Practical Completion Inspection (PCI) is a very important inspection for new homeowners to identify any defects and get them fixed before handover. A lot of people think that inspections of new houses are not required because they are carried out by the building surveyor. The fact is, the building surveyor ensures the building is technically habitable while our pre-handover inspection by contrast is focused on the completeness and quality of the workmanship, and is concerned with the delivery of exactly what is been agreed upon in your contract. What we inspect at practical completion inspection stage are according to the Australian Standards, the Building Code of Australia (BCA), the relevant engineer’s drawings and specifications, VBA guidelines to standards and tolerances 2015.

We use a comprehensive inspection checklist including but not limited to the following:

• Cracking in concrete paving and garage to be assessed to make sure the limits are not exceeded

• The external masonry work for level, plumb, straightness and the proper placement of control joints, flashings and weep holes

• Masonry walls not project over the edge of the slab or footing by more than 15mm

• Chipped or broken bricks, voids and holes and other imperfections such as mortar smears and stains

• All different types of roofing materials like concrete tile and color bond steel sheets have been correctly installed and fixed in position and not been damaged

• Not leaks present in roofing, flashing and accessories

• The gutters, downpipes, facial board and eaves for their level, straightness and correct installation

• Insulation has been correctly installed and adequate clear spaces around light fittings in the roof space

• All sections of the internal cladding are level, plumb, straight and square

• All sections of cornice, skirting boards and architrave have been installed level and straight.

• Doors and windows and their furniture correctly installed and function properly

• Correct installation of timber flooring, carpets and tiles

• All kitchen cupboards and vanities and the bench tops for correct installation

• The surface finish of paint work is consistent in terms of both color and texture and there are no paint runs, paint sags, surface cracks and coarse brush marks

• All plumbing to make sure that it does not leak and water pressure checked

• The drainage flow rates out of shower bases, baths, basins, laundry troughs, kitchen sinks and toilet pans to make sure no blockage

• All power points are connected and correctly wired

• All external concrete or pavements, retaining walls, landscaping, fencing, Solar panel or rainwater tank lighting, tap, clothes line, letter box as per contract agreement

• The operation of all appliances including heating and cooling system, gas top oven, range hood, hot water service if they are installed and commissioned at the time of the inspection