Stage 6: Completion
(PCI) Pre-Handover

A PCI or Practical Completion Inspection is the final inspection conducted before you take handover of your new home. It is a comprehensive assessment of all visible elements, verifying that all construction work is complete, defects from earlier stages have been rectified, and the property meets the quality standards expected for occupancy. This is your last opportunity to identify issues before settlement.

The completion inspection is your final opportunity to identify defects and incomplete work before you accept the property. Once you take handover and make final payment, your leverage to have the builder rectify issues is significantly reduced. A professional PCI ensures every visible element meets quality standards and that all contractual obligations have been fulfilled.

All defects identified during the PCI are documented in a detailed report with photographs. You present this report to your builder who is required to rectify all issues before handover. You should not make your final payment or accept the keys until all defects have been addressed to a satisfactory standard. Our report provides the evidence needed to support your position.

While you can attend the inspection yourself, a professional inspector has the training and experience to identify defects that most homeowners would miss. Our inspectors know the Australian Standards, building codes, and acceptable tolerances for every element of your home. Professional PCI reports are also more credible with builders and are accepted by tribunals if disputes arise.

Book each inspection after your builder notifies you that a stage is complete but before they proceed to the next phase. Timing is crucial as some elements become inaccessible once the next stage begins. Contact us as soon as you receive notification from your builder.

Our promise is a full report within 24 hours of your inspection completion, guaranteed. Reports are delivered via cloud-based online link, PDF email attachment, and SMS link for convenient access.

No. As the property owner, you have the right to arrange independent inspections at any stage of construction. Most building contracts include provisions for owner inspections. If your builder objects, this may be a warning sign worth investigating further.

Council inspections verify minimum compliance with building regulations and are typically brief. Our independent stage inspections are far more thorough, checking workmanship quality, Australian Standards compliance, and identifying defects that council inspectors are not required to assess.