How Do I Perform a Final Walkthrough of My Newly Built Home?
The long, challenging process of having your gorgeous new home built is finally over. It’s time to smile, breathe and take a final look so you can take ownership and start to move in, to call it home; YOUR home. So I’m sure you’re wondering; how do I perform a final walkthrough of my newly built home, so that you know how to look for defects.
This question should be: Is it right to do a new home practical completion inspection (pci) yourself? What if you miss some major defects or your builder doesn’t agree with your opinion on what needs to be fixed?
The role of your builder at this stage should be to show you through to explain functionality of features of your new home from an operational perspective.
The Dangers of Doing a Final Handover Inspection Yourself
Now is not the time to relax and casually decide to do a walk through with your home builder.
Building a home is a complex process; from choosing a block of land, financing, design, builder selection, materials and inclusions, and construction by different trades.
You want your home to be built according to plan. While there are times when defects need to be fixed, there are also smaller items that are common and of no substantial matter.
When you do a new home final handover walkthrough with your home builder, your builder may not see eye-to-eye with you on the extent of any defects. Then, the danger is that you end up in litigation which will cost you both time and money. This is a common occurrence but easily avoidable with the right advice from a professional, independent building inspector.
Further, doing a final walkthrough of your new home yourself is fraught with problems. An experienced builder knows what to look for after construction. Whereas there’s a high chance you’re emotionally attached. The desire may be to just move in without knowing or being able to see if there are any major defects. If there are major defects then you’ll want those fixed before you move in.
The Benefit of Hiring a New Home Final Handover Inspector
When you choose your final handover inspection with an independent building inspector, you will receive a non-biased, fair appraisal. This will outline the condition of your newly constructed home. This provides a safeguard for both you the client and your builder.
Moving forward with your final handover will be smoother when expectations are balanced and major defects are addressed.
Why Home Builders and Homeowners Trust Home Building Assist with Handover Inspections
Your Home Building Assist building inspector is a registered builder. He also has over 30 years in the residential building industry. So has not only conducted final walkthrough inspections but knows what to look for in newly constructed homes.
We have a high level of expertise due to our level of experience and success in the construction industry. This is coupled with additional QMB inspector training. We are trusted with practical completion inspections as a result. Our comprehensive report will reduce the likelihood of litigation and assist you and your builder to make smart decisions. It’s a smart move for both you and your builder.
New Home Final Handover Inspection
Helpful Resources:
When building work is complete – consider an independent inspector.
