Schofields Building
Inspections

Cladding sitting too close to the concrete

A clearance is a barrier and an inspection zone at once.

Schofields 2762 · 2 April 2026

Fully licensed & accredited

  • NSW Fair Trading NSW Fair Trading
  • Australian Society of Building Consultants Australian Society of Building Consultants
  • Strata Community Association Strata Community Association
  • Building Dispute Practitioners Society Building Dispute Practitioners Society

In short: Ground clearance shortfalls recorded three times on one Schofields property.

What the clearance is for

Keeping cladding out of ground moisture, and leaving a visible band where termite activity would have to show itself.

What we recorded

Cladding to ground clearance below the required minimum, three separate times on the same Schofields property.

How it usually happens

Concrete, paving or landscaping added after the house was built, raising the level against a wall that was set correctly at the time.

The two consequences

Moisture wicking into the wall, and the loss of the zone a pest inspector relies on.

The remedy

Cutting the level back, which is landscaping work rather than building work.

Written by our local inspection team from work carried out in Schofields. Licensed building practitioners.

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FAQ

Questions Schofields owners ask about this

How much clearance is required?

The standard sets a minimum above the adjacent finished surface, with a lesser figure over graded paving. The report gives the measurement.

Is it the vendor's problem or mine?

After settlement it is yours, which is precisely why it belongs in the report before you commit.

Is that evidence of termites?

No. It means a path exists and the inspection zone has been compromised.

Who fixes it?

A landscaper for the levels. A licensed controller only if evidence of activity is found.

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