Stage & Handover Inspections
Stage and handover inspections are an important step before you get the keys to your new home. Their primary purpose is to identify any defects or unfinished work before the building can be deemed practically complete and ready to hand over.
At PropInspect, we take the pressure off Brisbane homeowners to conduct these inspections and offer our professional expertise to make sure your place is in tip-top shape before you move in!
What are Stage & Handover Inspections?
A stage inspection is a detailed check conducted at key points during a construction project to ensure the work meets building codes, safety standards, and the approved plans. These inspections occur at critical milestones (we’ll discuss them in more depth below)—and are designed to catch and address any issues before proceeding to the next phase.
But where does a handover inspection fit into all this? You may be wondering. Well, for homeowners, a handover inspection or a Practical Completion Inspection (PCI) is the last step in a long line of milestones that signifies the end of the construction process and the beginning of the rest of their lives. At PropInspect, we offer handover inspections independently and as part of our stage inspections to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of your build. The five main steps of a stage inspection typically include:
Slab/Foundation Inspection: An inspection of the property’s formwork, base, levels, beams, footings, and plumbing infrastructure to ensure everything has been appropriately constructed before concrete is poured.
Frame Inspection: Before walls are filled, the building’s structural framework (walls, roof, truss layout, etc.) must be inspected to ensure everything has been constructed in alignment with established plans and building standards.
Enclosed (Lock-Up) Inspection: This inspection is conducted once the building has been weatherproofed. It ensures that the brickwork, roof, walls, windows, and doors are correctly installed and the structure is secure.
Fixing Inspection: This involves inspecting all internal fittings and components to ensure they are properly installed and meet quality standards before the final touches.
Handover Inspection (PCI): A PCI involves an in-depth inspection of the property—inside and out—to evaluate the quality of work and ensure everything aligns with the building contract and Australian standards.
Please note that we do not conduct plumbing or electrical inspections and recommend engaging qualified professionals for those specific areas. However, we are more than happy to recommend reputable contractors to assist with these specialist inspections.
Handover Inspection Checklist
One of the most in-depth evaluations we do at PropInspect, a handover inspection, is all about examining the structural integrity and workmanship of a new home build. At PropInspect, we follow a comprehensive checklist covering everything from structural elements to finishes, ensuring that your new home meets the highest standards and is free of any issues before handover. Our handover inspection includes the following areas:
- Hallways & General Living Areas
- Kitchen
- Laundry
- Bedrooms
- Bathrooms & Ensuites
- External of Property
- Floors
- Walls
- Ceilings
- Doors
- Windows
- Stairs
- Benchtops
- Sinks & Basins
- Taps & Handles
- Shower, Toilets, & Tubs
- Garage & Carport
- Deck, Verandah, & Patio
- Driveway & Paths
- Retaining Walls
- Roof
- Sub Floor Areas
Within the above areas, we will inspect the following components:
- Cabinets & Drawers
- Wardrobes
- Sealants
- Appliances
- Smoke Detectors
- Ventilation
- Downpipes
- Brickwork, Fascia, etc.
- Gutters, Flashing, Voids, etc.
Our The Full Handover Inspection Process
A handover inspection is your chance to make sure everything is finished to the agreed standards, with any issues sorted out before you get the keys. Here’s a quick rundown of what happens.
Before the Handover Inspection
Typically, the handover inspection is completed once the builder notifies the owner of the practical completion, which means all the major construction work is done, and the property is ready for inspection. This is usually done two to three weeks before the builder expects to do the handover.
We recommend arranging a date with us to undertake the inspection about a week before the fact.
Defects & Rectification
If any defects or unfinished items are identified during the handover inspection, the builder will address and rectify them. Depending on the nature of the issues, the builder may also provide a timeline for completing the remaining work.
The Handover Inspection
We’ll arrive at the property, conduct the inspection, and identify any potential major defects or unfinished work. If any issues are found, the builder is typically given the opportunity to fix them.
We recommend the builder provide any and all documents necessary to the build, including warranties, certifications, and permits just to name a few.
Final Handover & Payment
Once the builder has addressed all necessary fixes and the homeowner and handover inspector are satisfied, the homeowner will make the final payment, and the builder will hand the key to the owner.
Why Opt For a Stage or Handover Inspection?
The entire purpose of a pre-handover inspection is to identify defects, unfinished work or items that don't meet Australian standards and ensure they are practically complete and suitable for occupancy. The property can still have outstanding jobs to complete, such as painting, but must not include any major defects, and a pre-handover inspection will identify these.
Handover inspections will allow us to catch any problems early and give the builder time to fix these before the final payment and move-in day. Essentially, it’s all about ensuring your home meets the agreed standards and is ready to move in when the keys are handed over, ultimately providing the homeowner (you!) with peace of mind.
Unlock Peace of Mind With PropInspect
Maybe you’ve spotted something that doesn’t quite sit right, or you simply want to be extra thorough before the final handover. Regardless of the situation, if you’re on the hunt for a professional team to undertake stage and handover inspections in Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at PropInspect. We look forward to hearing from you!
Book an Inspection
Book a professional building inspection today and get peace of mind knowing your property is safe and secure. Don’t wait—schedule now to uncover hidden issues before they become costly problems!
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