SJN Building Consultants

Practical Completion and Handover inspections: what you need to know before you move into your new home

Pre-handover Inspection: what you need to know before you move into your new home

After months of excitedly waiting, your dream home has finally been built and it’s now time to move in. But don’t rush to pop the cork on that bottle of champagne that has patiently been chilling; the celebrations must wait. Whether you are holding the keys to a new build or you’ve just completed a fabulous renovation, this is the time to check for any minor or even serious issues.

What is a pre-handover inspection?

You may have done your research and contracted a builder you believed was reliable. Unfortunately, that won’t guarantee high quality workmanship or ward against defects or shortcomings. Hiccups happen. Some deficiencies can be costly to rectify so it pays to identify them before you move in.

That’s where a pre-handover inspection comes in. As the name suggests, it’s the inspection carried out before the final payment is made on your contract to assess that the project has been built to industry standards. Without it, you leave yourself open to any post-building costs that your builder may not have to take responsibility for. And if you leave it too long, you may miss out on the window of opportunity to report any defects or faults. Information regarding statutory warranties on home building projects are produced by Fair Trading NSW and can be found here.

The pre-handover inspection is an examination of the home’s interior and exterior as well as fittings and appliances. Any defects and issues of poor workmanship are listed in a photographic report for the builder to rectify.

I need that inspection, who should I call?

Just as you wouldn’t ask a doctor to mechanically inspect a car you were interested in buying, it makes sense to engage an experienced builder to carry out an inspection of your property prior to handover. SJN Building Consultants has the knowledge, the experience and the skills needed to identify potential problems in a pre-handover inspection. We understand the building codes, Australian Standards and what it takes to be compliant.

What’s included in my pre-handover inspection?

A pre-handover inspection by SJN Building Consultants is a thorough and comprehensive check of the entire home: room by room, floor to ceiling and externals. Included in the report is photographic evidence taken at the time of inspection.

Our pre-handover inspection includes a check of:

  • All finishes and fixtures throughout the entire house and garage
  • Bathroom items functioning properly and that taps are secured
  • Showers, toilets and vanities are installed correctly and functioning well
  • Kitchen items (taps, doors) functioning properly
  • Floor coverings
  • Window glazing and frames
  • Brickwork
  • Downpipes and plumbing fixtures
  • Rainwater tank and associated pump
  • Termite protection system
  • Overall quality of workmanship

Now you can pop that cork!

Ideally, your property is given the all-clear of any major issues and your builder happily rectifies any minor defects. You can make that final payment, move in and enjoy many happy years in your new home.

However, negotiations can fail and in times of a stalemate, you may need to consult the advisors at NSW Fair Trading.

If you have decided to purchase an existing home, you can still receive a peace-of-mind check with a pre-purchase inspection.

Contact SJN Business Consultants for an independent inspection.