Inspections

Frame Stage Inspection Checklist

Pre-payment checklist for your frame stage inspection. Covers structural framing, roof trusses, bracing, lintels, and pre-lining checks before linings go on.

Frame Stage Inspection Checklist

Pre-payment checklist for your frame stage inspection. Covers structural framing, roof trusses, bracing, lintels, and pre-lining checks before linings go on.

When to use this checklist: Use this before releasing your frame-stage progress payment and before internal linings (plasterboard) are installed. Once linings go on, defects in the frame are hidden and expensive to fix. Your builder is required to pass a frame inspection with a certifier — request to sight the sign-off certificate.

📋 Documentation to request

Frame inspection certificate from certifier or council — must be signed before linings

Engineer's specification for steel beams, posts, and any engineered timber products

Roof truss engineering drawings — compare species, size, and layout on site

Approved plans — compare room layout, wall positions, and window openings

Termite management system certificate (if installed at frame stage)

🪵 Wall framing

Stud size and spacing matches specification — typically 90 × 35 mm at 600 mm centres

All studs plumb (vertical) — check with a level; lean should not exceed 5 mm per 1.2 m

Top and bottom plates continuous and correctly fixed to studs

Double or triple studs at window and door jambs

No notches or holes in studs for pipes or cables outside permitted limits

Noggins (noggings) at mid-height and where required by spec

Wall heights consistent — measure ceiling height in each room

No bowed, twisted, or green (wet) timber that will cause cracking in linings

External wall framing is flush — run a straight edge along studs to check

🏗️ Lintels and openings

Lintels installed over all window and door openings

Lintel size matches engineer's specification — measure depth and width

Lintels bearing correctly at both ends — minimum bearing typically 90 mm

Window openings square — measure both diagonals; difference should be under 5 mm

Door openings plumb and at correct width

All steel lintels primed or galvanised — no bare steel in external walls

Rough opening dimensions match window/door schedule

🔩 Bracing

Bracing panels installed — compare location and quantity to bracing plan

Diagonal steel strap bracing correctly fixed at top and bottom — no loose ends

Plywood or hardboard bracing panels full height, correctly nailed at perimeter

Bracing anchor bolts in slab where required by engineer

Hold-down rods or brackets at bracing points — not missing

Bracing distributed on all four elevations — not concentrated on one side

📐 Floor framing (if raised timber floor)

Floor joist size and spacing matches specification

Joists level — check with spirit level across width and length

Blocking or bridging installed where required

Floor sheeting fixed with ring-shank or structural screws — no smooth-shanked nails

No gaps or damaged sheets

Bearers and posts straight and correctly supported

⚡ Pre-lining services

Electrical wiring rough-in complete and inspected — outlets, switches, and light positions per electrical plan

Plumbing rough-in complete — hot and cold water pipes, waste pipes, vents

Gas rough-in complete where applicable

Insulation installed in external wall cavities before linings (if required at this stage)

Ducting for rangehood, bathroom exhaust, and AC penetrations in place

Waterproof membrane applied to wet area walls before tiling — certificate requested

All pre-lining inspections signed off by certifier or council

No debris or offcuts left inside wall cavities

📝 Defects noted on inspection

Track defects digitally with Checka

This checklist helps you spot issues. Checka helps you document them with photos, share reports with your builder, and track what gets fixed.

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