INDEPENDENT BUILDING INSPECTIONS
Handover & PCI Inspections Melbourne
Getting ready to receive the keys to your new home? BI&C provides independent practical completion inspections to help you identify visible defects, unfinished work and items to discuss with your builder before handover.
Send the property address and your deadline. We’ll confirm scope, availability and fees before booking.
A clearer picture before you accept the keys
A practical completion inspection (PCI) focuses on the accessible finished areas of a new home. It gives you a documented basis for discussing visible concerns with the builder. Agree the timing early, so the home is ready for inspection and there is time to review the findings before your scheduled handover.
Still at an earlier stage? Our new home stage inspections cover agreed checks before work is concealed. Buying an existing property instead? See pre-purchase building inspections.
What can a handover inspection cover?
The final scope depends on the property, access and the work completed on the day. Tell us about any particular concerns when requesting your quote.
Internal finishes & joinery
Accessible walls, ceilings, doors, trims and installed cabinetry can be reviewed for visible damage, incomplete work and workmanship concerns.
Wet areas & finished surfaces
Accessible bathrooms and other wet areas can be reviewed for visible finish and moisture-related concerns. Concealed waterproofing cannot be verified through tiles.
Exterior & site observations
Accessible exterior surfaces and surrounding areas can be reviewed for visible defects and drainage-related concerns within the agreed scope.
When to book your PCI
1. Share the completion date
Contact BI&C when your builder provides an expected practical completion or handover date. Send the address, plans and any existing defect list.
Include the number of storeys, approximate floor area, builder’s access contact and any items you have already raised. Ask whether the proposed report delivery date leaves you enough time to discuss findings before handover.
2. Confirm readiness & access
Confirm which work will be complete, who will provide site access and whether relevant areas will be safely accessible. Tell us promptly if the programme changes.
3. Review the findings
Use the report to discuss observations and outstanding items with your builder. Ask about a separately quoted reinspection if you want accessible rectification work reviewed.
Your report and its limitations
The agreed report records observations, access limitations and recommended next steps. Confirm the report format and delivery timeframe before booking, particularly if your handover date is close.
A visual inspection cannot establish the condition of concealed framing, waterproofing or services through finished surfaces. Specialist testing, destructive investigation and trade certification are not automatically included. Tell BI&C if you need a particular assessment so it can be considered in the quote.
Independent inspection and statutory approval
An owner-commissioned inspection is separate from the relevant building surveyor’s mandatory inspections. It does not issue an occupancy permit, certify practical completion under your contract or replace legal advice about payment or handover.
See the Victorian Building and Plumbing Commission’s Protect your build guidance. Seek legal advice if the findings affect a payment or contractual decision.
Handover inspection costs
Request a written quote based on the home’s size, location, access, available documents and inspection scope. Ask whether report preparation, follow-up discussion, GST and any return visit are included. Read our building inspection cost guide for a checklist to compare quotes.
Melbourne and northern growth suburbs
Send your address to confirm availability in Mickleham, Craigieburn, Kalkallo, Donnybrook, Wollert, Epping, Sunbury, Wallan, Kilmore and surrounding areas. See our service areas for wider coverage.
Before you book
Is a PCI the same as a handover inspection?
The terms are often used for a review of a substantially completed new home before handover. Confirm the actual scope and timing rather than relying on the service name alone.
Can I book if I missed earlier stage inspections?
Yes, you can enquire about a handover inspection. The assessment is limited to what is accessible and visible; it cannot retrospectively verify concealed work.
What happens if the home is not ready?
Tell BI&C as soon as the builder changes the date or advises that work is incomplete. Confirm readiness, access and any rescheduling arrangements before the visit.
Can you check whether defects have been rectified?
Ask about a separately agreed reinspection. Share the original report and the builder’s response so the proposed scope, access and fees can be confirmed.
Should I withhold final payment if defects are found?
An inspection report is not legal advice. Discuss the findings with your builder and seek advice from a qualified legal adviser about your contract and payment obligations.
How quickly can I get an inspection and report?
Send your address and handover deadline. BI&C will confirm availability and report timing before booking; an enquiry does not guarantee a particular appointment.
Approaching handover?
Send the property address, expected completion date and any concerns. We’ll help you confirm the right inspection scope for your new home.