When a new home reaches lock-up stage, most of the structure is enclosed. The roof covering is on, windows are installed, external doors are fitted, and the building can be secured. For many homeowners, this feels like a major milestone. From an inspection perspective, however, lock-up is one of the most critical stages to assess roof flashing and fascia installation. This is the point where the building first becomes weather-resistant, and in Melbourne’s growth corridors, we
When a new home is being built, most attention goes to the slab, frame, brickwork and finishes. External drainage tends to receive less focus, yet it plays a very important role in protecting the home from water damage over the long term. One of the small but important details inspectors often review is how the downpipes connect into the underground stormwater system, including the rollover bend that directs roof water into the drain. This article explains what homeowners com
Gutters play a simple but important role in a home’s drainage system. They collect roof water and guide it toward downpipes so it can be carried safely away from the building. For this process to work effectively, gutters rely on a consistent fall along their length. Where the fall is insufficient, commonly referenced as less than a minimum of 1:500, water may not drain as intended. Roof drainage installation is often reviewed around lock-up stage, which sits within the broad
