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Pennydale blocks often involve tight side setbacks, driveway crossovers and varying site levels—small base-stage mistakes with formwork, drainage falls or vapour barriers can be locked in 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 prepared subgrade and base material for signs of uneven build-up, soft spots, pumping, excess moisture and areas that look under-compacted. This matters because inadequate base support can contribute to slab movement and cracking after handover.
We check the formwork for straightness, bracing, dimensions and practical set-out issues that can affect slab thickness and edge beams. If formwork is out, you can end up with structural and finish problems that are difficult to correct once concrete is poured.
We inspect reinforcement layout, overlaps, tie-downs and whether steel is properly supported on bar chairs/spacers so it sits at the intended cover. Correct placement helps the slab perform as designed and reduces the risk of cracking caused by poorly positioned reinforcement.
We check the membrane for tears, punctures, lapping, taping and sealing around penetrations. In Pennydale, where weather can change quickly and wet ground conditions can occur after rain, a compromised membrane can increase the likelihood of moisture migrating into the slab.
We review plumbing and other penetrations for positioning, sleeving and protection where visible, plus set-down areas (such as showers) where applicable. Mistakes here can lead to rework, compromised waterproofing later, or patching that weakens the slab.
We look for indicators that surface water will be directed away from the slab area and that the site won’t trap water against edge beams. Poor falls and temporary ponding can saturate the base and undermine compaction before the pour.
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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 it as soon as your builder provides an estimated steel-and-formwork completion date. The inspection needs to happen after the base is prepared, formwork is installed, steel is tied and the vapour barrier is laid, but before any concrete is poured. If rain is forecast in Pennydale, earlier scheduling helps avoid membrane damage and base saturation before we attend.
At Stage 1 we focus on what’s visible before the pour: base preparation, formwork condition and set-out, reinforcement placement, membrane continuity, and obvious issues around penetrations and drainage falls. We can’t verify compaction test results unless they’re provided, and we don’t certify engineering design—our role is to identify defects, risks and items to clarify with your builder/engineer before concrete locks everything in.
Yes. Where a site has been reworked, the risk of uneven support and drainage problems increases if preparation isn’t consistent across the footprint. We look for visual cues of soft spots, variable base depth, water pooling and edge conditions that can affect slab performance. If something looks questionable, we’ll document it and recommend what to ask for (such as further proof of compaction or rectification steps) before the pour.
They can be. If the ground retains moisture after rain or the site sits in a low point, vapour pressure and damp conditions can affect the slab and internal finishes over time. At pre-slab stage we check for membrane tears, poor lapping, incomplete taping and unsealed penetrations—common weak points that allow moisture pathways once concrete is down. Fixing these is usually straightforward before the pour.
You’ll receive a detailed report with photos and clear, actionable recommendations. Use it as a checklist to raise items with your builder before you authorise the concrete pour. Most issues at this stage are quick to rectify if caught early, and the photos help keep conversations factual. If needed, we can also clarify which items are safety or compliance risks versus workmanship concerns.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the base-stage details that are easiest to fix now and hardest to fix later—call 0485 857 077 to schedule your Stage 1 inspection in Pennydale.