Slab Pour Checklist
The slab pour is a point of no return. Once the concrete is poured and hardened, fixing errors inside the slab is expensive or impossible. A pre-pour inspection hold point exists for exactly this reason.
The certifier hold point
Your private certifier must inspect and sign off on the slab reinforcing, drainage and services before the concrete is poured. This is a mandatory hold point: work cannot proceed without it.
Do not book the concrete pour without first confirming the certifier has issued their sign-off. Pouring concrete before inspection means the certifier will require a core sample or, in serious cases, slab removal.
What the certifier checks
- Reinforcing steel placement (bar sizes, spacing, cover to edges and top/bottom)
- Termite barrier continuity and connection
- Drainage rough-in below the slab
- Services conduits or sleeves penetrating the slab
- Compaction of the base (earthworks completed correctly)
- Form dimensions and levels
Your own pre-pour checklist
Before the pour, walk the slab with this checklist:
Earthworks and base
- Earthworks are complete and approved by engineer
- Any fill material is the specified type and has been compacted to engineer’s specification
- No water pooling in the base
- Form edges are set to the correct level and dimension
Termite barrier
- Physical termite barrier is installed and continuous around the perimeter
- Barrier is connected at all service penetrations
- Installation certificate has been issued by the barrier installer
- Any gaps or overlaps have been addressed
Drainage and services
- All drainage pipes are installed and at correct falls
- Drain locations match the plumber’s drawings
- All electrical conduits or sleeves are in place
- Service penetrations are sleeved or sealed for termite continuity
- Any gas conduits or sleeves are in place
Reinforcing steel
- Steel is the specified bar diameter and spacing (confirm against engineer’s drawing)
- Chair heights are correct (steel at the specified height within the slab)
- Lap lengths are correct at splices
- Edge cover is maintained (steel is not touching the formwork)
- No steel is cut incorrectly without engineer’s approval
- Hold-down bolts or starter bars are in the correct positions
Hold point confirmation
- Certifier has inspected and issued hold point sign-off
- Signed copy of hold point documentation received
What happens at the pour itself
On the day of the pour, the concreter will pump and screed the concrete. Be on site for the pour, because as the owner-builder you are responsible for what happens on the site.
After the pour, allow appropriate curing time before loading the slab. Concrete reaches approximately 70% of its strength in 7 days, but full strength takes 28 days. Your engineer will specify when framing can begin.
Slab pour checklist: FAQ
What is the most common problem found at the pre-pour inspection?
Inadequate cover on the reinforcing steel (steel touching the formwork rather than being held at the correct height), incorrect drainage falls and gaps in the termite barrier are the most commonly identified issues. All can be corrected before the pour if caught in time.
Can I pour the slab before the certifier inspects?
No. The pre-pour inspection is a mandatory hold point. Pouring without inspection may require a core sample to verify reinforcement or in cases of serious non-compliance, slab removal. The risk is not worth it.
How long before the pour should I book the certifier inspection?
Give your certifier at least 48 hours' notice, or longer if they have indicated their availability is limited. Confirm a specific time and make sure your slab contractor is aware of the hold point requirement.
Newsletter
Follow the build
One documented Coorparoo project - the costs, the approvals, the calls we would reverse. Lessons that translate, straight to your inbox.