Pre Handover Home Inspection
Frequently Asked Questions
A pre hand over inspection, as the name suggests is an inspection normally done with the you and the builder as a final walk through the home. This ensures that you are satisfied with the workmanship
and that all the works and inclusions that make up the contract price are in and are complete.
Practical Completion means the home is practically complete but there may still be a few minor items that require completing.
The purpose of this inspection is to provide the builder a list of the works or defects that require attention, before you take possession.
All new homes will have minor defects, so a list is not a red flag that the home is substandard.
Building a new home is exciting and yet stressful. Your home has been under construction for many months and you’re finally at the end. You dearly want to move in but want to make sure that the house has been built to the standard requested.
By having an experienced inspector walk through your home, you can have peace of mind in knowing that there is a definitive list of items that will need attention before you pay the final payment, or if you both agree, to have the items fixed after you move in.
In Victoria we have quite stringent building regulations so it’s fair to say that in most cases builders generally build homes to a high standard.
Where the building inspection is important, is that it ensures that the home complies with the building regulations, or points out major defects before you move in.
This should be conducted by a professional building inspector who is experienced in checking homes for any defects or issues. A home inspector has the expertise and knowledge to properly evaluate your new home and ensure that everything is in order.
If your inspector is also a builder (we are registered builders), which many are not, then their technical expertise and practical on-site experience, will ensure that the home is properly inspected.
PCI stands for Practical Completion Inspection and is effectively the pre-handover house inspection.
The builder is responsible for fixing any issues found based on the
report we provide. We generally only list items that we think need attention. An experienced builder will be familiar with the handover process and they should be willing to work with you to resolve any problems and make certain that your new house is in the best possible condition before final handover.
A builder is within their rights to not agree with all items on a report and may argue that some items are not defects. We are happy to discuss any items with you and your builder and take a proactive
approach in trying to work out a solution to any problem.
If your builder refuses to rectify defects, especially major ones, then you may want to speak with the VBA (Victorian Building Authority) or
consumer affairs.
Our advice is to mediate before you litigate. We can help with mediation if required.
If the builder is being unreasonable, you may have no option, but to seek legal advice.
A pre hand over inspection report will list all items, supported with photographs of the items within the home that are defective or may be incomplete.
The inspection is visual and covers internal and external element of the home, such as paint work, external walls, fixtures, fitting wall and floor finishes and any other items found to be defective.
Where possible and provided it’s safe to do so we will get into and onto the roof to check insulation, heating and exhaust fans etc.
This type of home inspection can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size and complexity of your new home. Our inspector will need to thoroughly evaluate every aspect of your home to ensure that everything is in good condition.
On average, from $800 to $1500 for a typical suburban home, depending on size and complexity.
Our findings will be outlined in the report we provide. You can then
provide this information to your builder and work with them on how
you move forward.
Minor issues may be agreed to be done in the 90 day maintenance period and major items before you move in.
The short answer is Yes. You would not normally do a PCI inspection before the issue of a certificate of occupancy, so technically if that certificate has been issued, then the house is fit for occupation.
We would never recommend anyone not to move into their home, so it really come down to your individual circumstances and relationship with your builder.
Often if the outstanding works and defects are minor people are happy to move in with a written agreement with their builder on what items will be transferred to the 90 day maintenance list. If there are major items that may require rework, then you would probably not handover.