NHBC Chapters 6.4, 8.1 and 8.2, BS 7671, Approved Documents F, L and P

    First Fix Inspection Checklist

    Carcassing, studwork, first fix electrics and plumbing, notching and drilling zones, noggins and duct routes — everything that has to be right before insulation and boards go on.

    28 checks · Reviewed by the ProPlot site team · How we write these guides

    In short

    The first fix inspection covers everything installed inside the structure before it is closed up: stud partitions and carcassing, cable runs and backboxes, hot and cold pipework, heating pipe drops, waste routes, ventilation ducting, and the notching and drilling of joists and studs that carries them.

    Use it on site

    First fix is where a plot stops being a shell and becomes a house. It is also the point where most of the work that later gets blamed on second fix is actually decided: whether the sockets land where the kitchen needs them, whether the boiler has something solid to hang on, whether the shower waste has enough fall, and whether anyone has cut through a joist in the wrong place.

    Run this inspection room by room with the drawings in your hand, not from memory. Every trade that follows — insulation, boarding, plastering, second fix, kitchens — assumes what is behind the wall is correct and in the right place. None of them will check it for you.

    The two items that generate the most expensive rework are notching and drilling outside permitted zones, and services that clash with a fitting shown on a drawing nobody on site has seen. Both are found in ten minutes at first fix and cost a day of opening up afterwards.

    What happens at this visit

    When it happens

    When carcassing, studwork and all first fix services are complete, before the insulation and airtightness layer goes in and well before boarding.

    Who inspects

    Site manager or quality manager, with the electrical and mechanical contractors present so anything found is corrected the same day.

    If it fails

    Defects found later come out of a boarded, skimmed and often decorated wall. A single misplaced waste run can mean lifting a floor deck that has already had partitions built off it.

    How this visit is booked and recorded

    Inspection type
    Site quality inspection carried out by the site team, usually a week before the warranty pre-plaster key stage visit so defects can be cleared first.
    Notice required
    Self-managed. Run it as soon as each plot is fully carcassed and before the insulation contractor is booked.
    What it signs off
    Feeds the pre-plaster key stage inspection, the electrical installation certificate, and the Part F ventilation commissioning record.

    What the inspector will ask for

    • Electrical layout with socket, switch and lighting positions
    • Plumbing and heating schematic including appliance positions
    • Joist manufacturer notching and drilling zones
    • Ventilation duct layout with design airflow rates
    • Kitchen and sanitaryware drawings, for service positions and noggins

    Photograph these moments in time

    • Notches and holes in joists and studs, against the permitted zones
    • Cable routes in walls, showing safe zones or mechanical protection
    • Pressure gauge reading on the completed pipework, with the date
    • Noggin positions for boilers, brackets and wall-hung sanitaryware
    • Duct runs before they are hidden, especially through unheated space

    Concealed work cannot be re-photographed later. Take these before the element is covered and file them against the plot.

    Reportable Item hotspots at this stage

    A Reportable Item (RI) is a defect the inspector records against the plot. NHBC weigh each one by its Damage Potential, and the score feeds your site's Construction Quality Review. These are the ones raised most often here:

    • Joists notched or drilled outside the permitted zones for a waste or heating run
    • Cables outside safe zones with no mechanical protection
    • Ventilation ducting flattened, kinked or run in flexible where rigid was specified
    How Reportable Items and Quality Common Scoring work

    The first fix checklist

    0 of 28 ticked — saved on this device

    Studwork and carcassing

    • Check stud partitions are plumb, straight and set out to the drawing, with head and sole plates fully fixed

      NHBC 6.4
    • Confirm stud centres, board thickness and any acoustic quilt match the separating or partition wall specification

      AD E
    • Verify door openings are set out to the correct structural opening size, square and plumb

      NHBC 6.4
    • Check noggins are fitted for boilers, radiators, sanitaryware, wall units, brackets and grab rails

      NHBC 8.1
    • Confirm floor decking is fully fixed, unsprung and free of damage before loading out

      NHBC 6.4

    Notching, drilling and structural integrity

    • Verify all notches and holes in joists fall within the manufacturer’s or engineer’s permitted zones

      NHBC 6.4
    • Check engineered joists have not been cut, notched or drilled outside the approved web opening positions

      NHBC 6.4
    • Confirm holes drilled in studs are on the centreline and no larger than permitted for the stud size

      NHBC 6.4
    • Check no truss member has been cut, notched or drilled for any service run

      NHBC 7.2

    Electrical first fix

    • Confirm cables in walls run in permitted safe zones, or are mechanically protected where they do not

      BS 7671
    • Check cables are supported and clipped at the correct intervals, with fire-resistant supports where required

      BS 7671
    • Verify backbox positions and heights against the layout drawing and the accessible-height requirements

      AD M
    • Confirm cables passing through timber studs are protected by steel plates where cover is insufficient

      BS 7671
    • Check consumer unit position, height and enclosure type are as specified

      BS 7671
    • Confirm smoke and heat alarm positions and interlink cabling match the fire strategy

      AD B

    Plumbing, heating and waste

    • Verify hot, cold and heating pipework is complete, clipped at the correct centres and free to move at penetrations

      NHBC 8.1
    • Check the system has been pressure tested and the reading recorded, with all joints left accessible

      NHBC 8.1
    • Confirm heating pipework in unheated voids and screed zones is insulated as specified

      AD L
    • Verify waste runs achieve the required fall and that trap positions suit the sanitaryware selected

      AD H
    • Check the soil and vent stack is supported, correctly connected and fitted with fire collars at floor penetrations

      AD B
    • Confirm shower and bath framing is level, rigid and detailed to accept the waterproofing system

      NHBC 8.3

    Ventilation and ductwork

    • Check duct routes match the design, using rigid duct where specified and avoiding flattened or kinked runs

      AD F
    • Confirm ducting through unheated space is insulated to prevent condensation forming inside the duct

      AD F
    • Verify duct terminations, back-draught shutters and external terminal positions are as designed

      AD F
    • Check the MVHR unit position allows access for filter changes and has a condensate route

      AD F

    Fire, acoustic and penetration detail

    • Confirm service penetrations through compartment walls and floors are sealed with a tested system

      AD B
    • Check no service run has been chased into or penetrated a separating wall in a way that breaches the acoustic detail

      AD E
    • Verify downlight positions do not compromise the ceiling’s fire or acoustic performance

      AD B

    Above and beyond: make second fix easy for the person who follows you

    Nothing on this list is a compliance requirement. All of it decides whether second fix takes a day or a week per plot. No inspector will fail the visit on these — they are the difference between a plot that passes and a plot that hands over clean.

    • Label every cable and every pipe at both ends

      A labelled circuit is a five-minute connection. An unlabelled one is a continuity test, two trips to the board and an argument about who pays for the time.

      When: As each run is pulled in.

    • Set a single datum height for sockets and switches per plot and check it with a laser

      Backboxes set off different floor levels look wrong on a finished wall and cannot be corrected once plastered.

      When: Before backboxes are fixed.

    • Fit noggins for everything that will ever be screwed to a wall

      Boilers, radiators, TV brackets, curtain poles, grab rails, wall-hung WCs, kitchen wall units. A £2 timber is cheaper than a plasterboard fixing failure at handover.

      When: While the studwork is still open.

    • Photograph every wall elevation before insulation goes in

      The photo tells the second fix joiner and the kitchen fitter exactly where it is safe to drill, and proves the notching zones were respected if a joist is ever questioned.

      When: The day first fix is signed off.

    • Leave the system under pressure with the gauge visible and the reading written on the plot board

      A dated pressure reading is the fastest way to show a leak was caused by a later screw rather than a first fix joint.

      When: On completion of the pipework.

    • Cap and protect every open end

      Pipe ends and backboxes fill with plaster, dust and screed. Protectors cost pennies and save re-terminating the point.

      When: Before boarding is booked.

    • Walk the kitchen and bathroom drawings against the actual services with the fitter

      The fitter will spot a clash you will not, and they are the person who has to live with it.

      When: Before the inspection is closed out.

    Full inspection point register

    145 inspection points that apply at the first fix stage, each written in our own words from openly published guidance, with how to check it on site and what counts as acceptable. Use the checklist above on the day and this register when you need to settle a detail.

    1. Access for service connections and maintenance

      How to check
      Verify that suitable access is provided for service connections and that methods for making good penetrations are detailed to maintain building performance.
      Acceptable when
      Where service mains connect through walls or floors, the system manual must detail how access points will be made good to maintain structural integrity, fire, sound, air, thermal, and moisture resistance. Sufficiently sized and located access points are required for site connections, and handover information should include details for future access to permanently sealed areas.
    2. Accessible heights for switches and sockets

      How to check
      Confirm that all switches and sockets are installed within the height ranges specified by the relevant Approved Document M for accessibility.
      Acceptable when
      The installation heights for electrical switches, sockets, and controls must comply with regional accessibility standards to ensure they are usable by a wide range of occupants. These heights are typically specified as a range above the finished floor level.
    3. Acoustic considerations for gas heating systems

      How to check
      Check that anti-vibration measures are installed where required and that appliance locations minimise noise transmission to occupied rooms.
      Acceptable when
      The design and placement of gas heating system components must consider potential noise and vibration, both internally and externally, to ensure acceptable acoustic performance within and around the dwelling. Mitigation measures should be incorporated to minimise disturbance.
    4. Adequate Hot Water Services Provision

      How to check
      Confirm that the installed hot water system matches the design specification and appears capable of meeting expected demand.
      Acceptable when
      Hot water services in dwellings must be designed and installed to meet statutory requirements and the anticipated demand and consumption of occupants. Key considerations include the system's overall design, the location of hot water cylinders or boilers, and the specification of components like immersion heaters or vented storage cylinders.
    5. Application of Duct Joint Tapes and Sealants

      How to check
      Observe jointing to ensure surfaces are clean before application, tape is neatly applied, and no excess sealant obstructs the duct interior.
      Acceptable when
      When applying tape and sealant to MVHR ductwork joints, surfaces must be clean, dry, and free from grease or dust to ensure proper adhesion. The application should be neat and workmanlike, with care taken to prevent excess sealant from extruding into the duct interior, which could impede airflow. Correct application is crucial for long-term airtightness and system efficiency.
    6. Appropriate Cable Clipping

      How to check
      Verify that all electrical cables are secured with clips appropriate for their specific shape (e.g., round clips for round cables, flat clips for flat cables).
      Acceptable when
      To ensure secure and compliant installation, electrical cables must be fixed using clips specifically designed for their shape and size. Using the correct clips prevents damage to the cable insulation and ensures a firm, lasting hold.
    7. Biomass fuel storage design

      How to check
      Check that fuel storage has clear delivery access, appropriate fire safety measures, and sufficient volume for the boiler's operational needs.
      Acceptable when
      Storage facilities for biomass fuel must be designed to accommodate appropriate access for fuel deliveries and manage potential hazards. Considerations include protection against fire, such as fire detection and suppression, and ensuring adequate separation from other parts of the building to prevent gas or dust ingress. The storage volume must meet the heating system's peak demand and required supply period.
    8. Biomass system standards compliance

      How to check
      Check product datasheets and installation manuals to confirm that all biomass system components meet the cited British and European Standards.
      Acceptable when
      Biomass heating systems must conform to a range of specific British and European Standards depending on the type and size of the appliance, such as those governing heating boilers, room heaters, or pellet-fired systems. Compliance with these standards, along with relevant Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) standards, ensures the system meets performance, safety, and quality benchmarks.
    9. Boiler Pipework Routing and Aesthetic Finish

      How to check
      Check that boiler pipework is correctly positioned for connection, minimising visible pipe runs and avoiding awkward bends.
      Acceptable when
      Boiler pipework must be routed cleanly and thoughtfully, ideally entering the boiler location from below or directly behind to minimise visible pipe runs. Careful planning during first fix prevents the need for unsightly realignments or boxing-in during finishing stages.
    10. Branch discharge pipe gradient

      How to check
      Level each branch from the appliance to the stack before boarding, and check the run length at the same time.
      Acceptable when
      18 to 90 mm per metre for a 75 mm or 100 mm branch, with rodding access at bends
      See the measured value
    11. Cable clipping standards

      How to check
      Check that all cables are securely fixed with correctly sized and shaped clips at appropriate intervals.
      Acceptable when
      Electrical cables must be properly secured using appropriate clips that correspond to the cable type and size, ensuring they are adequately supported and not subjected to undue strain or damage. Correct clipping prevents cables from sagging and maintains their integrity within the installation.
    12. Cable support and containment for fire safety

      How to check
      Check that cable supports are metallic or fire-rated, particularly in access or egress routes.
      Acceptable when
      Electrical cables must be supported in such a way that they do not prematurely collapse in the event of a fire, especially where they might obstruct escape routes. Non-metallic cable clips or ties alone are insufficient for this purpose; suitable metallic fixings or containment systems are required.
    13. Chasing Dimensions for Concealed Services

      How to check
      Measure the depth of chases in walls to ensure they do not exceed the permitted limits relative to the wall thickness.
      Acceptable when
      When concealing services in walls, chases should be carefully located to avoid cracking and must not exceed specific dimensions: horizontal chases should be no deeper than one-sixth the thickness of a single leaf, and vertical chases no deeper than one-third the thickness of the wall.
    14. Cistern installation and protection

      How to check
      Confirm the cistern is correctly covered, pipe entries are neat, and the unit is accessible for future maintenance.
      Acceptable when
      Cold water cisterns must be accessible for inspection and maintenance, featuring a rigid, close-fitting, light-excluding, and insect-proof cover. Holes for pipework should be neatly formed in designated positions, and the cistern itself must be securely supported.
    15. Cistern support

      How to check
      Visually check that the cistern is fully supported across its base with no unsupported areas or signs of sagging.
      Acceptable when
      Cold water cisterns must be continuously supported across their entire base by appropriate structural materials. This ensures stability, prevents deformation of the cistern, and safely distributes its weight when full.
    16. Cold water storage capacity and supply

      How to check
      Check that the installed cold water storage cistern's capacity is appropriate for the dwelling and connected systems.
      Acceptable when
      Cold water storage systems must have sufficient capacity to serve the dwelling's needs, particularly for indirect hot water systems. They also provide a cold water supply to outlets not connected directly to the mains, contributing to water conservation and preventing contamination.
    17. Cold water storage provisions

      How to check
      Verify the presence, size, and correct installation of cold water storage cisterns, including all associated components.
      Acceptable when
      Cold water storage must be provided in accordance with statutory requirements, ensuring adequate capacity and safe operation. Key considerations include the cistern type, its support, and proper warning and overflow pipe installations.
    18. Compatibility of treated timber with metals

      How to check
      Confirm that all metal fixings used with preservative-treated timber, especially in damp conditions, are specified as corrosion-resistant (e.g., stainless steel, galvanised).
      Acceptable when
      Care must be taken to ensure compatibility between preservative-treated timber and metal components, particularly where moisture is anticipated. Certain copper-containing timber treatments can accelerate the corrosion of mild steel and aluminium. In such cases, alternative fixings like stainless steel or suitably coated fasteners should be used to prevent premature degradation of metal components.
    19. Competent MVHR installation operatives

      How to check
      Verify that MVHR installers have demonstrable qualifications or certifications relevant to ventilation system installation.
      Acceptable when
      The installation of MVHR systems must be undertaken by operatives who possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience. Competency ensures that the system is installed correctly, performs as designed, and complies with all relevant standards and manufacturer guidelines. This helps prevent issues with air quality, noise, and energy efficiency.
    20. Concealed Gas Pipe Installation

      How to check
      Verify that gas pipes chased into blockwork are fully bedded and pointed over with a solid material, providing adequate protection.
      Acceptable when
      Where gas pipes are concealed within solid walls, they must be adequately protected against damage. This typically involves chasing the pipe into the wall and ensuring it is fully embedded and covered by mortar or a suitable solid infill material.
    21. Constructional hearth size and thickness

      How to check
      Measure the hearth on plan and its thickness against the appliance being installed, before the finish is laid.
      Acceptable when
      125 mm thick, at least 840 × 840 mm on plan, extending 500 mm in front of the appliance and 150 mm each side
      See the measured value
    22. Consumer unit height for accessibility

      How to check
      Check that the operating switches of the consumer unit are installed within the height range prescribed by the relevant Approved Document M.
      Acceptable when
      The height at which a consumer unit's switches are installed is regulated by accessibility standards to ensure they are comfortably reachable by a broad range of users. Specific minimum and maximum heights are set above the finished floor level.
    23. Consumer unit labelling and notices

      How to check
      Verify that every circuit on the consumer unit is clearly labelled, and all required electrical notices are permanently displayed adjacent to it.
      Acceptable when
      Consumer units require clear, permanent labelling that identifies each circuit protected by a fuse or circuit breaker, facilitating safe operation and fault finding. Additionally, important electrical installation notices, including guidance for periodic inspection, must be prominently displayed near the unit.
    24. Consumer unit material and accessibility

      How to check
      Confirm the consumer unit enclosure is non-combustible and installed in an easily accessible location with sufficient working space.
      Acceptable when
      Consumer units, often referred to as fuse boxes, must have an enclosure made from non-combustible material, such as steel, to mitigate fire spread. They should also be installed in an accessible location for easy maintenance and operation by the homeowner.
    25. CSST installation requirements

      How to check
      Verify that CSST products are certified, used with compatible fittings, and installed according to manufacturer specifications and relevant standards.
      Acceptable when
      Corrugated Stainless Steel Tube (CSST) for gas installations must conform to recognised benchmark schemes and be certified to relevant British Standards, ensuring its fire performance and suitability. Different brands of CSST and fittings should not be mixed, and specific installation guidelines, such as regarding burial in concrete, must be followed.
    26. Domestic Hot Water Flow and Temperature Standards

      How to check
      Check the installed system components and pipework against the design specification to confirm they can deliver the required flow rates and temperatures at each outlet.
      Acceptable when
      Standard practice dictates specific design and minimum acceptable flow rates, as well as target supply temperatures, for various domestic hot water outlets such as baths, showers, wash basins, and sinks. These parameters guide the sizing of pipework and the specification of hot water appliances to ensure adequate performance.
    27. Door opening dimensions for architraves

      How to check
      Measure door openings to confirm they allow for full-width architraves to be fitted without compromise.
      Acceptable when
      Door openings must be dimensioned and framed accurately to accommodate full-width architraves. This means ensuring sufficient solid material around the door frame for the architrave to be securely fixed without overhanging the opening or requiring excessive trimming. Proper setting out facilitates a professional and consistent finish to internal doorways.
    28. Ductwork Jointing Requirements

      How to check
      Confirm that all ductwork joints are sealed using the manufacturer's recommended tapes or sealants, applied to clean, dry surfaces.
      Acceptable when
      All MVHR ductwork joints must be made according to the manufacturer's specified method and materials. This is critical for maintaining the airtightness and integrity of the system, preventing air leakage which would reduce efficiency. The jointing method should be suitable for the duct material and ensure a durable, sealed connection.
    29. Durability of Ductwork Jointing Materials

      How to check
      Check that the tapes and sealants used for duct joints are appropriate for the product and recommended by the manufacturer.
      Acceptable when
      Tapes and sealants used for MVHR ductwork jointing must be specifically recommended by the duct manufacturer for the intended application. These materials need to be durable and suitable for the environmental conditions they will experience, ensuring the long-term airtightness and performance of the system. The choice of jointing material directly impacts the system's longevity and efficiency.
    30. Durable and secure fixings for gas heating systems

      How to check
      Verify that fixings used for gas heating systems are secure, correctly specified for the environment, and comply with relevant standards for material and corrosion protection.
      Acceptable when
      Gas heating systems must be securely fastened to the building structure using durable fixings appropriate for their application and environment. The choice of fixing material, such as stainless steel or specially coated mild steel, must comply with relevant British Standards to ensure long-term performance and corrosion resistance.
    31. Earthing metal back boxes and cable termination

      How to check
      Verify that all metal back boxes are earthed and that all circuits are properly terminated within suitable enclosures, leaving no exposed wires.
      Acceptable when
      All metal electrical back boxes that house accessories such as sockets or switches must be correctly earthed to ensure electrical safety. Furthermore, all wiring must terminate securely in appropriate enclosures, avoiding any exposed conductors for future homeowner connections.
    32. Electric vehicle charging point installation

      How to check
      Verify that EV charging points are installed to current standards, are correctly cabled, and have appropriate protection.
      Acceptable when
      The installation of electric vehicle charging points in new developments requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure safety, future-proofing, and compliance. This includes assessing electrical capacity, cable routes, accessibility, and user convenience.
    33. Electrical Back Box Installation

      How to check
      Confirm back boxes are installed consistently at the correct heights, are flush with the wall face, and have fire protection where specified.
      Acceptable when
      Electrical back boxes for accessories must be installed consistently at specified heights and depths, ensuring they are flush with the finished wall surface. Deeper boxes may require specific chasing to accommodate them without protruding, and fire-rated boxes must be used where fire integrity is required.
    34. Electrical box and masonry service installation

      How to check
      Confirm that all back boxes are securely fixed with at least two points and that cables through masonry have protective sleeving.
      Acceptable when
      Electrical back boxes should be securely fixed to the structure, typically with a minimum of two fixings, to prevent movement after installation. All cables that penetrate masonry should be run through protective sleeves to prevent damage from abrasive materials or subsequent plastering.
    35. Electrical Cable Routing and Clipping

      How to check
      Check that electrical cables are installed strictly within safe zones and are securely clipped or fixed along their entire run.
      Acceptable when
      Electrical cables must be installed in designated safe zones, typically vertically or horizontally from accessories, and securely clipped or fixed. This ensures cables are identifiable, protected from damage, and accessible if needed.
    36. Electrical installation safety and compliance

      How to check
      Confirm that all electrical installations conform to the wiring regulations and approved design, including cable protection and provision of accessories.
      Acceptable when
      Electrical installations must be designed and constructed to ensure safety and satisfactory operation, complying with all relevant regulations, standards, and codes. This encompasses a wide range of considerations from cable routing to the provision of various electrical points and safety devices.
    37. Electrical Installations in Fire-Rated Partitions

      How to check
      Inspect electrical installations in fire-rated partitions to ensure fire stopping materials are correctly installed and the partition's integrity is maintained.
      Acceptable when
      When electrical installations are integrated into fire-rated partitions, strict adherence to fire safety regulations is essential. The installation must not compromise the fire resistance of the partition or the integrity of fire compartmentation, especially in means of escape routes.
    38. Electrical supply for gas appliances

      How to check
      Confirm that all gas appliances requiring electricity have a suitable and accessible fixed spur or socket outlet.
      Acceptable when
      Where a gas appliance requires an electrical supply for its operation, such as for ignition or controls, a dedicated and appropriately located fixed spur or socket outlet must be provided. This ensures safe and convenient power access for the appliance.
    39. Electronic communications infrastructure

      How to check
      Check that the installed electronic communications infrastructure (e.g., fibre optic cables, data points) is fit for purpose and accessible.
      Acceptable when
      When electronic communications infrastructure is installed in a dwelling, planning must include considerations for signal quality, resilience, accessibility, and capacity for future technological advancements. This ensures occupants have reliable access to modern communication services.
    40. External door frame setting and sealing

      How to check
      Confirm that the door frame is correctly set back, perimeter sealed, and includes a DPC and cill with adequate overhang.
      Acceptable when
      External door frames are installed within the structural opening, often recessed to create a check reveal for weather protection and aesthetic integration. A DPC is typically installed beneath the cill, and a suitable sealant is applied around the perimeter of the frame to prevent water and air ingress, often with a cill providing an overhang for drip protection.

    Most common reasons this visit fails

    Waste run notched through a joist to make the fall work

    The bathroom layout changed, the waste no longer lined up, and someone solved it with a saw. This is a structural repair, not a snag.

    Usually a Reportable Item and often needs an engineer’s repair detail.

    Backboxes set at inconsistent heights

    Each fitter worked off a different floor level or their own tape mark. It only becomes visible when the walls are painted and the sockets are on.

    Cosmetic but not correctable without patching and redecorating.

    No noggin behind the boiler or the wall-hung WC

    Discovered by the second fix plumber, who then has to open the finished wall to fit one.

    Flexible ducting used on a run designed as rigid

    Airflow rates fail at commissioning and the ceiling has to come down to correct it.

    Fails Part F commissioning and delays handover.

    Pipework never pressure tested before boarding

    The first anyone knows about the joint is a stain on a skimmed ceiling after the heating is filled.

    First Fix inspection FAQs

    First fix covers everything installed inside the structure before it is closed up: stud partitions and carcassing, floor decking, cable runs and backboxes, hot and cold pipework, heating drops, waste and soil routes, ventilation ductwork, and the noggins and fixings that later trades need.

    Not usually as a separate visit. First fix is checked as part of the pre-plaster key stage inspection. Running your own first fix inspection a week earlier means defects are cleared before the inspector arrives.

    Only within the zones set by the joist manufacturer or the structural engineer. Engineered joists have designated web openings and must never be cut elsewhere. Solid timber joists have permitted notch and hole zones measured from the support, and holes must be on the neutral axis.

    Cables buried in a wall must run in defined vertical or horizontal zones from an accessory, or within 150mm of a corner or ceiling. Outside those zones the cable needs mechanical protection, an earthed metallic covering, or RCD protection depending on the installation.

    Once the pipework has been pressure tested and left under pressure, the electrical first fix has been tested, insulation is complete and the pre-plaster inspection has been passed. Boarding before those are signed off is the most common cause of opening up finished walls.

    Run this checklist live on site

    ProPlot's audit tool includes these first fix checks as interactive helpers — tick items off, attach GPS-stamped photos, and share the report with your inspector in one tap. Free while in beta.

    Go deeper: Quality Intelligence

    Our free, cited reference library — critical dimensions, build stage guidance, common defects and plain-English guides.

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