PCI / New Build Defect Inspection
A new home should be delivered complete, safe, and built to an acceptable standard, but defects at handover are common.
Our Practical Completion Inspection (PCI) gives you an independent review before final payment, helping you identify defects while the builder is still contractually responsible to fix them.
This inspection is one of the most valuable steps in the entire new-build process.
When to Book a PCI Inspection
Book your handover inspection after practical completion notice and before final sign-off or release of final payment.
That timing gives you leverage to request rectification without paying out of pocket later.
What We Check at Handover
We inspect the home against relevant standards, tolerances, and common defect risk areas, including:
- Internal finishes: paint, plaster, tiling, flooring, cornices, and cabinetry quality.
- Doors, windows, and hardware: operation, fit, sealing, and locking.
- Wet areas: waterproofing indicators, drainage fall, sealing, and fixture installation.
- Exterior and roofline: brickwork, cladding, gutters, flashing, and visible defects.
- General workmanship: incomplete items, damage, and poor finishing detail.
What You Get in the Report
You receive a photo-backed defect list with clear descriptions and practical next steps.
The report is structured for easy discussion with your site supervisor and helps avoid vague disagreements about what should be rectified.
Why a PCI Matters
Without an independent handover inspection, many buyers miss issues until weeks or months after moving in.
A quality PCI helps you:
- reduce post-handover stress and call-backs,
- avoid paying for builder defects yourself,
- enter your home knowing the finish standard has been independently checked.
Inspection Cost Guide
A comprehensive PCI report usually costs between $450 and $800, depending on property size, complexity, and location.
For most buyers, this is a low-cost safeguard compared with the potential cost of unresolved defects.
