Practical Completion Inspections (PCI)/Final Builder Handover
Final handover is an exciting time for all new home builders, but rushing to sign off before doing one last
inspection could be very costly.
Building a new home takes time. As anyone who has been through the process will tell you, it sometimes feels like it will never end. While it’s tempting to breeze through handover just to get those precious keys, cutting this final corner could be costly in the short term and could hurt the resale value of your house down the track.
We can’t stress enough that doing a final handover inspection, often called a Practical Completion Inspection (PCI), is essential.
What is involved in a Practical Completion Inspection (PCI)?
A PCI, also known as a final handover inspection, is a thorough visual property appraisal carried out by an expert building inspector to ensure the home has been built to Australian Building Codes and standards. During the inspection, notes are made about the workmanship, building techniques and finish throughout the home. These notes often include photographs and other visual aids to thoroughly document the issues that need fixing.
After completing the final handover inspection, we provide you with a detailed property inspection report outlining all problem areas. You use this as a checklist for your builder to action prior to you making your final payment.
What do we look for when doing a PCI?
During our inspection we look for workmanship that doesn’t meet Western Australian building standards. Our checks cover everything that has been built including the state and execution of:
- Brickwork or cladding.
- Roof frame and cover, including insulation, guttering and downpipes.
- Plasterwork and paintwork throughout.
- Windows and glazing.
- Fixtures and fittings.
- Fences and other out buildings.
Who will carry out the inspection?
ProConsult’s owner, Andrew Scales, carries out all final handover inspections and prepares all property inspection reports. Andrew is a highly qualified building inspector with over 35 years’ experience in both the United Kingdom and Australia. Andrew is registered with the Chartered Institute of Building and the West Australian Building Commission as a Registered Builder.
