Your Block Is Hiding an Expensive Disaster

A proper site visit isn’t a stroll around the block. It’s where you catch the stuff that turns into $30k surprises later.

We’re back with Brad from Sanford Buildco to have a conversation about what a site visit should actually involve, and why doing it properly is one of the simplest ways to protect your time, your margin, and your sanity.

We break down how our checklists differ across inner-city and rural sites, but still cover the same core categories: access, services, water management, demolition risk, and the existing building. We talk through real examples like tram and train line constraints, construction zones and parking permits, combined drains, earthenware stormwater, boundary trap upgrades, three-phase power, septic fields, and when a sump and pump becomes the only option.

We also get into the stuff that catches builders out if you don’t look early: neighbour water issues you can’t control once you’re hard on the boundary, asbestos you can’t spot from photos, and demolition rule changes that can turn normal waste into hazardous waste overnight. The theme is simple: gather better information now, and you’ll have fewer ugly conversations later.

CHAPTER MARKERS00:00 Introduction

02:00 Site Visit Checklist

02:49 Access Constraints

03:40 Rural Access Costs

06:00 Plumbing Red Flags

07:10 Sewer Plans and Cameras

10:47 Power Upgrades Reality

11:45 Septic and Stormwater Pumps