Loading...
Syndal blocks often sit on reactive clay and are being rebuilt or extended behind older homes, so a pre-slab check is your best chance to confirm drainage, moisture barriers and reinforcement are right before concrete locks it in.
Answer a few quick questions to receive your personalised quote for Syndal
Complete this step to continue
Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We assess the condition of the prepared base prior to the pour, including whether the slab platform is uniform, free of soft spots and debris, and ready for the next stage. Base issues can contribute to slab movement and cracking once the home is built and loaded.
We check boxing/formwork alignment and key step-downs (such as garages, porches and wet areas) to confirm the slab is being formed as designed. Incorrect set-downs can create drainage problems, non-compliant falls, and expensive rectification after concrete has cured.
We inspect the reinforcement layout, overlaps and support spacing to help confirm steel is positioned to perform as intended during and after the pour. If reinforcement is poorly supported or displaced, it may end up too low or exposed, reducing slab performance and durability.
We check that moisture membranes are installed with suitable laps, continuity and protection around penetrations. Gaps, tears or poor joins can allow ground moisture to track into the slab, contributing to dampness, flooring failures and odours.
We review pipe penetrations and openings through the slab and edges to ensure they’re positioned and sealed correctly and won’t compromise the membrane or reinforcement. Early identification helps prevent rework and reduces the risk of moisture ingress points.
Where a termite management system is required, we verify that it is installed and continuous in the areas visible at base stage (such as around penetrations and slab perimeter preparation). Fixing termite system gaps is far simpler before concrete is placed.
Discover why thousands of property buyers trust us with their most important investment.
Professional inspections with attention to every detail. Here's a glimpse of our work.
Inspection photo 1
Inspection photo 2
Inspection photo 3
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
Book it once the site has been prepared and you can see the formwork, steel reinforcement, membranes and service penetrations, but before any concrete is poured. In Syndal builds, pours can be scheduled quickly once the steel is in, so aim to arrange the inspection as soon as boxing and membranes are down. That timing gives you a realistic window to request rectifications.
Pre-slab is the only time you can properly check reinforcement position, membrane laps and tears, and how penetrations are detailed through the barrier. After the pour, these elements are hidden, and symptoms may only appear months or years later. Identifying issues early can prevent future slab cracking, damp-related flooring problems, and expensive investigative work to confirm what went wrong.
No. Engineering design and survey set-out are separate functions, and your builder will still need to follow the approved plans and any engineering requirements. Our Stage 1 inspection is an independent workmanship and compliance-focused check of what has actually been installed on site before concrete goes down. It complements, rather than replaces, your formal certifications and builder quality control.
They can be. Syndal projects often involve working close to existing houses, shared driveways, or tight side access, which increases the chances of rushed detailing around slab edges, drainage paths and penetrations. Site cuts and fill to create new levels can also affect how water moves across the block. A pre-slab inspection helps confirm the base stage is prepared carefully before it becomes irreversible.
You’ll receive a detailed report with photos and clear, actionable recommendations you can forward to your builder. The report focuses on the visible pre-pour elements: base readiness, formwork, reinforcement, membranes, penetrations and relevant provisions such as termite management where applicable. It’s written to make conversations on-site straightforward, with items prioritised so urgent fixes can be done before the pour proceeds.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the base-stage details that matter in Syndal—reinforcement, membranes, set-downs and drainage-ready prep—so you can request fixes while the slab is still accessible. Call 0485 857 077.