Practical Completion (PCI) & Handover Inspections

Our Practical Completion Inspections across Canberra and Googong ensure your dream home is truly ready for handover by identifying hidden structural risks and finishing flaws. Using advanced technology like thermal imaging, we detect defects before you make your final payment, ensuring total compliance with 2026 Australian building standards. Every inspection includes a high-authority same-day digital report, providing you the technical evidence needed to hold builders accountable and protect your long-term investment.

360° Property Handover Audit & Defect Checklist

PCI & Handover: Your Final Line of Defense

Your Last Line of Defense

The Practical Completion Inspection is your last line of defense before you take legal possession of your new home and release the final payment.

Eliminating Rushed Workmanship & Risks

At this high-stakes milestone, builders are often under pressure to finish quickly, which can lead to rushed workmanship, overlooked defects, and functional shortcuts.

Forensic-Level Technical Assessment

We step in as your independent authority, conducting a forensic-level assessment of every detail—from the quality of paint finishes and cabinetry alignment to the structural integrity of the roof space and moisture protection in wet areas.

Meeting Strict Australian Standards

Our mission is to ensure that your builder delivers exactly what you paid for, meeting both Australian Standards (AS 4349.1) and the high expectations you have for your dream home.

The “Straight Up” Peace of Mind

Don’t settle for a “standard” walkthrough; move in with the peace of mind that comes from a “Straight Up” final check.

Before You Get the Keys, Get the Facts.

This is the final look before handover, and it’s a big one. We go room-by-room, inch-by-inch, to make sure everything is complete, functional, and up to spec.

What we catch:

Professional inspector using a high-tech thermal imaging camera to detect hidden moisture and leaks in a house.
Poor workmanship
Incomplete interior finishes and non-compliant workmanship in a new Canberra home.
Incomplete finishes
Homeowner receiving a comprehensive digital construction stage report for their new build property in Googong.
Safety hazards

Don’t accept a handover with crossed fingers. We’ll help you make sure it’s right, before it’s yours.

PCI & Handover Inspection FAQs

Answers to some questions about Practical Completion (PCI) & Handover Inspections

What is a Practical Completion Inspection (PCI), and why is it necessary?

A PCI is the final inspection of your new home before the builder hands over the keys and you make the final payment. It is critical because it is your last opportunity to identify defects, poor workmanship, or incomplete items. Without an independent expert, you risk inheriting costly repairs that the builder may no longer be responsible for after you move in.

Does the builder’s building surveyor already do a final inspection?

Yes, but their focus is different. A building surveyor only checks for “Minimum Legal Standards” and safety compliance to issue an Occupancy Permit. They do not check for quality of finishes, paint defects, cabinetry alignment, or minor structural flaws. We provide an independent, quality-focused assessment that goes far beyond the legal minimum.

 

When should I book my Handover Inspection?

You should book your inspection as soon as your builder notifies you that “Practical Completion” has been reached. Ideally, the inspection should take place 2–3 days before your official walkthrough with the builder. This allows us to provide you with a comprehensive report that you can hand directly to the site manager.

 

What happens if you find defects during the PCI?

We provide you with a detailed, high-resolution digital report (including photos and references to Australian Standards) usually within 24 hours. You present this “Snag List” to your builder. Under most standard building contracts, the builder is required to rectify these defects before the final handover and final payment.

 

How long does a Handover Inspection take?

A thorough PCI usually takes between 2 to 4 hours depending on the size and complexity of the home. We take the time to check every tap, power point, window, and roof tile, ensuring no detail is missed. We don’t rush—we ensure the job is done “Straight Up.”

Is a PCI inspection worth the cost for a new home?

Absolutely. The cost of a professional inspection is a fraction of what you might pay to fix a single major defect, such as a waterproofing failure or a structural roof issue, later down the line. It provides financial protection, ensures builder accountability, and gives you the peace of mind that your biggest investment is sound.

Get in Touch with StraightUp

Have questions or are you ready to schedule an inspection? We’re here to help.

Ready to make informed property decisions?