You’ve waited months for the construction of your new home or investment property in Port Stephens to be completed and now, it’s time for the final walk-through. A Practical Completion Inspection (PCI), also known as a building handover inspection, ensures the property is finished to standard before you sign off and take possession.
At Hunter Valley Pest and Building Inspections, we provide detailed, independent PCI reports across Port Stephens, helping buyers identify and document defects before handover when they’re still the builder’s responsibility to fix.
Why a PCI Inspection Matters Before Handover
When your builder tells you the property is ready, it’s exciting, but don’t rush to collect the keys just yet. While most new homes are completed with care, it’s not uncommon for issues to arise, even in newly built properties.
A PCI inspection is carried out just before final handover. It ensures your builder has met their obligations under the contract and relevant Australian Standards. By having a professional assess the property before you take ownership, you can:
- Spot workmanship defects that may not be immediately obvious
- Ensure fittings and finishes are completed correctly
- Confirm compliance with the building plans and specifications
- Raise any concerns before the builder’s liability period ends
- Reduce the risk of costly post-handover repairs
Once you’ve moved in, it can be harder and more expensive to address problems. A PCI report gives you the opportunity to get these resolved while the builder is still on-site and responsible.
What We Check During a PCI Inspection
Our team conducts a detailed visual inspection of all accessible areas, using tools and experience to check that everything has been completed safely, correctly, and to standard.
We assess:
- Internal walls, ceilings, floors, and skirtings for defects or damage
- Doors and windows (functionality, alignment, and seals)
- Plumbing and tap fittings
- Electrical points and switches
- Paintwork and finishes
- Tiling, cabinetry, and joinery
- External walls, paths, driveways, and landscaping
- Roofing, guttering, and drainage
- Overall workmanship and presentation
The findings are compiled into a thorough report, clearly outlining any defects or incomplete items, complete with photos and practical notes for resolution. We use language that’s easy to understand and suitable to pass directly to your builder or project supervisor.
Experienced Inspectors, Local Knowledge
Port Stephens is a growing region with many new builds underway from family homes in Medowie to modern duplexes in Raymond Terrace and seaside investment properties in Anna Bay.
We’ve inspected homes across the entire area and understand the common issues that appear in new constructions, including:
- Uneven flooring in slab-on-ground homes
- Poor sealing or waterproofing in wet areas
- Defective paint finishes or rushed internal work
- Drainage issues in sloped or sandy lots
When you engage Hunter Valley Pest and Building Inspections, you’re getting a team that’s local, licensed, and highly experienced in assessing new builds across both coastal and inland areas of Port Stephens.
More Than Just PCI Inspections
While PCI reports are ideal for newly completed homes, we also provide a wide range of inspections to assist at different stages of property ownership and investment. Our services include:
- Pre-Purchase Pest & Building Inspections
- Pre-Sale Vendor Pest & Building Inspection
- Commercial Pest & Building Inspections
- PCI Handover Inspection
- Timber Pest Inspections
- Building Maintenance Inspection
- Building Defect Inspection
- Thermal Imaging Inspections
- Methamphetamine Testing and Reporting
- Regular Visual Termite Inspection
If your property is still under construction, we can also arrange stage inspections at key points (e.g., slab, frame, lock-up), providing peace of mind at every phase of the build.
Book a PCI Inspection in Port Stephens Today
Don’t let defects go unnoticed at handover. Whether your property is in Salamander Bay, Karuah, or Tomaree Peninsula, we can provide a prompt, professional PCI report so you know exactly what you’re signing off on.
Call 0488 885 203 or Order an Inspection online to schedule your building handover inspection with Hunter Valley Pest and Building Inspections – trusted by buyers throughout Port Stephens.