A Practical Completion Inspection (PCI) happens when your Construction Supervisor is able to show you your new home after all of the finishing touches have been added to it. This is in fact one of the most important inspections that is performed during the process of building a home because it provides an opportunity to identify faults and have them repaired before the final handover takes place.

What Information should be Present in your PCI Report?

When receiving your PCI report, it should include the following information in a format that is easy for you to read and understand:

  • A full and clear description of each defect that has been found, including where they are located
  • A clear explanation why particular building finishes or works have been deemed to be defective. This should also include the relevant sections of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and Australian Standards and Tolerances that have not been adhered to when building your home
  • An accurate and concise set of recommendations that clearly state what steps and/or procedures must be performed to correct each defect that has been found and noted in the report

Why it’s Crucial Hire a Building Inspector before PCI

These days, far too many building contractors are in the habit of stating to new home owners that ‘their property has been constructed according to our display home standards’ without providing any further information. However, this is an extremely vague statement, because it not only provides no indication of whether or not the property has been built according to current Australian Standards; the builders may have different construction styles and options available for different suburbs or areas, meaning that the potential buyer may not even be happy with the end result if it looks different.

When hiring a building inspector to check a new property before its PCI takes place, they will be able to determine whether everything has been done according to the required Australian Standards and Building Codes, as well as in accordance with local and municipal requirements.

Ensure All Defects are attended to properly

Sadly, too many property buyers are so excited at the prospect of moving into their brand new homes that they don’t realise that there may (and often will be) a few defects and other issues present. As a result, they end up paying their builder in full before moving in – only to find that it is virtually impossible to get the builder to come back and address the defects. However, when having a full inspection performed before the PCI takes place, buyers will be able to advise their builders that final payment will only be processed once all noted defects have been addressed and repaired.

Our professional team of property inspectors will ensure that all defects are detected during an inspection. Upon completion of the inspection, you will be provided with a full report detailing what steps must be taken to address and repair these defects. If you’d like to find out more about the various property inspection services we offer, contact us today.

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