There’s nothing like building your own home. It becomes a place that is yours in every sense of the word. But before you can settle in you need to check that there haven’t been any issues that slipped through the cracks during your lengthy home building process. That’s what your Practical Completion Inspection is for.
As you’d expect, the goal for all homebuilders during their PCI is to catch everything that could be anything before you move in. This could mean issues as large as a wall of faulty wiring, or as small as a pipe not draining properly. Don’t be fooled – issues like blocked drains in Melbourne can rapidly snowball into higher cost concerns like extensive water damage if they’re left unchecked. And nobody wants to foot the bill for costly home repairs right after expensive renovations or a full-scale knockdown-rebuild.
So, we have a checklist for you to refer to and bone up on your PCI skills, because a little reading now can save a big hassle later.
What to bring to a Practical Completion Inspection:
- A copy of both your master plans and your electrical plans.
- Plans for any selections or additional upgrades.
- Something small to test your power sockets – like a phone charger.
- A phone or camera for collecting photo evidence of issues.
- A phone or torch for lighting up dim areas.
Start with an Exterior Inspection
Outside-in is the usual approach for PCIs, as this approach ensures you don’t miss any clearly visible defects across your property’s facade or exterior cladding and other external design elements. Here’s what to look for at each juncture for properties of all sizes.
Doors and Windows
Beyond just looking good, you want to check that your hardware works properly. Doors should open and close smoothly and without hitting anything– check that walls or frames won’t be damaged if the door is slammed. Windows should slide easily, everything should feel securely attached, and they should lock and unlock properly– though you can save this for once you’re inside.
The Roof
The room is often missed or avoided, but don’t be afraid to get up there or have someone check it out for you– even a drone can work. What you’re looking for are damaged tiles, loose fixtures, or just anything that looks out of place– you want to have all the answers so you can move into your dream home with pure peace of mind.
General Exterior Elements
- The brickwork should have a keen eye taken to it. Any inconsistencies should be noted. The weep holes (occasional gaps between bricks) should be consistency spaced and at least 75mm above the ground to prevent pests.
- If your house has been rendered instead, check for cracks and bulges. Anything inconsistent should be noted.
- Test all the outside switches and power points.
- Check that all fixtures–gutters, lights, overhangs– have been secured properly and if anything needs painting.
Continuing with an Interior Inspection
Don’t be afraid to be thorough when checking your outside – you can also picture your garden beds or any other future fixtures to prevent issues too. Once you feel secure, move on to the inside of the home.
Electrical
Though your property’s electrical system has likely been tested many times before this by a commercial electrician (maybe one that was hired by your building agency, if you’re buying off the plan), it still doesn’t hurt to try it all for yourself. Flick every switch, check every powerpoint, see that it all lines up with your electrical plans and check that your powerbox is in working order too.
Plumbing and Wet Areas
To test your plumbing and wet areas you’ll need some time and maybe even a bottle of water. Here’s a quick overview of how you can promptly and effectively test your new home’s plumbing system:
- Check that all the taps work, that the drains drain, that your plugs plug, and that everything is secure.
- Next you’ll want to check that all silicon and grouting is waterproof. Check for any holes and
- Check the tiles and ensure the grout is free from gaps/holes.
- If applicable, check the edges of your niches, especially if you requested mitred joints.
- Check that sanitaryware including the toilet and sinks are unmarked.
Walls and Painting
As scuffs and marks are common occurrences when you’re moving in, your builder will likely wave away any issues with the walls that you haven’t flagged during your PCI. This means you’ll want to take a keen eye to the internal walls and roofing just as you did with the external walls. Look for the following:
- Marks, chips, cracks, or any other damage to the paint.
- Check for any exposed interior wall insulation.
- Raises or uneven areas.
- Check that cornices, windowsills, skirting and all other detailing is secure, flush, even and generally looks good.
Installed Hardware
Your drawers, cabinets, and everything else that hasn’t already been checked should be looked up and down for marks, gaps, and the like. Use a torch or your phone to look under the sink and under cabinet drawers. Once you’re sure everything is secure and stable, you’re done.
Conclusion
So though your construction supervisor will have done their own checks, you’ll want to do your own– after all, you’ll be the one living in the place. Expect to find a few dings and scuffs, feel free to take as many photos as you like, but be sure to make special note of anything that could be major– cracks, gaps, bulges and loose fixtures. Check these with your construction supervisor, get them rectified, and you’ll be able to enjoy your new home stress free.
