Pre-Plaster/Lock-Up Stage Checklist
The Pre-Plaster/Lock-Up Stage is a critical milestone in the construction process, as it marks the completion of the building's external shell and the commencement of internal service installations. Darbecca�s role at this stage is to ensure that the building is fully enclosed and weather-tight, and that all preparatory work for the next stages is completed.
We begin by verifying the installation and sealing of windows, doors, and cladding. This ensures that the building is properly sealed against the elements, preventing drafts, water ingress, and other environmental issues that could affect the building�s long-term durability. If the building is located in a bushfire-prone area, Darbecca ensures that the materials and methods used comply with AS 3959 (Construction of Buildings in Bushfire-Prone Areas). This may involve checking that fire-resistant glass and cladding systems are correctly installed, and that the appropriate measures are in place to protect the building from bushfire risks.
The alignment of walls is another critical element we inspect during this phase. Darbecca verifies that all walls are straight, plumb, and properly aligned, ensuring that the building will be ready for plastering. Noggins, or horizontal framing members, are checked to ensure they are correctly positioned to provide additional stability for wall structures, especially where plasterboard or other wall materials will be fixed.
At the same time, Darbecca ensures that plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems are correctly installed. We verify that all plumbing is compliant with AS 3500 (Plumbing and Drainage), ensuring that pipes, drains, and fittings are correctly placed and secured. Similarly, we check that electrical wiring is installed according to AS 3000 (Electrical Installations) and that ducting for HVAC systems is correctly laid out and sealed to prevent energy loss or inefficiencies.
Finally, Darbecca inspects the roofing to ensure that all roof tiles or sheets are securely installed according to the manufacturer�s guidelines, AS 2050, the NCC, and SA HB 39. We also ensure that pliable membranes are correctly applied to prevent moisture penetration, following AS 4200 (Pliable Building Membranes and Underlay), and verify that insulation is installed as per energy efficiency requirements.
