The base stage covers everything from mobilising the site through to the concrete slab being poured and curing. With over 20 sequential minor events, this is one of the most complex stages, and the one where substandard work is hardest to fix later.
Click any event to see what's covered and how it's delivered on the platform.
Major Stage. Base Complete
01
Temporary Fence
3 delivery methods
02
Siltation Protection
2 delivery methods
03
Toilet Hire (Waste Management)
2 delivery methods
04
Bin Hire (Waste Management)
2 delivery methods
05
Excavation
3 delivery methods
06
Retaining Walls
3 delivery methods
07
Water Connection
3 delivery methods
08
Set-Out (Survey)
2 delivery methods
09
Piers (Alternative to Screw Piles)
3 delivery methods
10
Screw Piles (Alternative to Piers)
2 delivery methods
11
Underground Power
3 delivery methods
12
Communications
2 delivery methods
13
Sewer Drains
3 delivery methods
14
Stormwater Drains
3 delivery methods
15
Spoil Removal
2 delivery methods
16
Rock Removal
3 delivery methods
17
Concrete Pump
2 delivery methods
18
Waffle Pod Slab: Material
3 delivery methods
19
Concrete Supply
2 delivery methods
20
Waffle Pod Slab: Labour
4 delivery methods
21
Termite Protection
3 delivery methods
Event 01 of 21
TEMPORARY FENCE
A steel-mesh temporary fence is erected around the perimeter before any other works commence. This is a legal requirement under the Building Regulations and must be maintained throughout the entire build.
Delivered through
Video Content On-Site QR Guide Mobile First
Event 02 of 21
SILTATION PROTECTION
Geotextile silt socks and rock check dams are installed at drainage outlets to prevent sediment-laden water leaving the site. This is an EPA/council requirement and forms part of your site management plan.
Delivered through
Video Content On-Site QR Guide
Event 03 of 21
TOILET HIRE (WASTE MANAGEMENT)
A portable toilet must be on site before tradespeople commence work. The Building Regulations require this from day one; it's often one of the first defects flagged at a base stage inspection.
Delivered through
Video Content Mobile First
Event 04 of 21
BIN HIRE (WASTE MANAGEMENT)
A skip bin or waste management system must be established at the start. Keeping site waste separated and contained is both a regulatory requirement and a safety obligation.
Delivered through
Video Content On-Site QR Guide
Event 05 of 21
EXCAVATION
Bulk earthworks to cut and fill the site to the design levels. Soil is removed to formation level for slabs and footings; cut material may be carted off or redistributed on site depending on the site class and design.
Delivered through
Video Content Interactive Module Live Webinar
Event 06 of 21
RETAINING WALLS
Where significant level changes exist, retaining walls (concrete block, timber, or poured concrete) are constructed before footings are dug. Engineering sign-off is required for walls over 1m in most states.
Delivered through
Video Content Interactive Module On-Site QR Guide
Event 07 of 21
WATER CONNECTION
Application to the water authority for a service connection. A licensed plumber excavates from the mains to the meter box location and installs a temporary capped supply ready for future plumbing connection.
Delivered through
Video Content Mobile First On-Site QR Guide
Event 08 of 21
SET-OUT (SURVEY)
A licensed surveyor pegs the exact building footprint on site based on the approved plans. All footings, slabs and walls are positioned from these pegs; any error here cascades through the entire build.
Delivered through
Video Content Interactive Module
Event 09 of 21
PIERS (ALTERNATIVE TO SCREW PILES)
On reactive sites, bored or driven concrete piers are installed below the reactive zone to provide a stable bearing stratum for the slab. Depth and diameter are specified by the structural engineer based on soil testing.
Delivered through
Video Content Interactive Module Live Webinar
Event 10 of 21
SCREW PILES (ALTERNATIVE TO PIERS)
Galvanised steel screw piles are machine-driven to refusal as an alternative to concrete piers. Common on sites with difficult access, high groundwater or where minimal disturbance is required.
Delivered through
Video Content Interactive Module
Event 11 of 21
UNDERGROUND POWER
The electrical distributor installs the underground service from the street to the meter box location. This must be complete and approved before the concrete slab is poured over conduit runs.
Delivered through
Video Content Mobile First On-Site QR Guide
Event 12 of 21
COMMUNICATIONS
NBN or telecommunications conduit is installed from the pit at the boundary to the house service point. Conduit sizing and routing must comply with NBN Co specifications before the slab is poured.
Delivered through
Video Content Mobile First
Event 13 of 21
SEWER DRAINS
A licensed drainer installs sewer drainage pipes from the house drainage system to the property boundary connection point. Pipe fall, bedding material and inspection openings must comply with AS 3500.
Delivered through
Video Content Interactive Module On-Site QR Guide
Event 14 of 21
STORMWATER DRAINS
Stormwater drainage is installed to collect roof and surface water and direct it to the legal point of discharge, whether to the street, a pit or a detention system. Pipe sizes are calculated from catchment area.
Delivered through
Video Content Interactive Module On-Site QR Guide
Event 15 of 21
SPOIL REMOVAL
Excess cut material, unsuitable fill and removed vegetation is carted from the site. The volume of spoil is calculated from the excavation drawings; removal costs can significantly affect base stage budgets.
Delivered through
Video Content Mobile First
Event 16 of 21
ROCK REMOVAL
If rock is encountered during excavation (a common contractual PC item), it must be broken up and removed. This is typically charged as a variation; understanding how rock is measured and priced protects your budget.
Delivered through
Video Content Interactive Module Live Webinar
Event 17 of 21
CONCRETE PUMP
A concrete pump truck is engaged to place concrete in areas a ready-mix truck cannot reach by chute. Pump hire, boom reach and clean-down costs are calculated as part of the concrete pour program.
Delivered through
Video Content On-Site QR Guide
Event 18 of 21
WAFFLE POD SLAB: MATERIAL
Expanded polystyrene void formers (waffle pods) are positioned within the grid of steel reinforcement. Pod size, spacing and edge beam dimensions are specified by the structural engineer to match the site class.
Delivered through
Video Content Interactive Module On-Site QR Guide
Event 19 of 21
CONCRETE SUPPLY
Ready-mix concrete is ordered to the structural engineer's specification, typically N25 or N32 strength with a specific slump for workability. Timing, truck sequencing and delivery dockets must all be managed on pour day.
Delivered through
Video Content Interactive Module
Event 20 of 21
WAFFLE POD SLAB: LABOUR
The concreting crew places, screeds and floats the slab to level. Cover to reinforcement, construction joints, edge beam depths and surface finish tolerances are all critical quality hold points.
Delivered through
Video Content Interactive Module Live Webinar On-Site QR Guide
Event 21 of 21
TERMITE PROTECTION
A chemical termite barrier (soil treatment or reticulation system) is installed before the slab is poured. This is a mandatory requirement under the Building Code and must be certified by a licensed pest controller.
