Building a home is no doubt an exciting journey (with handover being the most exciting part of all if you ask us), but before your handover happens, a pre-handover inspection or a PCI (Practical Completion Inspection) must take place. So what is a PCI (Practical Completion Inspection)? A PCI is essentially an opportunity for you to inspect your new home along with the Construction Supervisor of your build before it is handed over to you. This inspection is for you to see for yourself whether anything requires repairs or alterations. If any issues are identified, you can ask your builder for these to be rectified before handover. Your Construction Supervisor will make note of, and mark, any items throughout your home and you will be provided a copy of this list. It is important to note that certain items (such as your appliances) will not yet be installed. These items are installed as close to your handover day as possible to minimise any risks of theft.

While handover is an exciting time, it can sometimes be daunting, especially if it is your first time building a home. You might feel overwhelmed in the lead-up to your inspection, which might again be amplified if you are unfamiliar with the building industry and unsure of what to be aware of before your inspection. It is important to remember that you and your Construction Supervisor are a team during this inspection, and they are there to answer any questions you might have as you both walk through your home. Your Construction Supervisor will also be honest with you and flag any items of concern that they may have. Read on as we outline some things you should be on the lookout for during your inspection.

It can be beneficial to bring the following items with you to your Practical Completion Inspection:

• A copy of your master plans (including the electrical plans).
• A copy of your selections or any upgrades.
• Something to plug in to test your power points (e.g. your phone charger).
• Your phone to take any photos.

Start with the Outside

The exterior of your home is the first thing you see, so let’s start there.

#1 Doors and Windows

First, you need to ensure all of the external doors and windows of your home are free from damage, open and close smoothly and that all the handles and knobs are in good working order. It is also important to check that the locks and keys are working properly and easily (for your windows, this can be tested once inside). Make sure you inspect the areas around your doors and windows for damage, and don’t forget to make sure your flyscreens are installed securely too.

#2 The Roof

Be sure also to inspect the roof of your home, an area that is often missed. Don’t be afraid to get up there and take a look. Here’s what to look for:

• Are the tiles of your roof secure and free from any damage? Check for missing, cracked or broken tiles.
• Check that all elements of your roof are securely installed and free from damage (e.g. downpipes, gutters, fascias, eaves, valleys etc.)

Don’t feel silly asking about something that doesn’t look right to you. You’ll want to ensure everything looks spot-on before you take the keys.

#3 General Exterior Elements

Looking more closely, the following exterior elements should also be checked:

• Inspect brickwork, mortar joints and weep holes to check for inconsistencies, stains or cracks in the bricks or debris in weep holes (pro-tip, make sure you check the underside of any window sills, especially on highlight windows, where you can see the quality of workmanship in the mortar).
• If your home has been rendered, check for any cracks or imperfections and if your home has any sort of cladding, ensure it is neatly installed and well-fixed.
• Test any light switches or external power points.
• Check any external painting (e.g. eaves, downpipes) to ensure completeness.

Then move Inside

Once the exterior elements of your home have been inspected, it’s time to venture inside.

#4 Electrical

The aesthetic of a home means nothing if it is not safe to live in. Check the electrical elements of your home, including all power points and light switches, to ensure they are working properly. If you have dual switches, ensure they have been wired up correctly. If you have a security system, test it.

#5 Plumbing and Wet Areas

Ensuring all plumbing fixtures work correctly is also important. Some specific things to look for are:

• Test all your tapware (sinks, baths, showers etc.), flush your toilets and test your plugs.
• Check that any silicon used in wet areas (around sinks, baths, taps and countertops) is neat and free from gaps to ensure the areas are properly sealed.
• Check the tiles and ensure the grout is free from gaps/holes.
• If applicable, check the edges of your niches, especially if you requested mitred joints.
• Check that sanitaryware including the toilet and sinks are unmarked.

#6 Walls and Painting

The condition of the walls and the paint job of a home is another element that needs to be inspected. Keep your eyes peeled for the following:

• Any marks, chips or impact damage in the paint.
• Any uneven areas or inconsistencies.
• Any cracks.
• Check the cornices, skirtings, architraves, window sills, ceiling and walls, even within wardrobes and the like.

Impact damage to paint especially on walls is common during moving, so if this is not made note of during your PCI it is unlikely your builder will address any marks or chips you flag after you have taken your keys.

#7 General Items across the board

In each room of your home, ensure you are checking that:

• Fixtures, fittings, benchtops etc. are free from any damage or scratches.
• The doors and windows open and close smoothly, and the locks are in good working order.
• All light switches and power points work as they should.
• All doors, drawers, cabinets and cupboards open easily.

And there you have it, our overview of what to be on the lookout for during your pre-handover inspection. While the above list is not exhaustive, it provides a good starting point of what to be prepared for during your inspection. Your Construction Supervisor will have conducted their own checks prior to your inspection so may already have some items of note that they will point out to you and make you aware of. Make sure you are ready to come across small items or issues such as paint marks and a little dirt; these are to be expected but rest assured any issues or concerns you have will be rectified before the official handover of your home.

Good luck, and enjoy your inspection!