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SURE Building Inspections
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Your local Norwest inspector · Sydney metro

New Build Practical Completion Inspection in the Norwest region

99% Same-Day Reports Subject to access and availability.

Frame, lock-up, and PCI stage inspections in the Norwest region. Catch issues before the next stage covers them.

from $640 12 months free advice
Book in the Norwest region Call Rod Ismail +61 468 019 376

4.9★ from 277 Google reviews across Australia · 242,618 Defects Logged across the SURE network

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80 suburbs covered in Norwest

197 local inspection reports 80 suburbs covered 4,712 local defects logged

What makes SURE different

9,237 inspections
242,618 Defects Logged
Local territory zones
Head office backing
Rod Ismail, Inspector for SURE Building Inspections Norwest
Rod Ismail Inspector · Norwest

Rod Ismail

Inspector

Rod is the owner and lead inspector for SURE Building Inspections across four NSW zones - Parramatta, Norwest, Penrith and Macarthur. With more than 20 years in the construction industry, he has managed and overseen projects ranging from residential developments to major commercial and infrastructure works. He holds a Graduate Diploma in Building Surveying and a Diploma in Building and Construction, backed by deep experience in construction management, building compliance and defect identification. Rod knows that buying, building or investing in property is one of the biggest financial decisions most people make, so he is committed to thorough inspections, clear reporting and honest advice that helps clients decide with confidence.

4.9

277 Google reviews

Across Australia

Read reviews
What customers say about Rod

Thank you Rod from Sure Building inspections. He is very professional, always available at anytime to answer questions, gets back to you. Follows up with our builder to achieve great results. I got his details from the internett and been so happy to have chosen him. I felt very safe that having him as my building inspector he always looked after our best interest His quality of work, professionalist, communication is outstanding i highly recommend them. Thank you again to Rod for your wonderful work. Sonia New house build in Busby

sonia

I recently used (SURE BUILDING INSPECTION SERVICE) my inspector is (ROD) and was extremely impressed with the level of detail and professionalism, ROD was through, punctual ,and look the time to clearly explain every aspect of the report in a way that was easy to understand, The report itself was comprehensive, highlighted both major and minor issues along with practical recommendations, ROD gave me great confidence is making an informed decision, What really stood out was the honesty and transparency throughout the entire process I would highly recommend this service to anyone needing a reliable and trustworthy building inspection

Mahesh

I recently used SURE Building Inspections – Parramatta for building and pest inspections on two properties, and I’m extremely satisfied with the service. Rod was outstanding—very experienced, thorough, and professional. He conducted detailed inspections and made sure nothing was missed. He also took the time to clearly explain everything during the process. The reports were delivered promptly and were very detailed, with everything properly documented as discussed. This gave me great confidence in making my decisions. Highly recommend SURE Building Inspections, especially Rod. Reliable, honest, and very knowledgeable.

Abdul

I engaged Sure company to do pre-purchase inspection for me. Rod was very responsive and organized the inspection quickly to fit the schedule. His report was thorough as well as recommendations. He also included the structure of the building in his report which is very useful. I highly recommended Rod. Note: I used another company when Rod went on holiday and it was disappointing.

Sokunthy

I had a great experience with my building and pest inspection, thanks to Rod. He is extremely knowledgeable and took the time to explain everything in detail. He guided me very well throughout the inspection and was always happy to help whenever I had questions — even multiple times. Rod made the whole process easy to understand and gave me a lot of confidence with his clear guidance and honest advice. I really appreciate the time and effort he put in. I would highly recommend anyone looking for a building and pest inspection to use Rod’s / Sure building inspection services.

Prateek

I recently used Sure Building Inspections Parramatta, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. Rod’s attention to detail was outstanding. He approached every part of the inspection with thoroughness, and genuine care. What impressed me most was Rod’s ability to explain his findings clearly and patiently, making sure I fully understood each aspect of the report. If you’re looking for a building inspector who is honest, and truly dedicated to delivering top-level service, Rod from Sure Building Inspections is the one to call.

Maryam

Great attention to detail and thorough report. Thanks rod

kosta

K&N Projects recently engaged Rod from SURE Inspections to assess a job we completed at Penshurst Marist Catholic School and we couldn’t be more pleased with his professionalism. Rod was thorough, punctual and communicated clearly throughout the inspection process. His attention to detail and constructive feedback were greatly appreciated and his report was both comprehensive and easy to understand. We highly recommend Rod and the team at SURE Inspections for their reliable and professional service. — K&N Projects

A.

Rod is a highly knowledgeable and analytical building inspector who goes above and beyond to protect his clients’ interests when they’re purchasing a property. Honest, dedicated, and client-focused, he consistently ensures his clients make informed and confident decisions.

David

Rod and the team at Sure Building Inspections – Parramatta are amazing to work with. Super professional, thorough, and easy to communicate with. The report was detailed and delivered quickly, and Rod took the time to explain everything clearly. Highly recommend their services!

Ramy

I honestly couldn’t recommend Sure Building Insections- Parramatta enough! From start to finish the whole process was super smooth and professional. Rod was on time, friendly, and took the time to explain everything in layman's terms. The report came through quickly and was super detailed, with clear photos and practical recommendations. Rod picked up a few things I never would’ve noticed, which saved me a lot of money and stress down the track. They genuinely care about doing a thorough job, not just ticking boxes. If you’re buying or selling a property, definitely go with these guys. Absolute peace of mind.

Wadad

Rod’s extensive background in building and construction allows him to provide clients with a clear understanding of the finer details involved in building and pest inspections. His technical expertise helps clients make informed decisions with confidence.

Sarita

Had a great experience with Sure Building Inspection. The Rod was prompt and managed to fit me in on short notice, which I really appreciated. The level of detail in the report was second to none, he went above and beyond to point out additional things I wouldn’t have noticed myself. I’ve had multiple inspections done on other properties before, but the customer experience with Sure Building Inspection really stood out. Highly recommend their service for anyone wanting a thorough and professional inspection.

Karl

Words cannot adequately express how superb Rod was. His professionalism, thoroughness and expertise delivered a building report that far exceeded our expectations. This was followed up by a very quick report with photos demonstrating every aspect of concern. Highly recommended!

Renee

Great service,quick responce and the inspector (Rod) was a legend checked everything and report was quick Very happy with the service Highly recomended I ll definetly use him again for my next purchase

Kassem

Rod has provided an exceptional service in providing quality service. He is very knowledgeable and down to earth making the conversation very easy and has always answered my questions to the best of his ability. Highly recommend!

Adrian

Rod is very professional and knowledgeable, provides the report on the same day and made our property purchase much easier. I would recommend Rod to anyone who is looking for a property.

Amy

Reviews from Google

What we most often find

Based on 788 SURE inspections across 29 Norwest suburbs. Real findings, anonymised — no property is identified.

Snapshot generated 7 September 2026

  1. 11% of reports Cosmetic

    Kitchen Walls Paint Touch-ups

  2. 7% of reports Cosmetic

    Paint Marks on Master Suite Window Frames

  3. 10% of reports Cosmetic

    Entry/Foyer Walls Paint Touch-ups

  4. 7% of reports Cosmetic

    Marks on Kitchen Joinery

  5. 5% of reports Minor

    Incomplete Exterior Wall Painting

  6. 5% of reports Cosmetic

    Building Debris on Exterior Walls

Building inspection services in the Norwest region

Our Norwest inspectors assess older hillside homes and new developments across the Hills District. We give you the facts you need before buying. Our services include:

Most booked

Comprehensive Inspection

Structural, maintenance and timber pest in one visit, one report. AS 4349.1 Annexure C and AS 4349.3. The most complete pre-purchase inspection.

From $640

Building + pest

Combined Building + Pest

One visit, one inspector, two reports. Building and timber pest covered together.

From $550

Structural

Pre-Purchase Building Inspection

AS 4349.1 compliant visual inspection for buyers. Covers structure, roof space, subfloor, exterior, and fencing. Same-day report (subject to access and availability).

From $350

Pest only

Timber Pest Inspection

Targeted inspection for termites, borers, and fungal decay. AS 4349.3 compliant. Recommended for older properties and those near bushland.

From $250

For vendors

Pre-Sale Building Inspection

Know what buyers will find before they find it. Resolve issues in your own time. Stronger negotiating position at exchange.

From $350

Commercial

Commercial Property Inspection

Due diligence for retail tenancies, office suites, and industrial premises. Structural, services, and compliance review.

From $400

Use the pricing calculator for an exact quote →

We provide building inspections in various local areas

We also provide building inspection services in:

We also inspect in Parramatta, Penrith, Macarthur and the Central Coast.

Suburbs we cover in the Norwest region

80 suburbs across the Norwest region. Jump to a letter, or browse all.

Featured suburbs

Browse all 80 suburbs by letter Alphabetical, A–Z

A 2 suburbs

B 10 suburbs

C 6 suburbs

D 4 suburbs

F 2 suburbs

G 9 suburbs

H 2 suburbs

K 4 suburbs

L 2 suburbs

M 7 suburbs

N 5 suburbs

O 1 suburb

P 5 suburbs

Q 1 suburb

R 5 suburbs

S 6 suburbs

T 2 suburbs

W 7 suburbs

Why choose SURE Building Inspections

Acreage is not a suburban block

Parts of the semi rural north run on septic or aerated wastewater systems rather than mains sewer, approved and monitored by The Hills Shire Council. That is a different system to check, with its own condition and setback rules.

Bush fringe means bushfire rules

Arcadia, Canoelands and Berowra, and the Garigal edge at Belrose, Beacon Hill and Cromer, sit on mapped bush fire prone land. Construction is rated by Bushfire Attack Level. We flag that the land is mapped so you can have the level confirmed.

Rainwater tanks are not optional

On newer builds a rainwater tank nominated on the BASIX certificate is a binding commitment, not a feature the owner can skip. We note what is installed so you can check it against the certificate.

Slope, drainage and retaining walls

Northern Beaches Council maps landslide risk on and below slopes and around drainage hollows. On a sloped block the retaining walls and the drainage behind them matter more than anything else we look at.

Upfront pricing

Your new build practical completion inspection, priced upfront.

All prices are from-prices; the exact figure depends on your property.

Use the pricing calculator for an exact quote

What a new build practical completion inspection in the Norwest region covers

Included

  • Driveway, paths and steps
  • Fences, retaining walls and surface drainage
  • Landscaping and letterbox
  • Pergolas, decking and sheds
  • Doors and windows, operation, hardware, seals
  • Facia, barge boards and eaves
  • Roof cover, gutters and downpipes
  • Roof cavity, accessible areas inspected from the manhole
  • Plumbing drains, taps and toilets
  • Cabinets, vanities, mirrors, shower screens and baths
  • Kitchen appliances, tested where power is connected and appliances are accessible
  • Appliances, lights and air-conditioning, tested
  • Vents, skylights, insulation and sarking
  • Wall and ceiling paint, defects and quality
  • Polarity testing to all power points
  • Termite treatment verification
  • Same-day written report with photo evidence

Not included

  • Structural assessment of the building
  • Timber pest inspection
  • Engineering certification
  • Areas not accessible or not yet completed by the builder

When you need this inspection

  • Builder has called 'practical completion' and is requesting handover, you need an independent assessment first
  • First time building a new home and want expert eyes before signing off
  • Remotely located investor who cannot attend handover in person
  • Building contract gives you one opportunity to reject defects before you accept the property
  • PCI list from builder is incomplete and you need your own independent defect list
  • Multiple trades were involved in the build and you want one independent, consolidated list rather than the builder's own walkthrough
  • Had earlier stage inspections during construction and want the PCI to complete the record before handover

How your new build practical completion inspection runs

  1. Book before your handover date Book the PCI 1–2 weeks before your scheduled handover. Your builder will advise you of the practical completion date, book as soon as that date is confirmed. The inspection must occur while you can still reject defects under the building contract.
  2. Inspector assesses all fixtures, fittings and finishes Your SURE inspector systematically works through every room and all external areas, testing appliances, checking finishes, and assessing all items listed in the scope per AS 4349.0.
  3. Same-day report delivered A comprehensive defect report with photos, location references, and a prioritised list of outstanding items is delivered the same day.
  4. Use the report at handover Your report gives you documented grounds to require rectification before settlement. SURE inspectors can answer questions during the 12-month free advice period.
How it works

Book today.
Report promptly.

Get your estimate or call

Choose your inspection type, enter your address, and pick a time. Or call +61 468 019 376 and we'll handle it. We aim to confirm same business day.

2 minutes

Inspector visits

Your local SURE inspector arrives on time, checks every accessible area, and photographs every defect. You'll get a call if we find anything urgent.

1–2 hours

Get your report

Full PDF delivered promptly after inspection, with same-day delivery subject to access and availability. Photos, defect descriptions, cost estimates, and recommendations. Then 12 months of report-related follow-up support during business hours.

Same day where available
Book inspection

FAQs — New Build Practical Completion Inspection in the Norwest region

When should a Practical Completion Inspection occur?

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.

What is the difference between a PCI and a handover inspection?

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.

Does the PCI cover structural defects?

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.

Is polarity testing included?

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.

Do I need to attend the inspection?

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.

What is practical completion?

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.

Why does the PCI matter?

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.

Will I need this report again later?

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.

What if a defect is missed at PCI stage?

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.

How long is the builder's defect liability period after handover?

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.

Are appliances tested during the PCI?

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

Does the PCI check for termites?

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.

Is my property on bush fire prone land?

Parts of this area are mapped by the NSW RFS and the council, including the semi rural pockets around Arcadia, Canoelands and Berowra, and suburbs backing onto Garigal such as Belrose, Beacon Hill and Cromer. Check your address on the RFS or council map rather than assuming either way. Confirming a property's Bushfire Attack Level is a separate assessment.

My property is on acreage without mains sewer. Does that change the inspection?

Yes. On site sewage systems, whether septic or aerated, are approved and monitored by the council and have their own condition, setback and approval status to verify. That is a separate check to mains plumbing, and it is one to raise when you book so the right time is allowed for it.

I am buying a newer apartment in Norwest or Bella Vista. Do defects still matter?

They do. NSW runs a Strata Building Bond and Inspections Scheme requiring interim and final defect inspections on buildings of four or more storeys inside the bond period. Ask for a specific building's inspection history before you commit.

Why do homes here crack differently to homes on the coast?

The ground is not the same. Much of the Hills sits on clay soils derived from shale, which move as moisture changes through the year. Coastal and ridge sites sit on sandstone, which behaves differently. Footing design follows the site classification under AS 2870.

How quickly can I get a report if I am in my cooling off period?

We aim to get the report to you the same day as the inspection, subject to access and availability. Acreage blocks with outbuildings and a septic system take longer on site, so tell us the property type and your deadline when you book.

Real defects our inspectors have flagged

Timber Fungal Decay (Rot) in Fascia and Barge Boards — real structural defect photographed in a SURE Building Inspections report
Incomplete Caulking Around Exterior Window Frame — real finishes defect photographed in a SURE Building Inspections report
Water Leakage from Recess — real moisture defect photographed in a SURE Building Inspections report

Built to last. Inspected to be SURE.

One inspection, twelve months of advice, and the same person on the other end of the phone every time you call. That is the part you do not see on the brochure.

Same-day reports (subject to access and availability) 12 months free advice Your inspector reads every report
Start my quote
Or call +61 468 019 376 business hours support

9,237 inspections · 242,618 defects found · Inspector-owned franchises