The finishing line is near, and your newly built or renovated house will soon be yours to call home. As the project draws to completion, it’s time to start preparing for a building handover inspection or practical completion inspection, which usually occurs two to three weeks before you officially get the keys.
This is your last chance to check that the property meets your standards and is built according to plan, and one of your final opportunities to liaise with your builder and/or site supervisor about any defects or flaws.
As Rebeka Morgan, founder and director of BuildHer Collective, points out, there will still likely be some outstanding work to complete at this stage – but armed with our checklist, you can walk through the house and communicate any concerns with confidence, clarity and ease.
Remember: the more thorough you are, the better. It will be easier (and cheaper) to deal with defects now than down the track post-handover, so take your time inspecting each space.
In general, you want to check that all surfaces, fixtures and fittings are free of damage, damp, cracking and sagging, and that doors and windows open and close smoothly. Ensure that all electrics, light switches and power points are functioning, and examine wet areas for cracks and leaks. See our Building Handover Checklist below for a more extensive guide.
If you’re feeling daunted by the process, you could hire a professional building inspector or consultant to join you. But don’t be afraid to use your voice; ask questions freely and politely but firmly raise your concerns if you believe you’ve found a defect. The best home builders will be keen to fix any issues and ensure they leave the job 100 percent complete.
