Strap bracing that was fitted and left slack

In short: Straps present, visible, and carrying no load at all until somebody tensions them.

How strap bracing works

It resists lateral load by going into tension. A slack strap is decoration until the wall has already moved.

Strap bracing fitted but not tensioned, and separately metal straps to corners never installed at all.

A strap that is present passes a visual scan. Whether it is tight is a different question and it takes a hand to answer.

Corner straps are frequently the ones left out, because they are fiddly and because nobody is counting them.

Frame stage. After lining the strap is behind plasterboard for the life of the house.

Written by the Owner Inspections team from inspections carried out in Box Hill. Licensed building practitioners, NSW Fair Trading licence 366177C.

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Is tensioning difficult?

No. It is quick while the frame is open, which is exactly why it is worth catching then.

How do you check it?

By hand and by eye, strap by strap, against the bracing plan for your lot.

Does this affect my warranty?

It is a defect in a major element, so it sits in the six year category under the Home Building Act rather than the two year one.

Would I spot it myself?

Only if you knew that slack was the failure mode and went round pushing on straps.