Framing Inspection Checklist

The framing inspection is one of the most detailed hold points in a build-under. The certifier must sign off before any lining work begins. Here is what to check before you call them.

Why this hold point matters

The frame is covered by plasterboard and cladding, so once it is lined you cannot easily see or access what is behind it. The framing inspection is the certifier’s last chance to verify compliance before everything is hidden.

Arriving at this inspection with issues costs you time, because the work stops until the items are fixed and the certifier returns. Passing the inspection with hidden issues is worse, since those problems may not emerge for years and are expensive to fix once the linings are on.

What the certifier checks

The certifier assesses the frame against the structural engineer’s drawings and the NCC span tables. These are the items they focus on.

• Bearer and joist sizes. The structural elements must match the engineer’s specification and NCC span tables.
• Bracing. Wall bracing must be installed in the specified locations and to the specified method (structural plywood, metal diagonal strapping, etc.).
• Tie-down fixings. Hurricane ties or equivalent must connect the frame to the slab or bearers at the specified intervals.
• Stud height and spacing. Wall studs at the correct centres and height, with correct bottom plate and top plate installation.
• Lintel sizes and bearing. Door and window lintels at the correct size with adequate bearing on either side.
• Connection hardware. Joist hangers, post caps, hold-down bolts and connection hardware correctly installed.
• Frame alignment. Walls plumb and square within tolerance.

Your pre-inspection checklist

Walk through the frame and check these items yourself before calling the certifier:

Bearers and joists (ground floor to first floor connection)

• Bearer sizes match the engineer’s drawing
• Joist hangers installed at all bearer-to-joist connections
• Joist sizes match the drawing
• Trimmer and header sizes around openings match the drawing

External wall framing

• Stud centres at 450 mm or 600 mm as specified
• Noggings installed at mid-height
• Bracing installed in locations specified by the engineer
• Top plates continuous and lapped at corners
• Bottom plates secured to the slab at specified intervals

Window and door openings

• Lintel sizes match the engineer’s drawing
• Lintel bearing length is adequate on each side
• Sill plates installed below windows
• Rough opening dimensions match the window/door schedule

Connections

• Tie-down connections from top plate to bearers or slab at specified positions
• All connection hardware is the specified type (not substituted without engineer approval)

General

• Frame is plumb and square
• No structural members cut, notched or drilled without engineer approval
• All timber is the correct grade and species for the application
• No visible moisture damage or distortion in the timber

Common issues found at frame inspection

A handful of problems account for most of the items certifiers flag at this hold point. Check these carefully before you book.

Bracing in wrong locations. Wall bracing must sit in the positions the engineer specified, not wherever was convenient during framing. This is one of the most common issues.

Inadequate tie-downs. Hurricane ties or equivalent must be at the specified intervals. Missing connections are a common flag.

Oversized penetrations. Tradies sometimes cut or notch structural members such as studs and plates larger than is permitted. Any penetration through a structural member without the engineer’s approval may need to be remediated.

Wrong lintel sizes. If the opening sizes changed from the original design, lintel sizes may also need to change. Confirm with the engineer before framing larger openings.