Adelaide Independent Building Inspections AIBI

Adelaide Independent Building Inspections AIBI . Our reports assist our clients in making a more informed decision about their acquisition.

AIBI provides independent residential and commercial building inspections for pre-purchased, newly built, stage construction and rental properties and engineering design review service. Our inspector is a registered master inspector, building consultant and chartered engineer with a strong background in engineering who is recognised in the industry as being highly capable of undertaking property inspections and issuing reports in accordance with Australian Standard AS4349.0 and AS4349.1. The inspection report our clients receive is based on our master inspector’s visual inspection of the property and is provided in a detailed and easy to understand format with accompanying photographs that enable our client to form a better understanding of the condition of the property. Our building consultant is highly qualified to offer engineering design review of new, extension and alteration of residential house that enable our client to understand if the design the client receive from their builder or design consultant is an optimum and cost effective solution for the build. AIBI and our inspector have no conflict of interest or is likely to have any interest, financial benefits, advantages or otherwise with any real estate companies, real estate agent, builders and building works contractors, thus, we always formulate and provide our clients with unbiased opinions when we undertake inspection, building consultancy and engineering design review.

04/09/2026

A newly completed ensuite may look ready for handover, but closer inspection can tell a different story.

During this pre-handover inspection, several issues were identified within one ensuite, including:

• inadequate continuity between the waterstop and the waterproofing detail at the sliding door;
• inadequate floor gradient within the shower area; and
• a shower control installed approximately 2.1 metres above floor level, making normal operation difficult.

Some defects are not readily apparent during a general walkthrough. Appropriate inspection, measurement and assessment of the construction details can identify issues that should be addressed before handover.

02/09/2026

Defects don’t always stop at the property boundary.

During our inspections of two new townhouses within this development, gravel backfill associated with the new works was observed extending to the boundary and covering the termite inspection zone of the neighbouring property.

The condition not only obstructs visual inspection of the termite inspection zone, but may also provide a concealed pathway for termite entry and conceal evidence of termite activity.

This is particularly concerning where the neighbouring dwelling incorporates timber-framed construction.

A building inspection should not be limited to looking at individual components in isolation. Construction works can affect adjoining elements — and sometimes adjoining properties.

Sometimes, you need to look beyond the property you’re inspecting.

01/09/2026

A box gutter defect should not always be considered in isolation.

During this pre-handover inspection, the box gutter was observed without adequate sump and overflow provision. Further inspection of the adjoining external wall also identified concerns with the box gutter height and flashing arrangement.

At several locations, the weatherproofing detail relied heavily on silicone sealant rather than appropriate flashing construction. Sealants can deteriorate with age and should not be relied upon as the primary means of providing long-term weatherproofing where appropriate construction detailing is required.

Other sections were observed without adequate sealing at all — despite the property approaching handover.

The combination of inadequate box gutter overflow provision and deficient flashing can increase the potential consequences if the gutter becomes blocked or overwhelmed during heavy rainfall.

One construction defect can make another defect more significant.

08/08/2026

Site drainage is not something that only matters after landscaping is completed.

AS2870:2011 contains requirements for controlling surface drainage and runoff during construction, together with requirements relating to excavations, backfilling and fill around footing systems.

At this pre-handover inspection, observations included uncontrolled surface runoff, downpipe discharge onto natural ground adjacent to the building, inadequately backfilled areas and exposed fill/slope susceptible to erosion.

These conditions should not simply be dismissed as future landscaping works where they affect the moisture conditions and support around the footing system.

Independent inspections can identify issues that may otherwise remain at handover.

07/08/2026

An overhead shower head installed at approximately 1.8 m above the finished floor may technically operate, but its practical usability should also be considered.

With the average Australian male around 1.75 m tall, this installation leaves very little head clearance. Taller occupants may find the shower head positioned at or below head level.

A pre-handover inspection is not only about identifying major defects — it can also identify workmanship and installation issues that affect the practical use of the completed home.

02/08/2026

This tie-down anchor should have been fully supported by properly installed non-shrink grout. Instead, cracking has left part of the anchor exposed.

Identifying defects at the timber frame stage allows them to be assessed and rectified before they are concealed, helping to reduce costly rectification later.

31/07/2026

A bedroom window was observed with a sill height below 1.7 metres and an opening exceeding 125 mm.

The National Construction Code includes requirements intended to reduce the risk of young children falling from open windows in these situations. Where the observed construction does not follow the Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions, the builder should demonstrate compliance with the NCC or arrange appropriate rectification.

This is the type of safety issue an independent pre-handover inspection is intended to identify before you move in.

03/05/2026

Timber frame inspection — significant bracing and tie-down defects

Significant structural defects were identified in the timber framing.

Bracing walls were found to be fixed only to the flooring, rather than being properly connected through noggings or directly to the floor truss system.

In addition, wall bracing was not bolted to the floor frame, compromising the intended load path.

Tie-down metal straps connecting the roof trusses to the bottom plate were not installed, resulting in inadequate resistance to uplift forces.

These defects affect the structural stability of the building and must be rectified.

03/05/2026

Multi-dwelling inspection — fire separation defects

Assisted an interstate client in inspecting four newly constructed townhouses within a development.

All dwellings were found to have significant fire safety defects at the fire separation walls. A continuous gap was observed between the top of the fire separation wall and the underside of the roof covering, with no fire-resisting material installed.

This condition allows for the rapid spread of fire and smoke between dwellings, posing a serious risk to occupants and neighbouring properties.

Even small pencil size opening can permit smoke to spread quickly, significantly compromising life safety.

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Adelaide, SA
5000

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