Practical Completion Inspections

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Practical Completion Inspections.  A Practical Completion Inspection (PCI) in Perth ensures your property meets building standards before you accept the keys. Master Building Inspectors provides independent PCI inspections, giving Perth homeowners confidence at settlement.

Embarking on the journey of building a new home is nothing short of exhilarating. There's nothing quite like watching your dream home come to life right before your very eyes. However, as your home nears completion and you eagerly await your final payment and keys, have you ever wondered what kind of home you'll be stepping into?

What Is a Practical Completion Inspection?

A PCI inspection, also known as a handover inspection, is the final check before your builder hands over the home. Our inspectors review the entire property against building codes, Australian Standards, and your contract specifications.

This inspection identifies defects, poor workmanship, and incomplete finishes. By conducting a PCI before settlement, you can ensure issues are fixed by the builder at their cost.

PCI Reports Minimise Final Handover Issues

It's not uncommon for issues to arise after the final handover stage, which can quickly turn into a major headache when trying to resolve them with your Perth builder. All those little problems you didn't anticipate can add up, and it can be frustrating trying to get them fixed once you've paid the final balance on your account.

But fear not! You don't have to let your dream home turn into a nightmare. Let us put your mind at ease with our practical completion inspection. We'll thoroughly examine the build ensuring that everything is up to scratch before you receive the keys to your dream home. With us by your side, you can rest easy knowing that your new home is in tip-top shape.

The PCI Inspection Process

As the building process draws to an end, the builder will issue you with a date & time for a Practical Completion inspection, typically referred to as a PCI.

Generally, the practical completion inspection is the most critical inspection to be completed during the new home building process.

Client’s should be aware that practical completion does not necessarily mean that the building is completely finished.

Typically it is expected that the property is fit for occupation and the work has been completed as per the building contract.

The Home Building Contracts Act, Section 11 defines practical completion as when the home is ready for its intended purpose and all works completed excepting minor defects which do not prevent the property from being occupied.

1. Booking – schedule your PCI inspection before the final builder walkthrough.

2. Onsite inspection – our registered inspector reviews every area of your home.

3. Detailed report – you receive a written, photo-based report within 24 hours.

4. Follow-up – we explain findings so you can address them with your builder.

Our reports are easy to understand and highlight urgent issues clearly.

Practical Completion Inspection

Practical completion inspections should not occur if the outstanding items prevent the property from being inhabited (lived in).

Usually the builder will notify the client once PC is approaching and agree on a date and time. The builder will then provide a date of practical completion.

Depending upon the builder’s requirements, we either attend site to conduct the PCI several days prior to your meeting, or at the same time which is generally the preferred process for the site supervisors.

During the PCI, you, your builder's representative, and a Master Building Inspector will review the key construction elements and final finishes of your build. But what's in it for you? Well, having an independent building inspector acting as your advocate can bring a considerable amount of satisfaction. You can rest easy knowing that everything is in order and that your home is ready for handover - with any identified issues being resolved first, of course.

Building a new home is no small feat, and it's essential to ensure that everything has been completed to a high standard before you accept completion. That's where a PCI inspection in Perth comes in - it's the peace of mind you need to truly enjoy your new home.

Local Expertise Across Perth Suburbs

Building styles and issues vary across Perth. Our inspectors understand the challenges in different suburbs:

• Joondalup & Alkimos – common roof tie-down and coastal corrosion issues.

• Fremantle & Scarborough – rising damp and salt attack in older brickwork.

• Rockingham & Mandurah – coastal conditions accelerate rusting and water damage.

• Two Rocks – wind exposure can highlight roof and external finish defects.

By choosing a local inspector, you gain insights specific to Perth’s climate and soils

Assessment of The New Home

We conduct practical completion inspections whilst the supervisor carries out the site meeting with the client. This typically takes between 1 – 1.5 hours for a standard 4 x 2 home.

At the end of our inspection, a verbal assessment detailing general areas of concern is conducted between the clients, site supervisor and the inspector.

A written report detailing specific areas of non-compliance and substandard workmanship/defective building work issues is then emailed within 24 hours. The builder will then have 10 working days, from receiving the report to rectify the identified items.

Once the 10 days has transpired, the client will have a final handover with the supervisor prior to the final payment.

Practical completion inspections include an assessment of all works completed to ensure all structural and building materials have been installed within the allowable tolerances.

Blue tape will be places on all areas of concern during the inspection. This helps the supervisor to identify the defective areas and allows the relevant trades to rectify these issues.

The defects liability period starts once possession of the property has occurred. If the builder does not meet these obligations, then the WA Building Commission or the courts will act.

Practical Completion vs Structural Inspections

A PCI inspection is not an all-encompassing assessment of your home. It focuses on finishes, fittings, and livability.

We strongly recommend staged inspections throughout construction, including slab, framing, and lock-up inspections. By the time PCI arrives, structural elements are hidden, making earlier checks vital.

Independent PCI Reports You Can Trust

Unlike builder-recommended inspectors, we remain completely independent. Our loyalty lies with you, the homeowner. Each PCI inspection is unbiased and based on the Australian Building Codes and AS 4349.1 standards.

This independence ensures your report is accurate, transparent, and defendable if disputes arise.