New Home Lock-Up Inspection Report, what is it & what to expect.

What is a New Home Lock-Up Inspection Report?

A lock-up inspection happens during the construction of a new home – after the external doors and windows are installed and the house can be “locked up,” but before the internal linings like plaster go in.

At this stage, we can still see the bones of the house – the framing, insulation, structural elements, and services like plumbing and electrical rough-ins. It’s the perfect time to check that everything behind the walls has been done properly before it all gets covered up.

Who Is a Lock-Up Inspection For?

A lock-up inspection is ideal for:

  • New home buyers building through a volume builder

  • Owner-builders who want a second set of eyes before moving to the next stage

  • Investors building rental properties or house-and-land packages

  • Anyone who wants peace of mind that what’s behind the walls has been done right

It’s especially important if you’re not on site regularly or don’t feel confident spotting building defects yourself. We’re your independent expert – making sure your home is being built to the standard you’re paying for.

What should I expect with a lock-up inspection?

  • A thorough on-site inspection of the framing, roof structure, windows, door installations, insulation, plumbing and electrical rough-ins

  • An easy-to-understand report delivered within 24 hours, including 80–120 clear images and detailed notes

  • Identification of any:

    • Structural framing issues

    • Non-compliant or incomplete work

    • Poor workmanship

    • Items that don’t match the building plans or standards

We check the work against building codes and best practices to make sure your home is on the right track before everything gets covered up.

Our job is to flag issues early – so your builder can fix them before moving to the next stage. It’s about protecting your investment, and making sure what’s behind the scenes is just as solid as what you’ll eventually see. At Kinstone, we take a detailed look at every part of the property – inside, outside, top to bottom – and provide a clear, easy-to-understand inspection report within 24 hours. Each report includes 80–120 images and outlines:

  • Major structural issues

  • Safety hazards

  • Conditions that could lead to future damage

  • Significant minor defects worth noting

We inspect all key areas including the roof, subfloor, interiors, exteriors, and the surrounding site (like sheds, garages and fences).

Book your lock-up inspection with Kinstone today and make sure your new home is built right from the inside out.