Insulation, wrap and noggings before the plasterer arrives
Lock-up is the last look inside the walls. A Maddingley inspection found insulation not yet in, wall wrap missing and bracing cut. Why that matters in a cold climate home.
In short: In Ballarat's climate zone 7, insulation decides how a house feels for its whole life. Lock-up is the only stage you can see it all.
What lock-up means
Roof on, windows and external doors in, external walls closed. Plaster has not started, so the frame, insulation and services are still visible.
Insulation and wrap
On a Maddingley lock-up inspection in February 2026 the wall and ceiling insulation was not yet installed, insulation was missing from the wall between garage and house, and wall wrap was incomplete between the two.
Why it matters in Ballarat
The NCC puts Ballarat in climate zone 7, cool temperate. Missing batts, compressed insulation and gaps in wrap mean cold walls, condensation risk and higher heating bills for the life of the house.
Bracing and noggings
Bracing that has been cut to fit services weakens the frame against wind. Missing noggings around the bath hob and in the garage ceiling show up later as cracked plaster or nowhere to fix a door motor.
Carried over items
Lock-up is also when we recheck frame items. On this job several were still open.
Booking it right
Book once the external envelope is closed and before plasterboard is delivered. Ask the builder to confirm insulation will be in place, or arrange to recheck it.
Written by our local inspection team from work carried out in Ballarat. Licensed building practitioners, Building & Plumbing Commission registration CDB-U 53425.
