A balcony roof left standing on a builder's prop
Why a temporary post under a balcony roof at lock-up is a structural item, not a tidy up job.
In short: On a Cobbitty lock-up our inspector found the front balcony roof still held up by a temporary post, recorded as inadequate support.
What was found
At a lock-up inspection on a two storey Cobbitty home, the roof over the front balcony was carried by a temporary post. The finding was recorded as a major defect because the support was inadequate for a permanent load.
Why props are there at all
Builders prop roofs and beams while the structure goes up, before the designed post or beam is installed. The prop is meant to come out once the real support is in and fixed.
Why lock-up is the moment
Once linings, soffits and finishes close the area, the connection between the permanent post and the beam above is hard to see. Lock-up is the last easy look.
What should happen next
The builder installs the post or beam shown in the engineering and fixes it as specified. Where there is doubt, the engineer confirms the detail in writing.
What to ask your builder
Ask which drawing shows the permanent support, when it will be installed and whether the engineer needs to inspect it before it is covered.
Written by our local inspection team from work carried out in Cobbitty. Licensed building practitioners, NSW Fair Trading licence 366177C.
