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 i

nspections 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.

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.

19/04/2026

Waterproofing inspection — poor workmanship

Multiple defects were identified in the waterproofing installation, including damaged waterstops, and incomplete membrane application at floor waste areas.

Additional issues include excessive gaps between the bathtub and water-resistant plasterboard, inadequate fixing of plasterboard, missing waterproofing at wall junctions, poor perimeter flashing, and areas of damaged waterproofing.

These defects compromise the integrity of the waterproofing system and may lead to water ingress and damage if not rectified.

17/04/2026

Timber frame inspection — structural defects

Significant defects were identified during the timber frame inspection.

The tie-down anchor bolts to the double bottom plate were not of sufficient length to achieve proper embedment into the concrete slab. A recess was cut into the bottom plate to accommodate the fixing, which compromises the integrity of the wall frame, particularly in bracing walls.

Substandard size of anchor bolt for tie down was identified.

In addition, the connection between wall bracing and the roof truss bottom chord was not installed in accordance with AS 1684.2:2021, affecting the intended load transfer.

These defects impact structural performance and require rectification.

17/04/2026

Bathroom drainage defect — water overflow

The client reported that during shower use, water overflows from the shower area and migrates across the bathroom floor toward the exit, affecting the adjoining bedroom.

A controlled water test confirmed rapid ponding within 30 seconds, with overflow occurring at approximately 1 minute 30 seconds, passing the installed deflector and spreading beyond the shower area.

The builder has advised this is “normal” for a stepless shower and attributed the issue to drain debris, proposing a deflector as a solution. No rectification of floor gradients has been undertaken.

However, the condition does not meet the NCC 2022 Performance Requirement Clause SA H4P1(2) for South Australia, which requires wet area floors to prevent water accumulation that may create unhealthy or hazardous conditions.

Measured gradients of approximately 6–10 mm over 1000 mm are below the required 12–20 mm, and do not comply with Housing Provisions Clauses SA 10.2.33(4) for SA and 10.2.12.

07/04/2026

Pre-purchase inspection — smoke alarm non-compliance

A non-compliant smoke alarm installation was identified in a recently renovated property.

The detector location appeared unusual, prompting further inspection. It was found that the unit was not hard-wired, which does not meet South Australian legislative requirements for Class 1 building.

In addition, where multiple smoke alarms are installed, they are required to be interconnected — this was not evident.

Smoke alarms are a critical life safety system and must be installed correctly.

02/04/2026

Timber frame completion inspection — significant structural defects

Multiple critical structural defects were identified at the completion of the timber frame stage.

Steel-to-timber and timber-to-timber connections were not installed in accordance with the engineering drawings.

In several locations, M6 bolts and 6mm screws were used where M16 bolts were specified, and some connections were either incomplete or missing.

Roof truss hangers were not adequately nailed.

In addition, floor trusses were found bearing onto non-loadbearing walls, which can lead to overstressing and damage to the truss bottom chords under load.

Wall framing also showed deficienciy, including cut wall studs within bracing walls for services, compromising structural integrity.

These defects significantly affect the load path, stability, and overall structural performance of the building and must be rectified prior to further construction.

27/03/2026

Pre-handover inspection — stormwater defects

Substandard installation found: pipes laid on loose, uneven ground with no proper bedding support. Ground conditions also appear not adequately compacted.

This does not align with AS/NZS 3500.3 Clause 6.3.5.

If backfilled and covered, this can lead to pipe movement, damage, and future failure.

Another issue best caught before it’s concealed.

26/03/2026

Pre-handover inspection — safety defect

A significant issue was identified in the sanitary compartment. The clear space between the closet pan and doorway is less than 1.2 m, and the door cannot be lifted off its hinges due to insufficient head clearance.

This does not comply with the relevant Housing Provisions, which requires doors to be removable where space is limited.

In an emergency, this may prevent access or removal of an unconscious person.

Another critical issue identified before handover.

24/03/2026

Waterproofing defects — new build in SA

Multiple issues found not in accordance with NCC 2022, AS3740:2021, AS/NZS2589:2017 and AS/NZS2588:2018, including missing waterstops, poor detailing, and inadequate falls.

Once tiled, these defects are concealed and costly to fix.

This is why stage inspections matter.

23/03/2026

Stage inspection identified a major drainage defect.

The roof sheeting is discharging directly into a sump, with the box gutter completely missing.

Left unrectified, this can lead to overflow, water ingress, and long-term damage.

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Adelaide, SA
5000

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