We also just started construction. So far, it's just been the fencing and site cut and fill. We were considering asking a friend who is a commercial builder to recommend someone who could conduct inspections at the following stages: Pre-slab (to ensure all the plumbing, etc is in the right spot), slab, frame, pre-plaster (to ensure that the plasterboard doesn't hide anything), lock-up and final. But, it will ultimately depend upon how expensive each of the individual inspections are. We'll also do our best to monitor the work, at least up until lock-up stage as we'll then be unable to enter the property. Here are some resources which I've found helpful: http://forum.homeone.com.au/viewforum.php?f=31 http://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing-and-accommodation/building-and-renovating/checklists/during-construction http://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing-and-accommodation/building-and-renovating/checklists/when-building-work-is-complete http://www.anewhouse.com.au/ http://www.anewhouse.com.au/tag/construction-stages/ http://www.anewhouse.com.au/2014/05/how-many-construction-inspections/ http://www.anewhouse.com.au/2012/11/using-a-building-inspector/ http://www.anewhouse.com.au/2014/01/using-your-own-building-inspector/ http://www.anewhouse.com.au/2013/12/building-certification-inspections/ http://www.buildingexpert.net.au/ http://www.inspectionangel.com.au/checklist http://www.abis.com.au/handover-checklist Good luck!

Is this for a new build, or purchase of home? Check all lighting, ceiling fans, power points Check gas/electric cooktop, oven Check aircon Check hot and cold water taps, and flush toilets. You should be given all keys for property. You should be given all manuals and warranty paperwork for appliances, including the garage door remotes. Also certificates for termite protection policy. If a new build, you should be given a "handover information booklet" this outlines the warranty for services, structural and appliances. Should include useful information about the construction of your home. Also contact numbers if required. All the best for your new home.

The builder can only work the concrete with what is provided. Most concrete is poured with the expectation that it will be covered by tiles, floor boards or carpet. For the result that you are after, this would firstly depend on the type of concrete that is poured. this website is very informative. http://www.specfloors.com.au/home/polished-concrete-options

Before handover we walked through the home with the builder and we together noted anything that needed attention. The builder happily fixed those small issues. This was our final inspection. Then when our builder was finished and we had “handover” of our new home, we were given a handover booklet which contained all the information required for warranty of building and appliances, if something needed attention. Copy of relevant pages attached.