Pre Handover Inspections
Pre Handover Building Inspections for New Homes
The pre-handover inspection is usually the most important inspection you can have before taking possession of your new home. It is your final opportunity to identify defects, incomplete work and workmanship issues before you make the final payment to your builder and receive the keys.
Our pre-handover inspection is a comprehensive assessment of your completed home, both inside and out. We inspect the workmanship, finishes, fixtures and fittings and identify any defects or incomplete work that should be brought to your builder’s attention before handover.
The aim is to give you a clear list of items that require attention while you still have the opportunity to discuss them with your builder. We provide a detailed report with photographs and clear explanations of the issues identified, giving you a useful record to refer to when following up with your builder.
When to Book a Pre Handover Inspection
Your new home is ready for a pre-handover inspection once the major construction work has been completed. This includes electrical and plumbing work, painting, tiling, carpets, shower screens, ceiling insulation and the installation of appliances.
The inspection also covers accessible external areas, including fences, concrete, paths and site drainage. Where applicable, we also inspect features such as pergolas, decks, rainwater tanks, retaining walls and landscaping. We assess the completed work against your building contract and inspect the home for visible defects, incomplete work and workmanship issues that should be addressed before handover.
Experience You Can Trust
New Home Building Inspections is an independent building inspection company with more than 35 years of experience inspecting new and existing homes in Melbourne and regional Victoria. We have extensive knowledge of current building standards and regulations and understand what to look for at each stage of the new home building process.
We are also a Registered Building Practitioner, classified as a Domestic Builder Unlimited. In addition, we are a proud member of the Master Inspector Association of Australia and abide by its professional Code of Ethics.
With experienced and qualified inspectors on your side, you can have greater confidence in the quality of your new home before you move in. A pre handover inspection provides an independent assessment of the completed home, helping you identify any defects or outstanding work before you take possession.
Our Pre-Handover Inspection Includes:
There are many aspects we look for during a pre handover inspection. With many years of experience carrying out new home inspections throughout Melbourne, we know where to look for common defects, workmanship issues and incomplete work.
What We Check Outside Your New Home
Our pre handover inspection includes a detailed check of the external areas of your new home. Depending on the property and what is included in your building contract, we look at:
Building Exterior
- Brickwork, including level courses, chips and mortar finish
- Damp proofing
- Windows, including clearances, sills and seals
- Doors, including clearances and locks
- Paint finishes and sealant
- Window sills, checking for bowing, sagging or twisting
- Cladding
- Roof frame and insulation
- Gutters
- Pest proofing
Services and Fixtures
- Safety switches and electrical meter
- Hot water system, including drainage and platform
- Outdoor taps
- Rainwater tanks
Outdoor Areas and Structures
- Steps, staircases and balconies
- Driveways and pathways
- Fences
- Pergolas and decks
- Outbuildings
- Letterboxes
- Retaining walls
- Site drainage
What We Check Inside Your New Home
Our pre handover inspection includes a detailed check of the internal areas of your new home. We look at finishes, fixtures, fittings and services throughout the property, including:
Walls, Ceilings and Finishes
- Paint finishes, including runs, blemishes and other visible imperfections
- Walls, cornices and skirting boards for straightness and alignment
- Ceilings for correct installation and visible joints
- External corners for straightness and alignment
- Tiling, including grout and overall finish
- Carpet installation and finish
- Visible signs of mould
Doors and Windows
- Doors for correct clearances and operation
- Windows and their operation
Kitchen, Bathrooms and Laundry
- Kitchen cupboards, sinks and benchtops for correct installation and visible damage
- Ovens and other appliances for operation
- Appliances checked against the building specifications where applicable
- Bathrooms, including cupboards, sinks, toilets and shower recesses
- Baths for adequate support
- Laundry cupboards and sinks for correct installation and visible damage
- Taps for operation and water drainage
- Toilets for flushing and drainage
Electrical, Safety and Services
- Smoke alarms
- Wiring and power points
- Doorbell operation
- Heating and cooling systems
- Insulation in the roof cavity, where accessible
The following are just some of defects we find when we do a pre-handover inspection:
The list of new home inspections we provide includes:
Whether your new home is at the slab, frame, lock up or pre handover stage, we can provide an independent building inspection. Identifying issues as construction progresses gives you an opportunity to raise concerns with your builder while the work is still accessible. Our inspections give you a clearer understanding of the workmanship and progress of your new home at each important stage.
What Happens If We Find Defects?
Our pre handover inspection gives you the opportunity to identify problems before you take possession of your new home. We look closely at the completed work and identify defects, poor workmanship and incomplete items that need attention. We assess the work against relevant building requirements and accepted standards and clearly document our findings.
We photograph the issues we find and explain them clearly in your detailed inspection report. The report shows you what we found, where we found it and why it needs attention. It gives you an independent record of the condition of your home at the time of inspection.
Take the report to your builder and work through the items that require attention. Use the photographs and descriptions to discuss outstanding work and keep track of the issues as your builder completes them. A pre handover inspection gives you the information you need to address defects and incomplete work before you make the final payment and take possession of your new home.
Why Trust New Home Building Inspections
- Member of Master Inspector Association of Australia
- Registered Builders & Inspectors
- Licensed with the Building and Plumbing Commission
- Completely independent Building Inspectors
- Fully insured
- Reports within 24 hrs
- Over 30 years experience
- Thermal imaging available
- Qualified Timber Pest Inspectors
- Cert IV – Building Construction
- Cert IV – Occupational Health & Safety
Pre Handover Inspection FAQs
When should I book a pre handover inspection?
A pre handover inspection should be arranged once the major construction work is complete and the home is ready for handover. Ideally, allow enough time for the inspection report to be reviewed and any concerns to be raised with your builder before handover.
What does a pre handover inspection check?
A pre handover inspection checks the completed home for visible defects, incomplete work and workmanship issues. We inspect both internal and external areas, including finishes, fixtures, fittings, services and accessible areas of the property.
Should I have a pre handover inspection if my home is brand new?
Yes. A new home can still have defects, incomplete work or workmanship issues. An independent inspection provides an assessment of the completed work before you take possession of the property.
Can you inspect my home before I make the final payment?
Yes. A pre handover inspection is generally carried out before final payment and handover. This gives you an opportunity to identify issues and discuss them with your builder before taking possession.
What happens if you find defects during the inspection?
Any visible defects, incomplete work or workmanship concerns identified during the inspection are documented in your report. The report includes photographs and clear explanations, giving you a useful record to discuss with your builder.
How long does a pre handover inspection take?
The time required depends on the size and design of the home and the extent of the inspection. We carry out a thorough inspection of the accessible areas rather than rushing through a standard checklist.
How quickly will I receive my inspection report?
Our detailed pre handover inspection reports are generally provided within 24 hours of the inspection. The report includes photographs and explanations of the issues identified during the inspection.
Do you inspect the outside of the property as well as inside?
Yes. A pre handover inspection covers both internal and external areas of the property. External checks can include brickwork, windows, doors, cladding, drainage, driveways, paths, fencing, decks, pergolas and other accessible structures.
Do you inspect homes built by volume builders?
Yes. We inspect new homes built by volume builders as well as custom home builders. Our independent inspections focus on the workmanship, visible defects and completed work rather than the builder involved.
Do you provide pre handover inspections outside Melbourne?
Yes. New Home Building Inspections provides pre handover inspections throughout Melbourne and selected regional areas of Victoria, including South Gippsland, Bass Coast, Baw Baw and the Latrobe Valley.