Practical Completion Inspection
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🏡 What is a Practical Completion Inspection (PCI)?
A Practical Completion Inspection (PCI)—also known as a Handover Inspection—is the final quality check conducted at the end of your new home build, just before the builder officially hands the property over to you.
This inspection ensures:
- The build is complete and ready for occupation
- All works align with contracted plans & specifications
- Compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC) and Australian Standards (AS 4349.1)
- All defects, incomplete works, or poor workmanship are identified before handover
It’s your last chance to hold the builder accountable before you take possession of your home.
🔍 Why PCI Matters
While your builder will complete their own quality checks, an independent inspection ensures nothing is overlooked. Our inspectors work only for you, not the builder—providing a completely unbiased report.
We identify issues ranging from cosmetic finishes (paint, plaster, tiling) to major defects (waterproofing failures, structural misalignments, non-compliant installations). Fixing these before handover saves you from disputes, delays, or costly rectifications later.
Why Choose Structsure for Your PCI?
• Civil Engineer inspections (EA Member).
• Builder experience — we know where shortcuts hide.
• Same-day reports (within 4 hours).
• Best Price Guarantee.
• Advanced tools included (thermal imaging, moisture meters).
• Plain-English reports.
• Local Perth expertise.
• We don’t please agents. We protect buyers.
- WA Certified Inspectors with years of local experience
- Same-Day Report Delivery with high-resolution photos
- Best Price Guarantee across Perth
- Use of advanced tools to detect hidden defects
- Free consultation to walk you through findings
Pricing Plan
What's involved?
We offer a variety of packages at competitive prices, including termite inspection, to meet your needs. The inspection process begins with one of our qualified inspectors visiting the property to check all accessible areas for potential issues or damage.
Express Check: Perfect for first-home buyers or quick offers
- Roof, walls, floors, and structure check
- Cracks inside and outside
- Doors, windows, and frames
- Basic plumbing & electrical check
- Same-day report with photos
Starting from
$299 AUD
Smart Buyer: Best value for families and serious buyers
Includes Express Check, plus:
- Driveway, garage, and pathways
- Kitchen cabinets & bench tops
- Patios & external cladding
- Gutters, taps, and leak checks
- Timber & pest inspection included
- Free phone call to discuss your report
Starting from
$499 AUD
Investor Shield: Peace of mind for investors and older homes
Includes Smart Buyer, plus:
- Thermal imaging scan (moisture, leaks, termites)
- Chimneys, stairs, & detached structures
- Priority report in 12 hours
- Investor checklist for quick negotiations
- FREE suburb safety & lifestyle snapshot
- FREE insurance risk check (bushfire, flood, storm zones)
Starting from
$699 AUD
What We Check During a Practical Completion Inspection
At Structsure, our PCI inspections in Perth are designed to give you complete confidence before handover. We carefully assess every visible element of your new home against your building contract, approved plans, the National Construction Code (NCC), and Australian Standards.
Our PCI checklist includes:
- External finishes – Brickwork, render, cladding, paintwork, gutters, fascia, and downpipes checked for quality and defects.
- Roofing and flashings – Proper installation, alignment, and weatherproofing verified.
- Windows & doors – Operation, alignment, locks, seals, and weatherproofing inspected.
- Walls, floors & ceilings – Checked for cracks, unevenness, or poor workmanship.
- Cabinetry & joinery – Kitchen, bathroom, and laundry fittings assessed for finish, alignment, and functionality.
- Wet areas & waterproofing – Tiling, grout, silicone, and drainage checked for compliance and durability.
- Electrical & lighting fixtures – Switches, power points, light fittings, and appliances tested for installation quality.
- Plumbing fixtures – Taps, toilets, sinks, showers, and baths checked for leaks and correct operation.
- Paintwork & finishes – Internal and external paint surfaces inspected for coverage and quality.
- Garage & external structures – Doors, driveways, patios, and fencing assessed where applicable.
- General workmanship – Overall build quality reviewed to ensure compliance with plans and tolerances.
What We Check During a Practical Completion Inspection (PCI)
During a PCI inspection, our experienced building inspectors carry out a comprehensive evaluation of all visible and accessible areas of your property to ensure everything is completed to a professional standard and in line with your building contract, the NCC, and Australian Standards (AS 4349.1).
Our PCI checklist includes:
- Walls & ceilings – Cracks, dents, uneven finishes, and poor workmanship
- Painting & finishes – Paint coverage, consistency, texture, and touch-up areas
- Windows & doors – Alignment, seals, locks, smooth operation, and scratches
- Fixtures & fittings – Proper installation of taps, sinks, cabinetry, handles, and appliances
- Tiling & grouting – Hollow tiles, lippage (uneven edges), grout quality, and finishes
- Wet areas – Bathroom, laundry, and kitchen waterproofing confirmed intact
- Flooring – Damage, lifting edges, squeaks, or inconsistent finishes
- Power points, switches & lighting – Alignment, functionality, and placement checked
- Garage doors – Operation, remotes, safety sensors, and finish
- External finishes – Brickwork, render, paintwork, and general site cleanliness
- Roof space (if accessible) – Insulation coverage, ventilation, and visible structural elements
- Compliance checks – Verification of workmanship against contract specs, NCC, and AS 4349.1
How it works
How Our Building Inspection
Process Works
Contact Us
Call, email, or simply fill out our online booking form. Tell us the type of building inspection in Perth you need and pick a time that works best for you.
Inspection Day
A licensed Structsure building inspector will visit your property to carry out a thorough inspection. We assess for structural defects, pest issues, safety hazards, and compliance with Australian building codes.
Same-Day Report
Receive your comprehensive Building & Pest Inspection Report the very same day — often within just 4 hours. Our reports are clear, detailed, and include recommendations to help you make confident property decisions.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Practical Completion Inspection (PCI)?
A PCI (or Handover Inspection) is the final inspection carried out before you take possession of your new home. It ensures all work has been completed to the required standard and that defects are identified before you make final payment.
When should I book a PCI inspection?
Book your PCI inspection once your builder notifies you that construction has reached “practical completion,” but before you officially sign off on handover.
Do I really need an independent inspector if the builder does their own checks?
Yes. Builders check their work from their perspective, but an independent inspector works only for you—ensuring your interests are fully protected.
What kind of defects do you usually find during PCI?
Common issues include paint defects, cracked tiles, poorly aligned doors and windows, scratched glass, incomplete waterproofing, and cosmetic finishes not meeting tolerances.
Is PCI inspection mandatory in Perth?
No, but it is highly recommended. Without it, defects may be overlooked and could become costly to fix after you move in.
Can I use the PCI report to negotiate with the builder?
Absolutely. The report provides documented evidence of defects, giving you leverage to request rectifications before final payment.
How long does a PCI inspection take?
On average, 2–3 hours depending on property size and complexity.
Do I need to attend the inspection?
You’re welcome to attend. Many clients find it useful to walk through with the inspector and discuss findings in real-time.
What happens if the builder refuses to fix something listed in the report?
Your PCI report can be used as formal evidence in negotiations or disputes. Most builders address the issues once documented, but we can guide you if escalation is needed.
Do you offer re-inspections after defects are fixed?
Yes. We can return for a re-inspection to verify that all defects have been properly rectified before you proceed with handover.