Practical Completion Inspection Perth
Protect your investment before you take the keys — independent defect assessment by a Licensed Building Practitioner.
Licensed Building Practitioner
WA Registered pest control business
Licensed Pest Management Technician
What Is a Practical Completion Inspection?
A practical completion inspection (PCI) — also known as a handover inspection or new build inspection — is an independent assessment of a newly constructed property carried out before you accept the keys from your builder.
In WA, builders are required to complete all contracted work to a satisfactory standard before practical completion is declared. But 'satisfactory' to a builder and 'defect-free' to a trained inspector are often two different things.
A WaterSafe practical completion inspection gives you an independent expert's view of your new home — identifying defects and incomplete work before you accept the property, while your builder is still legally obligated to fix them at no cost to you.
What Can Go Wrong in a New Perth Build?
Even reputable builders use subcontractors, and quality can vary. Common defects found during practical completion inspections in Perth include the items listed here.
Identifying these before handover means your builder fixes them — not you.
- Waterproofing failures in wet areas — bathrooms and ensuite shower bases are the most common defect category. Membrane may be missing, too thin, or not correctly turned up at junctions.
- Grout and tile cracking — indicates movement or insufficient substrate preparation.
- Misaligned or binding doors and windows — poorly hung or inadequate frame tolerances.
- Incomplete painting — holidays, runs, or unstained surfaces.
- Roof drainage issues — incorrect falls on flat roofs, overhanging mortar on tiles.
- Subfloor moisture — inadequate vapour barriers or drainage.
- Electrical and plumbing deficiencies (visible elements only — we refer electrical to a licensed electrician).
- Concrete cracking — distinguishing acceptable shrinkage from structural concern.
Identifying these before handover means your builder fixes them — not you.
When to Book Your PCI
- After your builder has notified you that the home is ready for handover
- Before you attend the builder's own handover walkthrough
- Before you sign any practical completion documentation or take possession of the keys
Do not sign practical completion documents until your independent inspection has been completed and any defects documented. Once you accept the property, your legal position changes significantly.
What We Inspect
- All internal rooms — walls, floors, ceilings, doors, windows
- Kitchen & wet areas — tiling, fixtures, waterproofing, grout
- Bathrooms & ensuites — waterproofing membrane, shower screens, drainage
- Laundry — waterproofing, plumbing connections, trough
- Roof — structure, cladding, gutters, and drainage
- External walls — render, brickwork, paintwork, and cladding
- Balconies & alfresco areas — waterproofing, falls, drainage
- Garage & external areas — concrete, drainage, fencing
- General workmanship throughout
Conducted in accordance with AS 4349.1 — Inspection of Buildings, and HIA / Master Builders tolerances applicable to new construction in WA.
How It Works
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1Contact Us
Let us know your builder, property address, and expected handover date. We'll schedule the inspection before your handover appointment.
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2Independent On-Site Inspection
Our licensed inspector attends the property and conducts a full assessment — typically 2–3 hours for a standard new home. You're welcome to be present.
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3Written Defect Report
You receive a detailed written report with photos and descriptions of every defect or incomplete item found — ready to submit to your builder as formal notification under your building contract.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a practical completion inspection worth it for a new build in Perth?
Can I use the inspection report to get my builder to fix defects?
Yes. Our report documents defects with photos and descriptions that can be formally presented to your builder as a defect list under your building contract. Builders are legally obligated to rectify defects before practical completion is finalised.
What's the difference between a practical completion inspection and the builder's own handover walkthrough?
The builder’s handover walkthrough is conducted by the builder or their representative — they have a commercial interest in completing the handover. An independent PCI is conducted by a licensed inspector with no relationship to the builder, giving you an unbiased assessment.
Do you also inspect waterproofing in new builds?
Don't Accept the Keys Without an Independent Inspection
WaterSafe Building Inspection gives you an expert, independent assessment of your new Perth home before handover — so your builder fixes defects, not you. Licensed. Thorough. Fast report turnaround.
Related: Pre-Purchase Building Inspection →
Related: Waterproofing Inspection →