What is practical completion inspection (PCI)?

A Practical Completion Inspection, also known as a New Home Handover Inspection, is a detailed assessment carried out before you take ownership of a newly built property. During this inspection, our licensed building inspectors assess the construction to confirm it meets required quality standards, building codes, and contract specifications. Inspectors actively check for defects, incomplete work, and finishing issues, giving you confidence that the builder delivers your new home as promised. This inspection allows you to identify and address issues early, before you move in.

Why do you need a Practical Completion Inspection?

A practical completion inspection is a thorough assessment conducted when a construction project is nearing completion. This inspection ensures that the construction meets the quality standards, building codes, and contract specifications. It helps identify any defects, incomplete work, or finishing issues that need to be addressed before you take ownership of the property.

  • Quality Assurance: The inspection ensures that the construction meets the required quality standards, building codes, and contract specifications. This includes checking the workmanship, materials used, and overall finish of the property.
  • Identify Defects: The inspection helps identify any defects, incomplete work, or finishing issues that need to be addressed before you take ownership of the property. This includes checking for any visible and hidden defects that could affect the property’s safety, functionality, and aesthetics.
  • Ensure Compliance: The inspection verifies that all aspects of the construction comply with the agreed-upon plans and regulations. This includes checking that all building codes, safety standards, and contractual obligations have been met.
  • Peace of Mind: Ultimately, the inspection provides peace of mind by confirming that your new home is delivered as promised and is ready for occupancy. It ensures that you are aware of any issues that need to be addressed before you move in, allowing you to make informed decisions and avoid potential problems in the future

What We Will Examine:

During the practical completion/pre-settlement inspection, all aspects of a property are carefully examined to provide an in-depth and detailed report on its overall condition, structural issues, defects, roof leaks, bathroom leaks, and any moisture-related problems in the interior or exterior areas.

We will review on the completeness and quality of the workmanship:

  • Interior:
    • Straightness and plumness of walls and ceilings.
    • Levelness of floor and  damage and blemish.
    • Interior paint blemish to walls and ceilings. 
    • All windows and doors for any damage, blemish and paint quality.
    • Doors and windows hardware and installation.
    • All electrical installation.
  • Bathroom and wet areas:
    • Check wall and floor tiles.
    • Test plumbing installation and functioning.
    • Moisture test for walls outside of bathrooms/wet area.
    • Check all joinery for damage and blemish
    • Check sink, toilet and bath for damage and leaking.
    • Check shower screen for crack, leak and functioning.
  • Roof Space:
    • Check all timber frames for any signs of damage and incorrect installation.
    • Inspect all timber frame bracing.
    • Installation of ceiling insulation and sarking.
    • Any signs of leak.
  • Roof exterior:
    • Check roof tiles and cladding for any signs of cracks and damage (except 2nd floor roof due to high restriction).
    • Check all roof flashings for any signs of cracks and gaps
    • Check installation of downpipes for damage and connection.
    • Check all gutters for any signs of leaks, ponding, and debris.
    • Check all downpipes for any signs of leaks and connection issues.
  • Building exterior:
    • Inspect all walls for any cracks and damages.
    • Check all paint work for damage and blemish.
    • Check gaps, damage and paint work to windows and doors.
    • Check plumbing and electrical work installations.
    • Check for any site drainage that may cause building issues.
    • Check DCP and termite barrier installation.
    • Check fence and retaining wall installation.
    • Check site drainage installation.
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The wall was examined with a 2-metre straightedge and was determined to exceed the maximum allowable straightness deviation. 

Building inspector checking an uneven floor with a level during a handover inspection.

Significant unevenness was observed during the practical completion inspection of a new house. Such unevenness will likely result in discomfort for future occupants.

Building inspector checking external finish and observed inconsistent brick shade during a practical completion inspection in Sydney home.

During the practical completion inspection, it was observed that the brick shade on the second floor did not match the bricks on the ground floor. This inconsistency may be due to the use of different batches of bricks, highlighting an issue with project management.

Building inspector checking painted walls for qualify of finish during practical completion inspection in Sydney home.

The inspector identified and marked areas with substandard paintwork during a pre settlement inspection, which the builder is required to rectify.