Pre Plaster & Frame Inspection
Inspect the structural skeleton of your home before it's covered by plasterboard. Your last chance to see what's behind the walls.
Book before plasterboard goes up — frame must be visible
Why Frame Inspections Are Critical
The frame stage is when your home's structural integrity is established. Once plasterboard goes up, defects in framing, bracing, and services become hidden and expensive to fix.
Our pre-plaster inspection verifies that timber framing meets Australian Standards, structural connections are correct, and services (electrical, plumbing) are properly installed before being covered.
This is your only opportunity to inspect what will be hidden for the life of your home.
What's Included
- Timber frame alignment and straightness
- Structural bracing verification
- Tie-down and connection inspection
- Window and door opening checks
- Electrical rough-in assessment
- Plumbing rough-in inspection
- Insulation installation verification
Includes GST
Common Defects We Find
Real examples from our frame inspections
Digital level showing 17mm deviation
Ceiling insulation installation check
Stud spacing measurement
Replace edge protection noted
HVAC and insulation rough-in
Insulation in shower recess
Bracing strap at wall junction
Door header fixing causing sag
Insulation debris on floor
Ply removed for bricklayers
Wall framing and sarking
Slab edge measurement check
Insulation damage at windows
Meter box level verification
Door adjustment required
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I book a frame inspection?
After the frame is complete (walls, roof trusses, bracing) but BEFORE any cladding, insulation, plasterboard, or services are installed. The frame must be visible for inspection.
What's checked at the frame stage?
Frame straightness and plumb, timber sizing and spacing, bracing adequacy, tie-down fixings, roof truss alignment, window and door opening dimensions, span tables compliance.
What if I miss the frame inspection window?
Once plasterboard goes up, frame defects become hidden and far more expensive to address. If you've missed the window, book a pre-plaster inspection ASAP — you can still catch most issues.
Are frame defects common?
In our experience, yes. The frame stage typically reveals 15–25 items per home — usually workmanship issues like out-of-plumb studs, missing nogs, or incorrect tie-down fixings.
Will my builder mind an independent frame inspection?
Professional builders welcome independent verification — it protects them too. Most builders are happy to have an independent set of eyes, and it confirms the quality of their work.
How long does a frame inspection take?
1.5–2 hours on site for a typical home. Larger or two-storey homes take longer.
How much does a frame inspection cost?
$550 inc GST.
Most clients who book a frame inspection book us through to handover. See our construction stage inspections for the full build journey.
Don't Let Problems Hide Behind Walls
Book before plasterboard goes up — frame must be visible
Book your pre-plaster inspection before the plasterboard goes up. It's your last chance to see the bones of your home.