PCI Inspections in Adelaide

Practical completion is the last meaningful checkpoint before final payment and handover. A PCI inspection in Adelaide gives you a clear defects list so you can raise issues while the builder is still in handover mode.

We inspect the visible finish and function of key items across the home and document defects with photos. This helps you walk into the PCI meeting prepared, with clear evidence and a practical way to discuss fixes.

If you are still mid-build and want earlier checks, our new build stage inspections in Adelaide are designed to identify issues before they are covered.

Who This Inspection Is For

This inspection is for new home owners who are approaching handover and want an independent, practical check of the finished build. It is designed to help you identify defects and incomplete items before you sign off.

  • Clients about to attend a practical completion (PCI) meeting
  • Home owners who want a clear defects list before final payment
  • People who have noticed workmanship issues and want clear documentation
  • Buyers of townhouses or new builds who want confidence at handover

What We Inspect

A PCI inspection is a detailed visual check of the accessible areas of the home at practical completion. We focus on items that affect liveability, durability and finish quality, and we document defects clearly so you can raise them with the builder.

  • Walls, ceilings, plaster and paint finish (including visible defects)
  • Floors, tiles, carpets, thresholds and transitions
  • Doors and windows: alignment, operation, latches and hardware
  • Kitchen, bathroom and laundry: cabinetry, benchtops, tiling and silicone
  • Wet areas: visible waterproofing indicators, sealing and falls where observable
  • Fixtures and fittings: tapware, toilets, basins, showers and installed appliances where accessible
  • External finishes: cladding, brickwork/render, garage and visible external detailing
  • External surfaces: paths/driveway where present, and obvious drainage or stormwater issues

Common Issues In Adelaide Homes

At handover, many issues are not “structural”, but they still matter because they affect the daily use of the home and the quality you paid for. In Adelaide builds, this often shows up as finish defects, sealing issues in wet areas, alignment problems and incomplete items.

Wet areas are a key focus at PCI because small issues can lead to bigger problems over time. We look for signs of poor sealing, inconsistent falls where observable, grout and silicone issues, and workmanship that could contribute to water entry.

Adelaide’s hot summers and winter rain can quickly expose weaknesses in external detailing. Items like flashings, downpipe discharge, external sealing and water management around paving can all affect the long-term durability of the finished home.

What You Receive

You receive a clear written report with photos and a practical defects list you can share with your site supervisor. Findings are prioritised so you can focus on what matters most before you sign off.

  • Photo-backed findings with clear descriptions
  • A practical list that supports your PCI / handover discussion
  • Clear notes where an item may be a tolerance vs a defect
  • Most reports delivered within 24 hours

Areas We Service

We service metropolitan Adelaide and surrounding suburbs. This includes coastal and inner-suburban builds around Glenelg and Henley Beach, as well as the north-eastern suburbs such as Modbury. If your build is outside these areas, contact us and we will confirm availability.

Why Choose Insight Property Inspections

A strong PCI report needs to be thorough but fair. We focus on defects, incomplete items and workmanship concerns that affect performance and finish quality, while noting where something may fall within tolerances.

Our process is methodical and evidence-based. Clear photos and clear wording help you keep the PCI conversation constructive and focused on practical rectification.

FAQs

Q: When should I book a PCI inspection?
A: Book as soon as your builder proposes a practical completion or handover date. Ideally, the inspection is completed just before the PCI meeting, while the home is essentially finished but before you sign off and pay the final claim.
Q: Do I need to attend the inspection?
A: You are welcome to attend, but it is not essential. Many clients prefer that we walk through first and then provide a summary, or they review the report afterwards if they cannot be on site.
Q: Will the builder fix everything listed in the report?
A: Builders are expected to address reasonable defects and incomplete items. The report gives you a clear list to discuss with them. Some items may fall within acceptable tolerances, and we note that context where relevant.
Q: What does a PCI inspection cover?
A: We inspect the visible finishes, fixtures and fittings, doors and windows, wet areas, cabinetry and obvious workmanship issues, plus relevant external items such as cladding, paving and drainage where accessible.
Q: How long does a PCI inspection take?
A: Most PCI inspections take a few hours depending on the size and complexity of the home. Larger homes and more detailed finishes generally take longer to check properly.
Q: How quickly will I receive the report?
A: In most cases you receive the written report within 24 hours. If your builder has given a tight window, let us know and we will confirm expected delivery when booking.
Q: Should I do a stage inspection as well as a PCI?
A: A PCI focuses on the finished home at handover. Stage inspections focus on earlier milestones (frame, lock-up/pre-lining and wet areas) so issues can be addressed before they are covered. Many clients choose both for stronger oversight.

Book your inspection

To arrange a PCI inspection anywhere in Adelaide, use the contact form and include your builder’s name, handover date and site address. We will confirm availability and coordinate access with you and the supervisor.

If your builder has given a short timeframe for sign-off, it helps to book as early as possible so we can inspect while the relevant items are complete and accessible.

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