Building a new home is an exciting milestone. After months of planning, construction and progress payments, most homeowners look forward to receiving the keys and moving into their new property.
However, just because a house is newly built does not mean it is free from defects.
At Ausgun Building Inspections, we regularly identify workmanship issues, incomplete installations and building defects during new home handover inspections across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
A professional Practical Completion Inspection (PCI) can help homeowners identify visible defects before accepting handover from their builder.
In this article, we explain the most common defects found during new home inspections and why an independent inspection is important.
1. What Is a Practical Completion Inspection (PCI)?
A Practical Completion Inspection, commonly known as a PCI or handover inspection, is an inspection carried out when a newly constructed home is approaching completion.
The purpose is to identify visible defects, incomplete works and workmanship concerns before the owner takes possession.
The inspection may assess:
- Internal walls and ceilings
- Doors and windows
- Bathrooms and wet areas
- Kitchen and laundry fittings
- Roof and external finishes
- Plumbing fixtures
- Accessible roof void
- External structures and drainage
- General workmanship and finishing
The inspection scope depends on the building’s condition, accessibility and the agreed inspection service.
A PCI does not replace mandatory building inspections or certification by the relevant building surveyor.
2. Wall Cracks and Poor Plaster Finishes
One of the most common issues found during new home handover inspections is poor plastering and painting workmanship.
Typical defects include:
- Cracks in plasterboard joints
- Visible nail or screw pops
- Uneven wall surfaces
- Poorly finished corners
- Gaps between skirting boards and walls
- Paint marks and inconsistent finishes
- Incomplete patching
While many of these defects are cosmetic, they can affect the overall quality and appearance of the finished home.
Recommended action: The builder should assess and rectify defective finishes in accordance with the applicable construction requirements and contractual standards.
3. Shower Waterproofing and Silicone Defects
Bathrooms and showers are important areas to inspect because water leakage can cause significant damage over time.
Common findings include:
- Missing or incomplete silicone
- Gaps between shower screens and tiles
- Poorly finished grout joints
- Cracked or damaged tiles
- Incorrect shower screen installation
- Inadequate water drainage
- Water ponding on tiled surfaces
Poorly finished wet areas may allow moisture to penetrate surrounding building materials.
Recommended action: Defective shower finishes should be assessed and rectified by the builder or suitably qualified tradesperson.
Where waterproofing defects are suspected, further investigation may be necessary.
4. Doors and Windows Not Operating Properly
Newly installed doors and windows should operate correctly and be properly finished.
Common defects include:
- Doors rubbing against frames
- Doors not closing properly
- Loose door handles
- Incomplete door locks
- Windows difficult to open
- Damaged window winders
- Gaps around window frames
- Missing or damaged seals
These issues may result from poor installation, incorrect adjustment or movement in building components.
Recommended action: The builder should adjust, repair or replace defective components as required.
5. Roof Flashing and Guttering Defects
Roofing defects can occur even in newly constructed homes.
During a PCI, inspectors may identify:
- Gaps in roof flashing
- Poorly installed flashing
- Loose roofing components
- Damaged roof tiles
- Incomplete roof penetrations
- Water ponding in gutters
- Inadequate gutter falls
- Loose or disconnected downpipes
Defective roofing and drainage can increase the risk of water entering the building.
Recommended action: Roofing defects should be rectified before they cause moisture-related damage.
Roof access is subject to weather conditions, safe access and the inspection scope.
6. Missing or Incomplete Fixtures
Another common issue during new home inspections is incomplete installation of fixtures and fittings.
Examples include:
- Missing showerheads
- Loose towel rails
- Missing door stops
- Incomplete cabinetry hardware
- Missing window handles
- Loose tapware
- Missing access covers
- Incomplete electrical fittings
Some items may still be awaiting installation at the time of inspection.
Recommended action: The builder should complete outstanding installations and confirm that the relevant fixtures operate correctly before handover.
7. Kitchen and Laundry Workmanship Defects
Kitchen and laundry areas contain numerous fittings that require careful installation.
Common issues include:
- Cabinet doors not aligned
- Gaps between benchtops and walls
- Poor silicone finishes
- Loose cabinet hinges
- Damaged laminate surfaces
- Incomplete splashback finishes
- Leaking plumbing connections
- Poorly installed sinks
Even small workmanship issues can affect the functionality and appearance of these areas.
Recommended action: The builder should rectify damaged or poorly installed fittings and ensure relevant plumbing fixtures are functioning correctly.
8. Incomplete Rangehood Exhaust Ducting
One issue that may be identified during a new home inspection is incorrect installation of kitchen rangehood ducting.
Where a rangehood is designed or required to discharge externally, the ducting must be installed in accordance with the applicable National Construction Code provisions and manufacturer’s requirements.
A duct terminating openly within the roof void may be non-compliant, depending on the system and applicable requirements.
Recommended action: The builder should ensure rangehood ducting is installed correctly and discharged to the appropriate location.
9. Balcony and External Waterproofing Defects
Balconies and external tiled areas require appropriate drainage and waterproofing.
Common defects include:
- Poorly finished tile joints
- Missing sealant
- Inadequate drainage falls
- Water ponding
- Defective flashing
- Gaps around external doors
- Incomplete waterproofing details
These defects may lead to water penetration and damage to the structure below.
Recommended action: The builder should investigate and rectify defective waterproofing or drainage details in accordance with applicable requirements.
10. Incomplete Painting and External Finishes
Poor finishing work is frequently identified during handover inspections.
Common issues include:
- Paint marks on walls and ceilings
- Incomplete painting
- Scratched surfaces
- Damaged skirting boards
- Poorly finished render
- Gaps around external cladding
- Unsealed penetrations
- Incomplete external trim
Although some of these defects may be minor, they should still be documented for the builder’s attention.
11. Missing Insulation and Roof Void Defects
Where the roof void is safely accessible, the inspector may identify visible issues involving insulation and roof framing.
Common concerns include:
- Missing insulation in accessible sections
- Displaced insulation batts
- Loose ventilation ducting
- Incomplete roof penetrations
- Damaged roof framing components
- Missing manhole covers
- Incomplete service installations
These issues may affect the building’s energy efficiency, ventilation or overall performance.
Recommended action: The builder should assess and rectify incomplete or defective installations.
12. Why Is an Independent PCI Important?
A builder may conduct an internal quality inspection before handover. However, an independent inspection provides an additional assessment from the homeowner’s perspective.
Benefits include:
- Identifying visible workmanship defects
- Documenting incomplete works
- Highlighting potential safety concerns
- Identifying areas requiring further investigation
- Providing photographs of observed defects
- Helping owners communicate concerns to their builder
An independent PCI report can provide a useful record of the property’s condition at the time of inspection.
13. When Should You Book a Handover Inspection?
Ideally, arrange a PCI when the builder advises that the home is approaching practical completion, allowing enough time for inspection and any necessary rectification before handover.
Homeowners should coordinate access with their builder and check their building contract for practical completion and defect notification procedures.
An inspection carried out too early may identify numerous incomplete items that are already scheduled for installation.
Booking at the appropriate stage helps the inspector assess the property when most construction work is complete.
14. What Happens After the PCI Report?
Once the inspection is completed, the homeowner can review the findings and provide the relevant items to the builder.
The builder should assess the reported defects and determine the appropriate rectification works.
Where necessary, homeowners may request confirmation that defects have been addressed before handover.
If there is disagreement about the builder’s obligations, the homeowner should refer to the building contract and seek appropriate independent advice.
Why Choose Ausgun Building Inspections?
Ausgun Building Inspections provides professional Practical Completion and new home handover inspections across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Our team assesses accessible building components and identifies visible defects, incomplete works and workmanship concerns.
We also provide:
- Pre-Purchase Building Inspections
- Building and Pest Inspections
- Construction Stage Inspections
- Frame Stage Inspections
- Lock-Up and Fixing Stage Inspections
- Final and PCI Inspections
- Section 137B Owner Builder Reports
Our aim is to help homeowners understand the condition of their new property before handover.
Book Your New Home Handover Inspection in Melbourne
Building a new home? Make sure your property is properly inspected before receiving the keys.
An independent Practical Completion Inspection can help identify visible defects and outstanding works so you can raise them with your builder.
Book Your PCI Inspection Today
Contact Ausgun Building Inspections to arrange your new home handover inspection across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Website: https://ausgunbuildinginspections.com.au/
Your Property, Our Priority.