You don't need a ute full of power tools to keep an eye on your new home. A handful of cheap, simple tools will let you check the things that matter at each stage, and catch problems while they're still easy to fix. Most of the kit fits in a backpack, and the lot costs less than one decent dinner out.
Before you go, remember the site belongs to the builder during construction. Arrange visits with them, wear enclosed shoes, and stay out of trenches, scaffolds and anywhere work is happening.
The basic kit
- Tape measure (8 m). Check room sizes, window and door openings, ceiling heights, bench heights and setbacks against the plans. Measure twice before you raise anything.
- Spirit level (1200 mm). Check walls for plumb, and floors, benches and window sills for level. A 1200 mm level is long enough to give a fair reading against published tolerances without being awkward to carry.
- Torch. A strong LED torch, ideally one that clips on or is a headlamp. Use it in roof spaces, cupboards and under benches, and shine it along walls at a low angle to show up bumps in plaster and paint.
- Phone camera. Your most important tool. Photograph every stage before it gets covered: slab reinforcement, plumbing under the slab, frame, wall ties, insulation, waterproofing. Turn on date stamps or keep the files' original dates.
- String line. Stretch it along a wall, fascia or gutter to show up bows and dips that your eye won't catch.
- Notebook or checklist. Write down what you checked, what you found and who you spoke to. Follow up anything important by email so there's a written record.
Handy extras
- Moisture meter. A basic pin or pinless meter helps you check timber frames before linings go on, and spot damp near wet areas. Readings are a guide, not proof, so raise high readings with the builder rather than making a call yourself.
- Small mirror. Lets you see behind pipes, under benches and behind toilets without crawling around.
- Painter's tape or small stickers. Mark defects at practical completion so everyone is talking about the same spot. Check with the builder first so the tape doesn't damage finishes.
- Laser measure. Quicker than a tape for room sizes and ceiling heights.
What to check, and when
Here's how the kit lines up with the build stages:
- Slab, before the pour: tape measure for edge beam sizes, bar spacing and cover to the steel; camera for the whole layout, including plumbing penetrations and termite protection.
- Frame: level for plumb walls; tape for opening sizes and room dimensions; moisture meter on timber; string line along top plates and roof lines.
- Enclosed: torch and camera for wall ties, flashings, weep holes and wall wrap; level on window sills.
- Waterproofing: camera for the membrane at the floor and wall junctions, and around penetrations, before tiles go down.
- Fixing and practical completion: torch at a low angle along walls and ceilings; level on benches and doors; tape on cabinetry; stickers for defects.
Our stage checklists go through exactly what to look for at each of these points. You'll find the full set at constructor.net.au/checklists.
Using the tools fairly
Tools help you notice things, but every material and trade has tolerances. A wall slightly out of plumb may still be within the allowed limit. Before you raise an issue, check what the standard is. The QBCC Standards and Tolerances Guide is a good place to start for Queensland homes.
When you find something, take a photo with the tool in the shot, such as the level showing the bubble or the tape showing the gap. Then raise it with the builder in writing, calmly and early. Builders respond much better to "Can you check this?" than to a list of accusations on handover day.
What the builder should bring
A well-run site will have its own gear, and it's a good sign when you see it used:
- Laser levels and survey equipment for setting out and checking levels.
- Concrete vibrators on the pour, to remove air pockets from the slab.
- Proper fencing, signage, a toilet and a skip bin.
- Edge protection and scaffolding when working at height.
- Hard hats, hi-vis, hearing and eye protection being worn.
Slabs on house sites are poured from concrete agitator trucks, usually with a pump, so don't expect to see a little cement mixer running for the main pour.
When to call in a professional
Your toolkit catches a lot, but some things need training and better equipment: structural adequacy, reinforcement compliance, hidden moisture and roof work. An independent building inspector at key stages, such as pre-pour slab, frame and practical completion, is worth the money on most builds.
Further reading
Anthony Painter
