This is one of the most common questions we receive from new home buyers in Brisbane and SEQ. Builders sometimes push back when clients announce they're bringing an independent inspector. So what are your rights?
The Short Answer
No. Inspection access is the owner's right under their building contract — your independent inspector can attend at any stage of construction or at handover.
The Legal Basis
Your right to an independent inspection is protected by two mechanisms.
Your building contract. Standard residential building contracts in Queensland — including the HIA and MBA standard contracts used by most volume builders — include provisions for the owner or their representative to access the site at reasonable times. An independent building inspector attending on your behalf is your representative.
Queensland law. The Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991 and associated legislation establish the framework for new home construction in Queensland. The QBCC's own guidance acknowledges the right of owners to have their homes independently assessed.
The Domestic Building Contracts Act 2000. This Act establishes implied warranties in every residential building contract in Queensland — including the warranty that work will be carried out in a proper and workmanlike manner and in accordance with the plans and specifications. An independent inspection is your mechanism for verifying those warranties are being met.
What Builders Can and Cannot Do
Your builder can: - Request reasonable notice before an inspector attends (24–48 hours is standard) - Require that the inspector doesn't interfere with or direct tradespeople on site - Ask that the inspection is conducted at a time that doesn't unreasonably disrupt active construction work
Your builder cannot: - Refuse access to an independent inspector entirely - Require you to use only their nominated inspector or certifier - Withhold stage progress notifications to prevent you booking an inspection - Penalise you contractually for engaging an independent inspector
Ready to book your inspection? A VG Inspect QBCC-licensed inspector attends every job.
Book an InspectionWhat to Do If Your Builder Pushes Back
If your builder verbally discourages you from getting an independent inspection, that alone is a signal worth noting. Document it in writing — email or message — and keep a record.
If your builder formally refuses access, contact the QBCC on 139 333. The QBCC can advise on your rights and, where appropriate, can intervene.
In practice, the vast majority of builders in SEQ accept independent inspections as a standard part of the construction process. Volume builders like [Metricon](/builders/[metricon](/builders/metricon)), [Coral Homes](/builders/coral-homes), [Brighton Homes](/builders/[brighton](/brighton)-homes) and [GJ Gardner](/builders/gj-gardner) all regularly have VG Inspect attend their sites. Access is rarely an issue.
The Stage Inspection Window
One practical limitation worth understanding: stage inspections have a narrow window. Once your builder notifies you that a stage is complete, the next stage of construction typically begins within days.
For a frame inspection, once plasterboard goes on, the frame is inaccessible. For a pre-pour inspection, once the concrete truck arrives, the window has closed. Book immediately when you receive stage completion notification — don't wait.
The Bottom Line
You have the right to an independent inspection. Exercise it at every stage. The cost of an inspection is a fraction of the cost of a defect that gets buried behind plaster or under tiles because no one was watching.
If you're building in Brisbane or SEQ and want to know more about what an independent inspector checks at each stage, see our guide to new home stage inspections.
Ready to book your inspection? A VG Inspect QBCC-licensed inspector attends every job.
Book an Inspection