The lock up stage is a mandatory milestone in every Australian construction project. At this point the building envelope must be complete before the builder issues a payment claim for lock up stage completion. This means the roof must be installed according to the approved drawings with the correct pitch, fasteners and sarking where required, and all windows must be fitted using the specified materials and meet weatherproofing requirements.
Many defects at lock up stage go unnoticed until it is too late to rectify them without major disruption. Even when builders are aware of a flaw they may be unable or unwilling to correct it once the project moves past this point. In some cases a single overlooked defect can remain with the building indefinitely unless costly remediation works are undertaken. If the cost of legal action exceeds the cost of repair, homeowners effectively lose their right to a defect-free property.
To protect your interests we strongly recommend engaging an independent building inspector at lock up stage. An inspector will verify compliance with drawings and Australian Standards, identify any hidden defects and help you resolve issues before the next stage of construction begins.
