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When construction is complete and handover is planned. Your builder will usually signal when this is approaching so a time can be arranged — ideally 1–2 weeks before handover, while you can still reject defects under the building contract.

The Practical Completion Inspection (PCI) identifies defects and outstanding items before you accept the property. The Handover Inspection (separate service) verifies that all PCI defects have been rectified. The PCI is the first step, the Handover Inspection is the follow-up.

No, the PCI scope per AS 4349.0 covers non-structural fixtures, fittings, and finishes. Structural elements were addressed at earlier construction stages. If structural concerns exist, a separate structural assessment can be arranged.

Yes, polarity testing to all power points is included as standard in the PCI. This tests each power point for defective wiring conditions between the plug and RCD.

No, you don't need to be on site. Your inspector will call you afterwards to talk through the findings and answer any questions, and the full report follows by email. You're welcome to attend if you'd like to, but there's no need to.

Practical completion is the stage where the builder considers the home substantially complete and ready for handover. It starts the defect liability period, when the builder is obligated to fix any documented defects.

Any defect not documented at practical completion becomes harder to claim once the property has been handed over. The builder's obligation is to fix defects that existed at handover, and if you didn't identify them, proving they existed becomes difficult. A professional inspection creates a timestamped, independent record that sits alongside any earlier stage inspections you had completed during construction.

Yes. Keep your PCI report on hand for the Handover Inspection, a separate service that verifies each listed item has actually been rectified before you make final payment.

It can usually still be claimed under your builder's statutory warranty, but a documented PCI list is stronger evidence and easier to enforce than a claim raised after the fact. Defects picked up at PCI stage are fixed by the builder at no cost to you; the same defects found after handover become a warranty claim, and once the warranty period closes, they become your financial responsibility.

This varies by state and by your specific contract. In Western Australia it's typically 6 to 12 months after handover; in New South Wales it's typically 13 weeks. Your PCI report gives you a documented record from before handover, which strengthens any claim regardless of which period applies to your build.

Yes, kitchen appliances, air-conditioning and lighting are tested where power is connected and the appliances are accessible.

Termite treatment verification is included as standard, though a full timber pest inspection covering every accessible timber is a separate service if you want that broader scope.

We check all accessible areas (roof space, subfloor, interior rooms and the exterior site) and note structural issues, moisture, and safety and maintenance items. For coastal and older homes we recommend a combined building and timber pest inspection.

Yes. Much of the stock around Woy Woy, Ettalong, Long Jetty and the lake edge is older fibro and timber. We assess how salt air, moisture and ground conditions have affected the building, and flag anything that needs a closer look.

Yes. Frame, lock-up and practical completion (PCI) inspections are common across the Warnervale and Hamlyn Terrace estates. We document defects at each stage so they can be rectified before handover.

As soon as you are serious about a property. For private treaty sales, review the report before the cooling-off period ends; for auctions, complete the inspection before auction day.