Qualified & Registered Building Experts
New Home Handover & PCI Inspection Melbourne
Before you get the keys to your new home, make sure it’s actually finished — and finished properly. A handover inspection (also called a Practical Completion Inspection or PCI) is your last opportunity to identify defects and incomplete works before you take possession. Once you’ve signed off, the leverage shifts to the builder.
At Certifyd, our handover inspections are carried out by a certified building surveyor and civil engineer. We know exactly what to look for — and how to document it.
What Is a PCI / Handover Inspection?
A Practical Completion Inspection (PCI) is a thorough assessment of your newly built home conducted just before handover. It compares the finished build against:
- Your building contract and specifications
- Approved plans and permit documents
- The National Construction Code (NCC) and relevant Australian Standards
- Industry workmanship standards
The result is a detailed defect list — commonly called a Defect Schedule — that you can present to your builder for rectification before settlement.
Why You Need an Independent Handover Inspection?
Your builder will conduct their own handover walkthrough — but they’re assessing their own work. An independent inspection by a qualified third party gives you an unbiased assessment, identifies defects your builder may have overlooked (or not mentioned), and gives you a formal, documented record you can act on.
Without one, you risk taking possession of a home with defects that are much harder — and more expensive — to address once you’ve settled. If your home has already been handed over and you’re nearing the end of your builder’s defect liability period, a building warranty inspection can help identify issues before your time to claim runs out.
What We Inspect at Handover?
We conduct a thorough room-by-room and area-by-area assessment, covering:
Roof Space
framing, insulation, ridge capping, gutters, and downpipes
Exterior
External walls and cladding finish quality, sealing, and gaps
Interior
walls and ceilings, plasterboard finish, paint quality, cornices, and fixings
Floors
tile laying, floor coverings, and substrate condition
Wet Areas
bathrooms, laundry, and kitchen – waterproofing, tiling, and fixtures
Doors & Windows
operation, sealing, hardware, and
alignment
General workmanship
anything that doesn’t meet contract specs or building standards
What Happens After the Inspection?
You take the Defect Schedule to your builder and request rectification of all items before you accept handover. In most cases, builders are contractually obligated to address legitimate defects prior to practical completion. Our report gives you the evidence to hold them to it.
If your builder disputes any findings, having a report prepared by a registered building practitioner carries significant weight — in negotiations, mediation, or tribunal proceedings. If settlement is also approaching, a pre-settlement inspection can be useful as a final check to confirm the property is in agreed condition before funds are transferred.
Why Choose Certifyd?
We also help homeowners at later stages with building warranty inspections and can provide a dilapidation report if nearby construction may affect your property after handover.
What to Expect – 3 Simple Steps
Request a free quote
Fill out our online form with your property details and inspection type.
Receive your quote
No surprises. We confirm the price before anything is booked.
Inspection done
Choose your preferred day. We inspect and deliver your report the same day.
Don’t sign off until you know exactly what you’re getting
Same-day reports. No hidden fees. Backed by real engineering expertise
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly should I book a handover inspection?
Book it for the period between your builder notifying you of practical completion and your scheduled handover date — typically 1–5 days before you’re due to sign off.
What if my builder wants to proceed with handover before defects are fixed?
You are entitled to withhold acceptance until defects are rectified to a satisfactory standard. Our report documents the basis for any delay.
Do you also inspect at earlier construction stages?
Yes. We offer inspections at slab, frame, lockup, fixing, and waterproofing stages. Ask us about our new construction package.
How long does a handover inspection take?
Typically 2–3 hours for a standard new home, depending on size.