the base is stable, the steel is properly supported, and moisture control measures are intact before the slab hides the evidence.
You’ll receive a detailed report with photos showing what was inspected, what was acceptable, and what needs attention before the pour. The recommendations are written so you can forward them to your builder and request rectification or clarification. If something can’t be verified due to access or being covered, we’ll note that clearly and suggest what evidence or follow-up checks are appropriate.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the base-stage details that commonly cause costly slab and moisture problems later. Call 0485 857 077 to lock in your Stage 1 inspection window.