Pre Handover Inspections

The pre-handover inspection is probably the most important inspection you can do. It is the last chance to make sure that that all workmanship is up to Australian Standards. Once you have made your final payment to your builder it will most likely be much harder to get faults fixed.

The pre-handover inspection is very thorough. The purpose of the inspection is to raise any issues and defects with your builder. These issues and defects are then fixed before you settle and receive the keys to your brand new home.

We make sure we inspect every part of your new home. That’s why our pre-handover inspection will provide you with peace of mind!

A pre-handover inspection is ready to be done when all electrical and plumbing has been finished. In addition, paintwork, tiling, carpets, shower screen, ceiling insulation has been completed and appliances installed. We will also check fences, external concrete and pavements and site drainage. If applicable, pergolas, decks, rainwater tanks, retaining walls, landscaping will also be checked. Everything will be checked against your building contract.

Our Pre-Handover Inspection Includes:

There are many things we look for when we do a pre-handover inspection. As we have been doing new home inspections for many years, throughout Melbourne, we know what to look out for!

Externally:

Brickwork is level with no chips and mortar finished correctly
Damp proofing
Windows have correct clearance with brick sills
Doors have correct clearance and locks fitted correctly
Paint finish and sealant
Window sills are not bowing, sagging or twisting
Safety switch and electrical meter
Pest proofing
Hot water heater – including drainage and platform
Roof frame – including insulation
Cladding
Steps, staircases and balconies
Driveways and pathways
Fences
Pergolas and decks
Outbuildings
Letterboxes
Outdoor taps
Retaining walls
Rainwater tanks
Site drainage
Gutters
Balconies

Internally:

Paint finish should not have runs or blemishes etc
Doors have correct clearance
Windows
Walls, cornices and skirting boards straight
Ceilings correctly installed without visible joints
All ceilings for correct installation and for visible joints.
Kitchens cupboards, sinks, benchtops installed and not scratched
Check ovens and other appliances functioning
Check appliances are same model and colour in plan
Bathrooms including cupboards, sinks, toilets and shower recesses installed correctly and not scratched
Laundry including cupboards and sinks installed correctly and not scratched
All baths checked for proper support
All external corners for their straightness and to ensure that they are in line.
Tiling with grouting level with clean finish
Carpet correctly installed
Mould check
Smoke alarms
Check wiring and power points
Check all taps turn on and off and make sure water drains
Flush toilet
Doorbell works
Heating and cooling systems working
Insulation correctly installed in roof cavity