Frame Stage Inspection Guide: What It Covers & How to Prepare

The frame stage inspection is the most important inspection during construction. The frame is the skeleton of your home — every wall, opening, height and room size is defined by it. Frame errors caught now are cheap to fix; frame errors caught after lining are very expensive. This guide covers what a frame inspection covers, how to prepare and why it's so important.

Why the Frame Inspection Is So Important

Once the frame is erected and the next stage (lock-up) begins, the frame is covered by external cladding, insulation, plaster and lining. Frame errors — wrong room sizes, incorrect openings, missing bracing — become very expensive to fix. A frame inspection is your last chance to verify the frame is correct before it's covered up.

What a Frame Inspection Covers

• Room sizes — measure each room and compare to the plans
• Ceiling height — measure from the slab to the top plate
• Window openings — check each opening is the right size and position
• Door openings — check each opening is the right size and position
• Wall alignment — check walls are plumb (vertical) and straight
• Bracing — check wall and roof bracing is installed (diagonal braces, metal strap bracing)
• Nailing and bolting — check frames are nailed/bolted correctly
• Stud spacing — check studs are spaced correctly (typically 450mm or 600mm centres)
• Plate fixing — check bottom plates are fixed to the slab
• Beam and lintel sizes — check beams and lintels above openings
• Truss installation — check roof trusses are installed correctly and braced
• Provisions — check provisions are in the frame for plumbing and electrical
• Compliance — check the frame complies with the plans, specifications and building code

How to Prepare

• Get a copy of the plans and specifications — bring them to the inspection
• Bring a tape measure — to measure room sizes, ceiling height and openings
• Bring a spirit level — to check walls are plumb
• Bring a camera/phone — take photos of every room, bracing and connections
• Bring a notepad — record any issues
• Consider hiring a private inspector — $400–$600; they know what to look for
• Arrange the inspection with your builder — don't just show up unannounced

Common Frame Issues

• Wrong room sizes — room is smaller or larger than the plans (often by a few centimetres)
• Wrong ceiling height — doesn't match the specification (e.g. 2400mm instead of 2550mm)
• Wrong window/door openings — wrong size or position
• Missing or inadequate bracing — wall or roof bracing not installed or insufficient
• Insufficient nailing — frames not nailed/bolted correctly; missing fixings
• Out of plumb — walls not vertical; will cause issues with plaster, cabinets and doors
• Stud spacing incorrect — studs too far apart; may not meet building code
• Bottom plate not fixed — bottom plates not properly bolted to the slab

What to Do If Issues Are Found

• Raise the issues with your builder in writing — email with photos and measurements
• The builder should rectify the issues before proceeding to the lock-up stage
• If the builder disputes the issues, a private inspector's report provides evidence
• If the issues are structural, they must be fixed before the frame is lined
• Don't make the frame stage progress payment until issues are resolved

Frequently Asked Questions