First Step Building Group

Name: First Step Building Group
Address: Melbourne, VIC, 3023, AU
Telephone: +61468925922

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Australia
Melbourne, VIC
First Step Building Group

First Step Building Group offer building consultations, education & construction services.

11/02/2026

At a recent frame stage inspection we found a modified/cut girder bracket supporting the roof truss framing of a double home.

According to the volume builder and carpenter they can't seem to see the modification nor see the issue at hand.

These brackets are designed to be installed without modification and require engineering approval if any structural changes are to be made.

It is disappointing to see the extents supervisors and their trades will go to to decieve their clients.

25/01/2026

Slight changes in floor levels can sometimes indicate more serious problems, such as foundation issues, soil movement or water damage. Put your mind at ease by engaging with the team at First Step Building Group for your next inspection.

“We’re with you every step of the way.”

Contact Us
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 0468 925 922

04/12/2025

At this home we initially completed an building defect inspection post purchase for the owner.
We identified the masonry lintel over the rear sliding door and window had a significant sag measuring 28mm from end to mid section of the lintel.

Engineering had specified a new 100mm backing plate welded to the existing lintel and a steel column installed mid span, to support the existing undersized lintel.

We have successfully taken our client through the entire construction process from engineering design and plans, to building permit and approval. Our client and our team couldn't be happier with the end result.

10/10/2025

Our client today has been experiencing mould issues in the bathroom. While using the exhaust fan effectively and using moisture absorbing chemicals in the ensuite area nothing seemed to stop the moisture issues seen on the ceiling.

We discovered the exhaust fan had been blanketed by an insulation batt, causing back pressure and preventing the fan from operating efficiently.

In amongst some other recommendations, the issue found here was from poor workmanship during the builder. The home is only 2 years old and experiencing mould issues.

With some proper treatment, and proper ventilation the condensation issues should no longer come back.

08/10/2025

During our most recent Practical Completion Inspection we identified a leaking toilet and leaking spa pump. A combination of our thermal imaging, drone inspection and flooding testing methodology we picked these defects up before any long term issues would arise.

28/08/2025

At a recent pre-purchase inspection we identified failed grouting in a high end ensuite shower area.

The resultant cracking shows calcification evidence of prolonged moisture exposure and ingress.

We were able to determine that walls tiles were spotted fixed, and waterstop between the shower screen and ensuite area was missing. The capillary action of moisture through the crack and voids in the adhesive had resulted in high elevations of moisture in the wall being drawn towards the toilet door jamb approximately 3m away from the shower, causing damage to the frame and door jamb.

The importance of proper waterproofing practise is highlighted in our most recent inspection.

The cost of repair to the shower area and potential battle with the builder to repair the issue, would need to be assessed carefully by any potential buyer.

New homes and clean presentation, doesn't always mean the house is clear of defects.

30/07/2025

Here we have a newly built home with a light switch located within proximity to the shower.

These Australian Electrical Installation standard requires either of the following:

1. The switch is required to be ingress protection rated (IP54) if installed between 300mm and 600mm of the shower door ; or,

2. The switch to be installed outside of a 600mm radius from the operable section of the shower door.

Per AS 3000, the switch is not permitted to be installed within 300mm of the operable side of the shower door.

This is a serious safety hazard and requires the switch to be relocated.

28/07/2025

The National Construction Code requires junctions in laundry areas to be water resistant.

This builders attempt at waterproofing this laundry has created a potential area for water to accumulate between the timber frame and waterstop.

The waterstop is required to be removed, to stop potnetial water accumulation in the case of a leak. Walll junctions are to be waterproofed and plumbing penetrations sealed.

Short cuts just dont pay off in the long term.

01/07/2025

During Pre-Completion Inspections (PCI) owners see the end so close in sight that they often only pick up cosmetic defects.

Using specialised equipment, the team at First Step Buildjng Group ensure that nothing is missed during any of our inspections. We test and check electrical fixtures, drainage and floor levels to give you peace of mind.

No matter what stage you’re at give us a call today to help you understand what you may be missing.

“We’re with you every step of the way.”

Contact Us
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 0468 925 922

13/06/2025

Sometimes defects that appear minor, are concealing major structural issues.

In the case of this home, not only was the roof line undulating but the concrete slab in the home was having its highs and lows.

While the house presented really well cosmetically, on closer inspection we found the slab had subsided up to 40mm around the permiter and heaved by up to 10mm inches centre of the home.

The slab movement has caused a multitude of defects to arise in the from of small cracks, closed articulation joints, sagging roof and sagging ceilings.

This inspection helped inform our client of some serious structural issues

06/06/2025

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🐾🐾 GO PANTHERS 🐾🐾

“We’re with you every step of the way.”

Contact Us
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 0468 925 922

05/06/2025

Unfortunately for this client an inspection was requested post settlement. Our inspectors identified a major defect, showing the under purlin completely unsupported.

The roof line had sagged moved the 80mm across a 6m span, and ridge beam was clearly severely stressed.

While it's important to complete a pre-purchase inspection to idnetify major defects, in this case the conveyancer should have advised the client that a 137B report should have been present with the contract of sale.

The renovation works inside the home were extensive, with, a number of structural walls removed.

Address

Melbourne, VIC
3023

Telephone

+61468925922

Website

http://fsbuildinggroup.com/

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