NHBRC Inspection Stages: What Happens at Each Stage

Building a home in South Africa means navigating NHBRC inspection stages — mandatory quality checks that verify your construction meets minimum building standards. These inspections aren’t optional. They’re required by law under the Housing Consumers Protection Measures Act, and failing an inspection can halt your project until defects are rectified.

For builders and property developers, understanding NHBRC inspection stages is essential. Each stage has specific requirements, common failure points, and preparation steps that determine whether you pass or fail. A failed inspection doesn’t just delay your project — it can affect payment schedules, completion dates, and your ability to obtain occupation certificates.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of each NHBRC inspection stage. We’ll cover what inspectors check, common defects found, how to prepare, timeline requirements, and what happens if you fail. We’ll also explain how construction management software can help you track inspection stages and ensure you’re always ready.

Overview of the NHBRC Inspection Process

The NHBRC conducts five mandatory inspections during residential construction. These inspections occur at critical stages of construction, verifying that work meets approved plans and minimum building standards before you proceed to the next stage.

The Five Inspection Stages

Stage 1: Foundation — After excavation, before concrete pour
Stage 2: Wall Plate — When walls are complete, before roof structure
Stage 3: Roof Structure — After roof frame installation, before roof covering
Stage 4: Practical Completion — When home is substantially complete
Stage 5: Final Inspection — After all work is complete, before handover

Each stage must be passed before you can proceed to the next construction phase. Failing an inspection means rectifying defects and scheduling a re-inspection, which can delay your project by days or weeks.

Notification Requirements

You must notify the NHBRC at least 48 hours before each inspection stage. Notification can be done online through the NHBRC portal, by phone, or via email. The NHBRC will schedule an inspector to visit your site, typically within 2-3 business days of your request.

Important: Don’t proceed to the next construction stage until you’ve passed the current inspection. Proceeding without passing an inspection can result in penalties and may affect warranty coverage.

Inspection Timing and Scheduling

Plan your construction schedule around inspection stages. Delays in inspections can cascade through your project timeline, affecting completion dates and payment schedules. Build buffer time into your schedule for potential re-inspections.

Pro tip: Schedule inspections as soon as you’re ready. Don’t wait until the last minute — inspectors have busy schedules, and delays in inspection scheduling can delay your entire project.

Stage 1: Foundation Inspection

The foundation inspection is the first critical checkpoint. It occurs after foundation excavation is complete but before concrete is poured. This inspection verifies that foundation dimensions, depth, and preparation meet approved plans and building standards.

What the Inspector Checks

Foundation dimensions and depth:

Foundation width matches approved plans (typically 600mm for single-storey, 900mm for double-storey)
Foundation depth meets minimum requirements (typically 450mm below ground level, or as specified by geotechnical report)
Foundation is level and square (checking diagonals and levels)
Foundation alignment matches building layout on site

Soil conditions and geotechnical compliance:

Soil conditions are suitable for foundation construction
Geotechnical report requirements are met (if required)
Foundation is not in areas of poor soil or waterlogging
Site drainage is adequate to prevent water accumulation around foundations

Foundation reinforcement:

Reinforcement bars (rebar) are correctly positioned according to structural drawings
Rebar spacing matches specifications (typically 200mm centres)
Rebar is properly tied and secured
Rebar cover (concrete cover over reinforcement) meets minimum requirements (typically 50mm)

Foundation preparation:

Foundation trench is clean and free of debris
Foundation base is level and compacted
Formwork (if used) is correctly positioned and secure
No water accumulation in foundation trench

Site drainage:

Site drainage is adequate to prevent water from accumulating around foundations
Drainage channels are positioned correctly
Surface water will drain away from foundations

Common Defects Found at Foundation Stage

Incorrect foundation depth:

Foundation not deep enough (less than 450mm below ground level)
Foundation depth doesn’t match geotechnical report requirements
Foundation in areas of poor soil without proper treatment

Foundation dimension errors:

Foundation width narrower than approved plans
Foundation not square (diagonals don’t match)
Foundation alignment doesn’t match building layout

Reinforcement errors:

Rebar incorrectly positioned or missing
Rebar spacing incorrect (too wide or too narrow)
Insufficient rebar cover (concrete cover less than 50mm)
Rebar not properly tied or secured

Site drainage issues:

Inadequate site drainage causing water accumulation
Drainage channels not positioned correctly
Surface water draining toward foundations instead of away

Geotechnical compliance:

Missing geotechnical report when required
Foundation not complying with geotechnical report recommendations
Foundation in areas of expansive clay without proper treatment

How to Prepare for Foundation Inspection

Before excavation:

Review approved building plans and structural drawings
Check if geotechnical report is required (expansive clay, high water table, slopes)
Obtain geotechnical report if required
Mark foundation positions accurately on site

During excavation:

Excavate to correct depth (450mm minimum, or as per geotechnical report)
Ensure foundation width matches plans (600mm for single-storey, 900mm for double-storey)
Check foundation is square (measure diagonals)
Ensure foundation base is level and compacted
Remove any debris or water from foundation trench

Reinforcement installation:

Position rebar according to structural drawings
Ensure rebar spacing matches specifications (200mm centres)
Ensure rebar cover meets minimum requirements (50mm)
Tie rebar securely to prevent movement during concrete pour

Site drainage:

Ensure site drainage channels are positioned correctly
Verify surface water will drain away from foundations
Check for areas of water accumulation

Before inspection:

Clean foundation trench of debris
Remove any water accumulation
Verify all dimensions match approved plans
Ensure geotechnical requirements are met (if applicable)
Notify NHBRC at least 48 hours before inspection

Timeline Requirements

Foundation inspection should be scheduled:

After foundation excavation is complete
After reinforcement is installed
Before concrete is poured
Within 48 hours of notifying NHBRC (inspector will schedule visit)

Don’t pour concrete until foundation inspection is passed. Pouring concrete before passing inspection can result in penalties and may require foundation removal if defects are found.

What Happens If You Fail Foundation Inspection

If you fail foundation inspection, you’ll receive a report detailing defects that must be rectified. Common rectification requirements:

Depth issues — Excavate deeper if foundation not deep enough
Dimension errors — Adjust foundation width or alignment
Reinforcement errors — Reposition or add reinforcement bars
Drainage issues — Install or adjust site drainage
Geotechnical compliance — Address geotechnical requirements

You cannot pour concrete until defects are rectified and inspection is passed. The NHBRC will schedule a re-inspection once you’ve addressed the issues. Re-inspections typically occur within 2-3 business days.

Impact of failure: Foundation inspection failure can delay your project by 1-2 weeks, affecting your entire construction schedule and payment certificates.

Stage 2: Wall Plate Level Inspection

The wall plate inspection occurs when walls are complete and the wall plate (top plate) is installed, but before the roof structure is added. This inspection verifies that wall construction meets approved plans and building standards.

What the Inspector Checks

Wall dimensions and alignment:

Wall heights match approved plans
Wall lengths and positions match building layout
Walls are plumb (vertical) and level
Wall alignment is correct (walls square to each other)

Wall construction:

Brickwork or blockwork meets minimum standards
Mortar joints are properly filled and consistent
Wall construction method matches approved plans (brick, block, or other)
Wall thickness matches specifications

Wall plate installation:

Wall plate is correctly installed and level
Wall plate is properly secured to walls
Wall plate dimensions match structural requirements
Wall plate alignment is correct

Damp proofing:

Damp proof course (DPC) is installed correctly at base of walls
DPC is continuous and properly sealed
DPC height matches specifications (typically 150mm above ground level)
No gaps or damage in DPC

Window and door openings:

Window and door openings are correctly positioned
Opening dimensions match approved plans
Lintels are installed correctly above openings
Opening heights match specifications

Structural elements:

Load-bearing walls are correctly identified and constructed
Non-load-bearing walls meet minimum standards
Wall ties (if required) are correctly installed
Structural connections are sound

Common Defects Found at Wall Plate Stage

Wall dimension errors:

Wall heights don’t match approved plans
Wall positions don’t match building layout
Walls not plumb (out of vertical)
Walls not square to each other

Wall construction defects:

Poor brickwork or blockwork (uneven joints, gaps)
Mortar joints not properly filled
Wall construction doesn’t match approved method
Wall thickness incorrect

Wall plate errors:

Wall plate not level
Wall plate not properly secured
Wall plate dimensions incorrect
Wall plate alignment incorrect

Damp proofing issues:

Damp proof course missing or incorrectly installed
DPC not continuous (gaps or breaks)
DPC height incorrect (too low or too high)
DPC damaged or not properly sealed

Opening defects:

Window or door openings incorrectly positioned
Opening dimensions don’t match plans
Lintels missing or incorrectly installed
Opening heights incorrect

How to Prepare for Wall Plate Inspection

During wall construction:

Build walls to correct heights according to approved plans
Ensure walls are plumb and level
Verify wall positions match building layout
Check walls are square to each other
Use proper brickwork or blockwork techniques
Fill mortar joints properly

Wall plate installation:

Install wall plate level and square
Secure wall plate properly to walls
Verify wall plate dimensions match structural requirements
Check wall plate alignment

Damp proofing:

Install damp proof course at base of walls
Ensure DPC is continuous with no gaps
Verify DPC height (150mm above ground level)
Seal DPC properly at joints

Window and door openings:

Position openings according to approved plans
Verify opening dimensions match plans
Install lintels correctly above openings
Check opening heights

Before inspection:

Verify all dimensions match approved plans
Check walls are plumb and level
Ensure damp proofing is correctly installed
Verify window and door openings are correct
Notify NHBRC at least 48 hours before inspection

Timeline Requirements

Wall plate inspection should be scheduled:

After walls are complete
After wall plate is installed
Before roof structure is installed
Within 48 hours of notifying NHBRC

Don’t install roof structure until wall plate inspection is passed. Installing roof structure before passing inspection can result in penalties and may require removal if defects are found.

What Happens If You Fail Wall Plate Inspection

If you fail wall plate inspection, you’ll receive a report detailing defects that must be rectified. Common rectification requirements:

Wall dimension errors — Adjust wall heights or positions
Construction defects — Repair brickwork or blockwork
Wall plate errors — Adjust or reinstall wall plate
Damp proofing issues — Install or repair damp proof course
Opening defects — Adjust openings or install lintels

You cannot install roof structure until defects are rectified and inspection is passed. The NHBRC will schedule a re-inspection once you’ve addressed the issues.

Impact of failure: Wall plate inspection failure can delay your project by 1-2 weeks, affecting your construction schedule and payment certificates.

Stage 3: Roof Structure Inspection

The roof structure inspection occurs after the roof frame is installed but before roof covering is applied. This inspection verifies that the roof structure matches approved plans and meets structural requirements.

What the Inspector Checks

Roof structure dimensions:

Roof structure matches approved plans
Roof pitch (slope) is correct
Roof dimensions match building footprint
Roof structure is square and level

Roof trusses or beams:

Roof trusses or beams are correctly installed
Truss spacing matches specifications (typically 900mm or 1200mm centres)
Trusses are properly secured to wall plate
Truss connections are sound

Structural bracing:

Roof structure is adequately braced
Bracing prevents lateral movement
Bracing is correctly positioned and secured
Structural connections are sound

Roof pitch and dimensions:

Roof pitch matches approved plans
Roof dimensions match building footprint
Roof overhangs are correct
Roof structure is level

Structural connections:

Connections between trusses and wall plate are sound
Connections between truss members are properly made
Structural fixings are correctly installed
No loose or missing connections

Common Defects Found at Roof Structure Stage

Roof structure dimension errors:

Roof structure doesn’t match approved plans
Roof pitch incorrect
Roof dimensions don’t match building footprint
Roof structure not square or level

Truss installation errors:

Trusses incorrectly spaced (too wide or too narrow)
Trusses not properly secured to wall plate
Truss connections loose or incorrect
Missing or damaged trusses

Bracing issues:

Insufficient bracing
Bracing incorrectly positioned
Bracing not properly secured
Structural connections loose

Roof pitch errors:

Roof pitch doesn’t match approved plans
Roof pitch too steep or too shallow
Inconsistent roof pitch across structure

Connection defects:

Loose connections between trusses and wall plate
Loose connections between truss members
Missing or incorrect structural fixings
Damaged connections

How to Prepare for Roof Structure Inspection

During roof structure installation:

Install roof structure according to approved plans
Ensure roof pitch matches plans
Verify roof dimensions match building footprint
Check roof structure is square and level
Install trusses at correct spacing (900mm or 1200mm centres)
Secure trusses properly to wall plate

Structural bracing:

Install adequate bracing to prevent lateral movement
Position bracing correctly
Secure bracing properly
Verify structural connections are sound

Before inspection:

Verify roof structure matches approved plans
Check roof pitch is correct
Ensure trusses are properly secured
Verify bracing is adequate
Check all structural connections are sound
Notify NHBRC at least 48 hours before inspection

Timeline Requirements

Roof structure inspection should be scheduled:

After roof frame is installed
After structural bracing is installed
Before roof covering is applied
Within 48 hours of notifying NHBRC

Don’t apply roof covering until roof structure inspection is passed. Applying roof covering before passing inspection can result in penalties and may require removal if defects are found.

What Happens If You Fail Roof Structure Inspection

If you fail roof structure inspection, you’ll receive a report detailing defects that must be rectified. Common rectification requirements:

Dimension errors — Adjust roof structure dimensions or pitch
Truss installation errors — Reposition or secure trusses correctly
Bracing issues — Install or adjust structural bracing
Connection defects — Repair or replace structural connections

You cannot apply roof covering until defects are rectified and inspection is passed. The NHBRC will schedule a re-inspection once you’ve addressed the issues.

Impact of failure: Roof structure inspection failure can delay your project by 1-2 weeks, affecting your construction schedule and payment certificates.

Stage 4: Practical Completion Inspection

The practical completion inspection occurs when the home is substantially complete — all major work is finished, but minor finishing items may remain. This is often the most critical inspection, as it determines whether the home is ready for occupation.

What the Inspector Checks

General compliance:

Home matches approved building plans
All structural elements are complete
Workmanship meets minimum building standards
No major defects or incomplete work

Electrical installations:

Electrical installations are complete and compliant
Electrical certificate of compliance (COC) is available
All electrical work meets SANS 10142 standards
Electrical installations are safe and functional

Plumbing installations:

Plumbing installations are complete and compliant
Plumbing certificate is available (if required by municipality)
All plumbing work meets building standards
Plumbing installations are functional and leak-free

Windows and doors:

Windows and doors are installed and functional
Windows and doors meet specifications
Glazing is correct and secure
Door and window hardware is functional

Roof covering:

Roof covering is complete and weatherproof
Roof covering matches approved plans
No leaks or defects in roof covering
Roof flashings are correctly installed

External finishes:

External wall finishes are complete
Paint or render is applied (if specified)
External finishes meet minimum standards

Internal finishes:

Internal wall finishes are substantially complete
Floor finishes are complete (or ready for final finishes)
Ceiling finishes are complete
Internal finishes meet minimum standards

Services:

Water supply is connected and functional
Sanitation is connected and functional
Electrical supply is connected and functional
All services are operational

Common Defects Found at Practical Completion Stage

Structural defects:

Structural elements incomplete or defective
Cracks in walls or foundations
Structural elements don’t meet building standards

Electrical defects:

Electrical installations incomplete or non-compliant
Missing electrical certificate of compliance
Electrical work doesn’t meet SANS 10142 standards
Unsafe electrical installations

Plumbing defects:

Plumbing installations incomplete or non-compliant
Leaks in plumbing systems
Plumbing work doesn’t meet building standards
Missing plumbing certificates

Window and door defects:

Windows or doors not installed or functional
Windows or doors don’t meet specifications
Glazing incorrect or insecure
Door and window hardware not functional

Roof covering defects:

Roof covering incomplete or defective
Leaks in roof covering
Roof flashings incorrectly installed
Roof covering doesn’t match approved plans

Finish defects:

External or internal finishes incomplete
Finishes don’t meet minimum standards
Poor workmanship in finishes

Service defects:

Water supply not connected or functional
Sanitation not connected or functional
Electrical supply not connected or functional
Services not operational

How to Prepare for Practical Completion Inspection

Before inspection:

Complete all major structural work
Complete electrical installations and obtain COC
Complete plumbing installations and obtain certificates
Install all windows and doors
Complete roof covering and ensure it’s weatherproof
Complete external and internal finishes (or ensure they’re ready)
Connect all services and ensure they’re functional
Verify home matches approved building plans
Ensure workmanship meets minimum standards
Notify NHBRC at least 48 hours before inspection

Documentation:

Have electrical certificate of compliance available
Have plumbing certificates available (if required)
Have approved building plans available
Have NHBRC enrolment certificate available

Timeline Requirements

Practical completion inspection should be scheduled:

After all major work is complete
After electrical and plumbing installations are complete
After services are connected
Before occupation certificate is issued
Within 48 hours of notifying NHBRC

Don’t obtain occupation certificate until practical completion inspection is passed. Municipal authorities may require NHBRC practical completion approval before issuing occupation certificates.

What Happens If You Fail Practical Completion Inspection

If you fail practical completion inspection, you’ll receive a report detailing defects that must be rectified. Common rectification requirements:

Structural defects — Repair structural elements
Electrical defects — Complete or repair electrical installations
Plumbing defects — Complete or repair plumbing installations
Window and door defects — Install or repair windows and doors
Roof covering defects — Complete or repair roof covering
Finish defects — Complete or repair finishes
Service defects — Connect or repair services

You cannot obtain an occupation certificate or hand over the home until defects are rectified and inspection is passed. The NHBRC will schedule a re-inspection once you’ve addressed the issues.

Impact of failure: Practical completion inspection failure can delay handover by 2-4 weeks, affecting payment schedules and client relationships.

Stage 5: Final Inspection

The final inspection occurs after the home is fully complete and all finishing work is done. This is typically the last inspection before handover, verifying that the home is ready for occupation.

What the Inspector Checks

Completion:

All work is complete to a satisfactory standard
No outstanding defects or incomplete work
All finishing work is complete
Home is ready for occupation

Quality:

Workmanship meets minimum building standards
No major defects or issues
All finishes are complete and satisfactory
Home is in good condition

Certificates:

All required certificates are in place
Electrical certificate of compliance is available
Plumbing certificates are available (if required)
Other required certificates are available

Handover readiness:

Home is ready for handover to homebuyer
All defects from previous inspections are rectified
No outstanding issues

Common Defects Found at Final Inspection

Outstanding work:

Incomplete finishing work
Outstanding defects from previous inspections
Work not completed to satisfactory standard

Quality issues:

Poor workmanship
Defects in finishes
Issues with installations

Missing certificates:

Missing electrical certificate of compliance
Missing plumbing certificates
Missing other required certificates

Defects:

Defects not rectified from previous inspections
New defects discovered
Issues affecting occupation

How to Prepare for Final Inspection

Before inspection:

Complete all finishing work
Rectify all defects from previous inspections
Ensure workmanship meets minimum standards
Obtain all required certificates
Verify home is ready for occupation
Notify NHBRC at least 48 hours before inspection

Documentation:

Have all required certificates available
Have NHBRC enrolment certificate available
Have approved building plans available
Have documentation of rectified defects

Timeline Requirements

Final inspection should be scheduled:

After all work is complete
After all defects are rectified
After all certificates are obtained
Before handover to homebuyer
Within 48 hours of notifying NHBRC

Don’t hand over the home until final inspection is passed. Handing over before passing inspection can affect warranty coverage and may result in penalties.

What Happens If You Fail Final Inspection

If you fail final inspection, you’ll receive a report detailing defects that must be rectified. Common rectification requirements:

Outstanding work — Complete finishing work
Quality issues — Repair defects or improve workmanship
Missing certificates — Obtain required certificates
Defects — Rectify outstanding defects

You cannot hand over the home until defects are rectified and inspection is passed. The NHBRC will schedule a re-inspection once you’ve addressed the issues.

Impact of failure: Final inspection failure can delay handover by 1-2 weeks, affecting payment schedules and client relationships.

What Happens If You Fail an Inspection

Failing an NHBRC inspection means you cannot proceed to the next construction stage until defects are rectified and the inspection is passed. Here’s what happens:

Inspection Failure Process

Inspection report — Inspector provides a written report detailing defects
Rectification period — You have a specified period to rectify defects (typically 7-14 days)
Re-inspection — NHBRC schedules a re-inspection once defects are rectified
Approval — Once defects are rectified and inspection is passed, you can proceed

Impact of Inspection Failures

Project delays:

Failed inspections delay your construction schedule
Re-inspections typically occur within 2-3 business days
Rectification work can take days or weeks
Delays cascade through your project timeline

Cost impact:

Rectification work adds costs
Delays increase site overheads
Payment certificates may be delayed
Client relationships may be affected

Compliance impact:

Multiple failures may affect your NHBRC registration
Failures are recorded in NHBRC database
May affect future project approvals

Preventing Inspection Failures

Preparation:

Review inspection requirements before each stage
Ensure work meets approved plans and building standards
Address common defects proactively
Have all required documentation ready

Quality control:

Implement quality control processes
Check work before requesting inspection
Address defects immediately
Use inspection checklists

Communication:

Notify NHBRC promptly (48 hours before inspection)
Communicate with inspectors clearly
Address inspector concerns immediately
Follow up on inspection results promptly

How Wakha Tracks Inspection Stages and Deadlines Automatically

Managing NHBRC inspection stages manually — tracking deadlines, scheduling inspections, managing documents, and monitoring compliance — is time-consuming and error-prone. Construction management software like Wakha automates these workflows, ensuring you never miss an inspection deadline or compliance requirement.

Automated Inspection Stage Tracking

Wakha’s NHBRC compliance module automatically tracks inspection stages for each home:

Stage reminders:

Automated reminders for each inspection stage
Alerts when inspection deadlines are approaching
Notifications when stages are ready for inspection
Calendar integration for inspection scheduling

Stage workflows:

Workflow templates for each inspection stage
Checklists for stage preparation
Document requirements for each stage
Status tracking across all projects

Deadline management:

Automatic calculation of inspection deadlines based on construction schedule
Alerts when deadlines are approaching
Tracking of missed deadlines
Integration with project timeline

Inspection Scheduling and Management

Wakha helps you schedule and manage inspections:

Scheduling:

Integration with NHBRC portal for inspection requests
Calendar view of all scheduled inspections
Reminders before inspection dates
Rescheduling capabilities

Document management:

Store inspection reports and certificates
Upload photos and documents for each inspection
Version control for inspection documents
Document sharing with inspectors

Status tracking:

Track inspection status across all projects
See which inspections are pending, scheduled, or passed
Identify projects with failed inspections
Monitor re-inspection requirements

Preparation Checklists

Wakha provides preparation checklists for each inspection stage:

Foundation inspection checklist:

Foundation dimensions verified
Reinforcement correctly positioned
Site drainage adequate
Geotechnical requirements met

Wall plate inspection checklist:

Walls plumb and level
Wall plate correctly installed
Damp proofing installed
Openings correctly positioned

Roof structure inspection checklist:

Roof structure matches plans
Trusses correctly installed
Bracing adequate
Connections sound

Practical completion checklist:

All major work complete
Electrical and plumbing certificates obtained
Services connected
Finishes complete

Final inspection checklist:

All work complete
All defects rectified
All certificates obtained
Home ready for handover

Failed Inspection Management

Wakha helps you manage failed inspections:

Defect tracking:

Record defects from inspection reports
Track rectification progress
Monitor re-inspection scheduling
Document rectification completion

Impact analysis:

See how failed inspections affect project timeline
Calculate cost impact of delays
Identify trends across projects
Prevent repeat failures

Integration with Project Management

Wakha’s NHBRC module integrates seamlessly with project management:

Timeline integration:

Inspection stages appear as milestones in project timeline
Failed inspections automatically adjust timeline
Inspection delays cascade through schedule
Payment certificate dates linked to inspection stages

Budget integration:

Inspection costs tracked in project budget
Re-inspection costs included in budget
Compliance costs reflected in budget
Cost impact of delays visible

Site diary integration:

Link inspection photos to site diary entries
Record inspection notes in site diary
Track inspection-related activities
Document preparation work

Real-World Benefits

Using Wakha for NHBRC inspection tracking delivers tangible benefits:

Never miss a deadline — Automated reminders ensure you schedule inspections on time
Better preparation — Checklists help ensure you’re ready for each inspection
Higher pass rates — Better preparation leads to fewer failed inspections
Faster handover — Streamlined workflows reduce delays in obtaining occupation certificates
Better record-keeping — All inspection documents stored in one place

Getting Started with Wakha

Wakha’s NHBRC compliance module is available on the Developer plan (R6,999/month). The module includes:

Automated inspection stage tracking and reminders
Inspection scheduling and calendar integration
Preparation checklists for each stage
Document management for inspection reports and certificates
Failed inspection management and defect tracking
Integration with project timeline and budget

To see how Wakha can streamline your NHBRC inspection workflows, request a demo or explore Wakha’s features.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I notify NHBRC for an inspection?

You must notify NHBRC at least 48 hours before each inspection stage. However, it’s best practice to notify as soon as you’re ready — inspectors have busy schedules, and early notification helps ensure inspections are scheduled promptly.

What happens if I miss an inspection deadline?

Missing an inspection deadline can delay your project. You should notify NHBRC as soon as possible and schedule the inspection. However, proceeding to the next construction stage without passing the current inspection can result in penalties and may affect warranty coverage.

Can I proceed with construction while waiting for inspection?

You can continue with work that doesn’t affect the inspection stage. For example, while waiting for foundation inspection, you can continue with site setup or material ordering, but you cannot pour concrete until foundation inspection is passed.

What if the inspector doesn’t arrive on the scheduled date?

If the inspector doesn’t arrive on the scheduled date, contact NHBRC immediately. They will reschedule the inspection. Document the delay and its impact on your project timeline.

How long does it take to get inspection results?

Inspection results are typically provided immediately after the inspection. The inspector will provide a verbal indication of pass or fail, followed by a written report within 1-2 business days.

Can I dispute an inspection failure?

Yes. If you believe an inspection failure is incorrect, you can contact NHBRC to discuss the issue. However, you must still rectify defects before proceeding. Disputes are typically resolved through discussion with NHBRC, but you cannot proceed without passing inspection.

What if I need to change my construction schedule?

If your construction schedule changes, update your inspection schedule accordingly. Notify NHBRC of any changes to inspection dates. Wakha’s timeline integration automatically adjusts inspection reminders when your schedule changes.

Conclusion

NHBRC inspection stages are mandatory milestones in residential construction. Understanding what inspectors check at each stage, common defects, and how to prepare helps ensure you pass inspections on the first attempt, avoiding delays and costs.

Each inspection stage has specific requirements — foundation depth and reinforcement, wall plate installation and damp proofing, roof structure and bracing, practical completion and services, final inspection and handover readiness. Failing any inspection means rectifying defects and scheduling re-inspections, which can delay your project by days or weeks.

For builders managing multiple projects, tracking inspection stages manually is time-consuming and error-prone. Construction management software like Wakha automates inspection stage tracking, provides preparation checklists, manages inspection scheduling, and integrates compliance with project management workflows.

If you’re building homes in South Africa, NHBRC inspections aren’t optional — they’re essential. Prepare properly for each stage, address defects immediately, and use tools that help you track deadlines and ensure compliance. Your project timeline, your profitability, and your reputation depend on it.

Learn how Wakha can streamline your NHBRC inspection workflows or request a demo to see the NHBRC module in action.

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