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Why Having a Guardian on Your Side Changes Everything

18 Years of Inside Knowledge — Now Working for You

We’ve spent 18 years inside the building industry — reviewing land, drafting homes, managing builds, and solving problems before they become disasters. Now, that experience works for one person only — you.

A Second Set of Eyes During Construction

We’re there to spot the things you might not — from missing finishes to rough paintwork. We help you catch the obvious early and ask the right questions about what’s not.

Independent Support — With No Builder Ties

We don’t work for the builder, and we don’t take a cent from them. Every site visit, every photo, and every question we raise is for your benefit — and yours alone.

We Keep Communication Flowing

From site supervisors to building surveyors, we help ensure your questions get answers. If you’re being left in the dark, we’ll get things moving again.

Escalate Issues Before They Get Buried

We’re not inspectors — but we know when to bring one in. If something doesn’t look right, we raise it early and help you act before it becomes a bigger issue.

You Deserve a Quality Finish — Without the Stress

Builders aim for completion. We aim for quality. We help you stay calm, confident, and in control during the most uncertain phase of your build journey.

Final Handover and Maintenance Walkthrough

We attend your final walkthrough and guide you through maintenance requests. It’s not just about getting the keys — it’s about getting the quality you paid for.

We Know the Process — and the Pressure Points

From contract signing to PCI, we understand how builders operate and where shortcuts can happen. We help you stay one step ahead, all the way to handover.

The Process to Find the Perfect Builder and Plan.

Step 1:
Base Stage Begins

Your site is officially underway — but that doesn’t mean you’re being kept in the loop. We help make sure early activity isn’t happening in silence.

What’s Happening On Site

  • Site scrape, fencing and temporary services installed
  • Underground plumbing and electrical conduits laid
  • Concrete slab is poured and curing begins
  • Build contract now in motion — and timeframes begin to matter

What We Do For You

  • Confirm build has started and identify your key site contact
  • Request photo updates from your builder if you haven’t received any
  • Attend site (if included in your package) to document slab stage from ground and drone
  • Arrange an independent quality inspection (if included in your package) and ensure the report is provided to the supervisor, building surveyor, and you
  • Track and record site delays or concerns to follow up at frame stage

What You Should Know

  • Your slab may look smaller than expected — that’s normal due to perspective
  • It’s critical that plumbing positions are correct now — flag major concerns before frame
  • Weather can cause delays — keep communication open with your builder
  • This is when to begin tracking how responsive your builder is — silence now can mean headaches later

You don’t need to be on site to stay informed — but you do need someone who’s watching what’s happening, asking the right questions, and making sure it’s not all happening behind your back.

Step 2:
Frame Goes Up

As the frame goes up, your home starts to take shape — but now’s the time to double-check that what’s being built matches what you signed off.

What’s Happening On Site

  • Wall frames and roof trusses are installed
  • Steel lintels, bracing, and tie-downs are fixed
  • Windows and door openings are formed
  • Site starts to resemble the shape and feel of your home
  • Surveyor’s frame inspection is typically completed at this stage

What We Do For You

  • Attend site (if included in your package) to photograph frame structure from ground and drone
  • Check window, door, and key wall openings against your floor plan to ensure layout makes sense
  • Raise visual concerns — like missing fixings or misaligned elements — and guide you on what to follow up or escalate
  • Arrange an independent quality inspection (if included in your package) and ensure the report is provided to the supervisor, building surveyor, and you
  • Track any delays, unclear communication, or skipped inspection reports and follow up where needed

What You Should Know

  • Frame stage is your last real chance to confirm layout before plaster goes on
  • Double-check niches, bulkheads, or custom inclusions are framed correctly
  • Ask your builder to walk you through key rooms if you're unsure — now’s the time
  • Builder can’t proceed to the next stage until the frame is officially approved by the surveyor

This is a critical milestone. Having someone check the details now means fewer headaches — and fewer surprises — when you walk through at handover.

Step 3:
Lock-Up Secured

The exterior is sealed, and your home is officially “locked up.” It looks close from the outside — but inside, the critical rough-in work is just beginning.

What’s Happening On Site

  • Bricks or cladding are installed along with windows and external doors
  • Roof is completed — tiles or metal sheeting fixed in place
  • Home is now sealed from weather and ready for internal works
  • Plumbing, electrical, and ducting rough-ins are typically underway or starting

What We Do For You

  • Attend site (if included in your package) to photograph the completed exterior and roof
  • Visually check brickwork, cladding, and window fitment — and flag concerns for follow-up
  • Track the start of internal rough-ins and confirm progress with your builder or support team
  • Arrange an independent quality inspection (if included in your package) and ensure the report is provided to the supervisor, building surveyor, and you
  • Record any delays or builder scope changes that may impact the next stage

What You Should Know

  • “Lock-up” doesn’t always mean secure — some elements may still be temporary
  • Access to the site may tighten here — but you’re still entitled to updates
  • Rough-in locations for plumbing and power are critical — ask to walk through if you’re unsure
  • Ensure photos or visibility of internal services before they’re covered by plaster

It may look close from the street — but most of the real work is still to come. We help you stay connected and make sure what’s locked in is exactly what you expected.

Step 4:
Fixing Takes Shape

The inside of your home is starting to look real — but this stage can also hide shortcuts if you’re not paying attention to the details.

What’s Happening On Site

  • Internal linings (plasterboard or villa board) are installed
  • Skirting boards, architraves, internal doors, and cornices fitted
  • Paintwork begins — ceilings, walls, and trims start to show colour
  • Kitchen, bathroom, and robe cabinetry is installed
  • Tiling may be underway depending on builder scheduling

What We Do For You

  • Attend site (if included in your package) to document internal finishes and key visual elements
  • Check plaster joins, skirtings, cornices, and door placements for workmanship concerns
  • Identify incomplete or messy installations and advise what to raise with your builder
  • Arrange an independent quality inspection (if included in your package) and ensure the report is provided to the supervisor, building surveyor, and you
  • Track whether your selections — especially cabinetry and benchtops — match what was signed off

What You Should Know

  • This is your best chance to review visible finishes before final clean-up begins
  • Double-check joinery positioning, bench heights, and room layouts now — not after handover
  • It’s normal for some trades to overlap here — but quality control becomes harder the later you raise concerns
  • Don't be afraid to ask for clarifications — it's easier to fix now than post-handover

Fixing stage is where rushed builds start to show — unless someone’s watching. We help you spot what matters before the last coat of paint hides it.

Step 5:
Handover and Beyond

This is where it all comes together — but it’s also where clients are most often pressured to sign, accept, and move on. We help you finish strong.

What’s Happening On Site

  • Practical Completion Inspection (PCI) — a formal walkthrough with your builder — is booked
  • Final touch-ups, painting, fittings, and external works are completed
  • Inclusions and selections are finalised and installed
  • Builder issues handover pack and requests final payment
  • Keys are handed over and your maintenance period officially begins

What We Do For You

  • Attend your Practical Completion Inspection (PCI) (if included in your package) and help identify visible defects and unfinished items
  • Ensure all issues are clearly documented and acknowledged before handover
  • Assist in reviewing any missing selections or incomplete inclusions
  • Help you phrase your defect list and follow-up communication to your builder
  • Attend your maintenance inspection (if included in your package) and ensure all new concerns are formally listed

What You Should Know

  • PCI is your last official opportunity to raise issues before handover — take your time and don’t be rushed
  • If you accept your keys with unresolved defects or incomplete works, every issue must be fully documented in writing
  • Never accept handover without a signed record of what still needs to be done
  • Your maintenance period is short — begin documenting concerns as soon as you move in

The final walkthrough is not just a formality — it’s your opportunity to secure the finish you paid for. We’ll help you close the build with confidence.

Pitfalls We Help You Avoid.

A construction site can be overwhelming — and what gets missed along the way can become your problem long after handover. We help you stay informed, spot the signs early, and make sure nothing important slips through unnoticed. Here are just some of the things we help clients avoid:

Missed Defects

Incomplete Defect Lists

Taking Keys Before It’s Ready

No Independent Oversight

No One Speaking Up for You

Wrong Item in the Wrong Spot

Rushed or Messy Finishes

Silent Delays

Missing Handover Documentation

Untracked Maintenance Issues

Which Build Guardian Option is Right for You?

Your Questions, Answered

What happens if something isn’t right during an inspection?

You’ll receive a clear report outlining the issue, with photos and action steps.

We communicate these findings to you and your builder so they can be resolved before the next stage proceeds.

Our priority is to catch issues early — when they’re easier and cheaper to fix.

Do I need independent quality inspections?

We strongly recommend it — especially for structural stages.

An independent building inspector brings technical construction knowledge and is trained to spot issues in framing, slab work, compliance, and defects you might not notice until it's too late.

Our role complements this by focusing on your contract, inclusions, finishes, and fixtures — making sure what’s delivered aligns with what you signed for.

Together, it gives you complete quality assurance — both structural and visual.

What is the final handover review and why does it matter?

The final inspection before handover is one of the most important.

We check that the home is built to contract, that no major defects are visible, and that key items have been completed.

This helps protect you before your builder asks for final payment.

Do you help after handover?

Yes. We can help you prepare your 90-day maintenance list and review the builder’s response.

We also advise on warranty protections and what to escalate if something isn’t being fixed.

How do you handle communication with the builder?

You stay in control — but we’re there to help you communicate clearly and effectively.

We can help write emails, review your portal updates, or join calls to ensure your concerns are taken seriously.

What if my builder pushes back on having a third party?

That’s common — but it’s your right to have support.

We approach the site professionally and respectfully, working collaboratively while still advocating for your interests.

Most builders know we’re here to help keep everyone accountable — not cause friction.

Is Build Guardian suitable for custom homes too?

Absolutely. Custom builds can introduce more complexity and room for error.

We can tailor our inspections and support to suit your build — whether it's a boutique design or a multi-million dollar home.

Not Ready for Full Support?

Start by understanding how to spot issues yourself.

If you’re not quite ready for Build Guardian, this guide will walk you through the key risks and what to watch for during construction — from frame to handover.

Read the Build Quality Guide

Still have questions?

Get in touch — whether it’s a quick question or something you want us to review, we’re here to help.