Frame inspection in Truganina

Stage3 of 7

When to bookRoof trusses on, frame complete, and nothing wrapped or clad yet

Time on site1 to 2 hours on site

Inspected againstAS 1684 (timber framing), AS 4100 or NASH for steel frames, the engineer's bracing and tie-down plan, NCC Part 3.4

What is included in a Truganina frame inspection

Beam and lintel sizes against the engineering
Column and beam connections as specified
Tie-down straps, rods and washer sizes
Bracing walls continuous at top and bottom plates
Strongbacks secured at their ends
Top plate joints blocked and tied
Walls plumb within 5mm over 1.8m
Bottom plate overhang on the slab edge
Slab protrusion into the brick cavity
Wet area set-downs clear of the frame line
Noggings at spacing and around boxes
Window and door openings trimmed
Truss fixings and bearing points
Termite protection visible at the slab edge

Why it matters here

Frame inspections on Truganina builds

On Truganina frames we keep finding the same theme: what was built does not match the engineering. Beams installed at a different size, column connections fixed another way, strongbacks without their end grips. Each is easy to compare against the drawings now and impossible to see once the plasterboard goes up.

What we find at this stage in Truganina

Beams installed at sizes other than drawn
Connections that differ from the engineer's detail
Bottom plates hanging over the slab edge
Slab edge pushing into the brick cavity
Tie-down washers below the minimum size
Walls out of plumb beyond 5mm in 1.8m

Wall frame out of plumb by more than 5mm over 1.8 metres, Truganina — Wall frame out of plumb by more than 5mm over 1.8 metres

Tie-down bolts fitted with washers below the minimum size required, Truganina — Tie-down bolts fitted with washers below the minimum size required

Top plate joint left without the plate or strap that keeps it continuous, Truganina — Top plate joint left without the plate or strap that keeps it continuous

Sample findings

Sample defects found during our frame inspections in Truganina

Annotated findings from Frame inspections.

Beam installed at a different size from the one shown on the drawings, found during a frame inspection in Truganina — Beam installed at a different size from the one shown on the drawings

Bottom plates hanging more than 10mm past the slab edge, reducing their bearing, found during a frame inspection in Truganina — Bottom plates hanging more than 10mm past the slab edge, reducing their bearing

Column connection that does not match the fixing the engineer specified, found during a frame inspection in Truganina — Column connection that does not match the fixing the engineer specified

Tie-down straps missing where upper floor studs bear through the frame below, found during a frame inspection in Truganina — Tie-down straps missing where upper floor studs bear through the frame below

Bottom plate cut through in a bracing wall without an approved fix, found during a frame inspection in Truganina — Bottom plate cut through in a bracing wall without an approved fix

The other stages of a Truganina build

All construction stage inspections in Truganina →

Guides

Construction stage guides for Truganina

4 September 2026 · 6 min read

When the frame does not match the engineering: Truganina frame findings

Beams at the wrong size, connections fixed another way and strongbacks without grips. Why frame stage on a Truganina build is a drawings exercise.

14 August 2026 · 5 min read

Set-downs, slab edges and the 10mm and 20mm limits on Truganina builds

Shower set-downs under the wall line, slab edges in the cavity and honeycombed concrete. What we measure when the frame first sits on the slab.

26 June 2026 · 5 min read

Frame items that are still open at lock-up, and how to stop that happening

Why the lock-up visit on a Truganina build rechecks the frame report, and what a cut top plate, slack bracing and missing tie-downs have in common.

All guides →

FAQ

Frame inspections in Truganina: common questions

What paperwork do you need for the Truganina frame visit?

The engineering drawings, including the bracing and tie-down plan, and the architectural plans. Truss layouts help if you have them.

What if a beam differs from the size on the drawings?

The builder either replaces it or provides an engineer's certificate confirming the installed member is adequate. The report records which applies.

How much of the day does the frame visit take?

One to two hours on site, depending on the size of the house and whether it is double storey.

Are light gauge steel frames inspected as well?

Yes. Steel frames are checked against the manufacturer's details and the engineering, with the same focus on connections, bracing and tie-down.

Does the frame visit also look at the slab edge?

Yes. It is the first time the slab and frame are seen together, so overhangs and protrusions into the cavity show up here.

Are open frame items looked at again before plaster?

Yes, at lock-up we confirm whether the frame items have been fixed before plaster.