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VIEWING AND INSPECTING DISTANCES

  • July 18, 2019
  • Posted by: admin
  • Category: Building Handover Inspections, House & Land Packages, PC Inspections
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We are often asked why some imperfections aren’t included in a report.  It may be that it can be seen in glancing light down a hallway or when you are looking up very close, but, it is not so evident when you stand back from it.  Here we hope to put some clarity on the subject…

The Queensland Building & Construction Commission (QBCC) have developed a standard that refers to “normal viewing positions” for all Building Inspectors to abide by when inspecting a property.

During the manufacture of tiles and glass there will often be slight variations in colour, texture and finish.  Paint work imperfections may show up in glancing light down a hallway but are not evident when looking at the wall face on.  It doesn’t necessarily mean these items are defective.  It is only if there is a noticeable difference from a normal viewing position that it will be considered to be so. The following guidelines must be adhered to when making a decision about whether something is defective when viewing:

  • Walls, Floor or Ceiling stand back – 1500mm (1.5metres)
  • Appliances & Fixtures stand back – 600mm (0.6metres)
  • Glass stand back – 3000mm (3metres)

According to the QBCC Standards and Tolerances, “A normal viewing position is looking from a distance of 1.5m or greater (600mm for appliances and fixtures and 3m for glass) with the surface or material being illuminated by “non-critical light”. “Noncritical light” means the light that strikes the surface is diffused and is not glancing or parallel to that surface.”

FIGURE 1.4 NORMAL VIEWING POSITIONS 1500mm Wall Floor Ceiling 600mm Viewing fixtures and appliances 3000mm Glass QBCC Standards & Tolerances Guide | MAY 2019.

This standard has been introduced to help ensure that a consistent and fair reporting process is achieved on a new build to protect both building contractors and owners of the property.  Our building inspectors have a sound knowledge of building law and the standards and tolerances that apply when assessing both the quality of workmanship and the adherence to the National Construction Code. https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/Standards_and_Tolerances_Guide_0.pdf