Owner-Builder Build-Under Checklist

What’s included

The checklist covers eight stages of a raise and build-under project. Each stage has a list of items to verify before you proceed — things to check yourself, things to confirm with your trades, and the items that inspectors commonly flag when they haven’t been caught earlier.

1. 01

   Pre-raise preparation

   Services disconnection sign-off, temporary bracing checklist, structural engineer sign-off on temporary works, access clearances.

2. 02

   Raise day

   Pre-lift verification, jack position checks, what to monitor during the rise, crib stack inspection before anyone goes under.

3. 03

   Temporary support period

   Daily crib checks, weather protection requirements, site security, what can and cannot happen while the house is suspended.

4. 04

   Slab preparation

   Earthworks compaction sign-off, termite barrier installation and inspection, reinforcing steel check, drainage and services rough-in.

5. 05

   Frame inspection hold point

   Bearer and joist sizes, span compliance, connection hardware, bracing, tie-down bolting to stumps — what the certifier is checking and what to pre-check yourself.

6. 06

   Rough-in services

   Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC rough-in — what needs to be in before plasterboard, what the inspector will want to see, sequencing conflicts to avoid.

7. 07

   Lining and insulation

   Vapour barrier continuity, insulation R-value confirmation, fire separation requirements, pre-lining inspection sign-off.

8. 08

   Fit-out and final inspection

   Completion checklist for each trade, what triggers the final inspection, Occupancy Certificate documentation, as-built records to keep.

Who it’s for

• → Owner-builders in Queensland planning a full raise and build-under
• → Anyone partway through a build-under who wants to know what to check before each hold point
• → People who've engaged a builder but want to understand what the inspection stages involve
• → Anyone who has received conflicting advice about what's required at each stage

The checklist is specific to Queensland — it reflects QBCC requirements, Brisbane City Council inspection processes, and the way hold points typically work with private building certifiers in South East Queensland. If you’re in another state, the structure will still be useful but some specifics won’t apply.