Mandatory Building Inspections in Victoria
Mandatory Stage Inspections
Every building permit issued in Victoria specifies the mandatory inspection stages at which work must be inspected before proceeding further. These inspections are a legal requirement and exist to ensure construction meets the approved plans, the National Construction Code, and applicable Australian Standards.
Prescribed stages (regulation 167) and additional inspections
For construction or alteration of a building, regulation 167 of the Building Regulations 2018 prescribes these mandatory notification stages (your permit may omit stages that are not relevant under regulation 170):
- Before placing a footing
- Before pouring an in-situ reinforced concrete member specified in the building permit
- Completion of framework
- Final, on the completion of all building work
Separately, regulation 172 can require inspection of fire and smoke resisting building elements. That sits beside the regulation 167 list, not inside it.
Waterproofing is not a prescribed regulation 167 stage. Under BPC practice note MI-01, the relevant building surveyor can require additional inspections as a permit condition. Waterproofing of wet areas and fire-rated elements are common examples. If wet-area waterproofing appears on your permit, treat it as an extra condition, not as a prescribed mandatory stage.
Pools and demolition have their own prescribed stages under regulations 169 and 168. Always follow the stages printed on your own permit.
As your appointed building surveyor, we coordinate the inspections on your permit. Our registered inspectors attend at each nominated stage, assess the works against the approved documentation, and either approve the stage or issue a direction to fix non-compliant work.
Practical tips:
- Allow adequate time: do not book an inspection for the same day you expect the stage to be ready
- Ensure the relevant trade is available to answer questions during the inspection
- Have approved plans on site at all times
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How mandatory stage inspections work with NEBA
Your building permit lists the stages that must be inspected before work can continue. We book those visits around your builder’s program across North East Victoria, from footing through to final. Give us notice before a stage is covered so we can attend while everything is still visible.
On a typical Victorian house permit you will usually see the regulation 167 stages that apply (before placing a footing, in-situ reinforced concrete where specified, completion of framework, and final), plus any additional inspections NEBA sets as permit conditions, such as wet-area waterproofing. Follow the stages printed on your permit rather than a generic checklist. See also our guide to mandatory building inspection stages.
Practical tips for a smooth inspection
- Book ahead. Same-day inspections are rarely realistic across a regional service area.
- Have approved plans on site and make sure the work matches them.
- Keep access clear for the inspector, including ladders where height work is involved.
- If something fails, we explain what must be fixed before reinspection.
Appointing NEBA as your relevant building surveyor keeps permit conditions and inspections with one practice. See also our guide to mandatory building inspection stages and contact us with your permit number.