Practical completion is the last chance to have your new home thoroughly checked before final payment and handover. A detailed PCI inspection in Adelaide helps you walk through with confidence, knowing someone independent has looked at the finishes, function and overall build quality.
A PCI inspection is completed once your builder declares the home “practically complete” and books a handover meeting. During this inspection I systematically check finishes, fixtures and fittings, basic function of doors and windows, visible alignment issues, wet areas, cabinetry and general workmanship. The focus is on items that affect liveability, durability and appearance, not minor dust or cleaning.
During a PCI inspection I typically look at internal walls, ceilings, paint and plaster quality; floor finishes, tiles, carpets and transitions; doors, windows, latches and hardware operation; kitchen, bathroom and laundry cabinetry, benchtops and tiling; wet area waterproofing signs, falls and sealing; fixtures such as tapware, toilets, basins, showers and appliances where installed; and external finishes, garage, paths, driveways and basic drainage issues. Defects and incomplete items are recorded with photos so you can raise them with your supervisor before handover or final payment.
An effective PCI report needs to be thorough but fair. I approach PCI with a practical mindset: focus on issues that breach standards, will deteriorate quickly or are poor value for a new build, while acknowledging reasonable tolerances. This helps you have a constructive conversation with your builder and increases the chance issues are resolved promptly.
PCI inspections are available for new homes and townhouses across metropolitan Adelaide. Common locations include new estates in the north and south, coastal suburbs from Semaphore to Hallett Cove and infill builds around the inner suburbs. If your new home is within the wider Adelaide area, I can usually attend at short notice to meet your builder on site.
Q: When do I book a PCI inspection?
A: Book as soon as your builder gives you a practical completion or handover date. Ideally the inspection happens just before or at that meeting, while the home is essentially finished but before you sign off and pay the final claim.
Q: Do I need to be there?
A: You are welcome to attend, but it is not essential. Many clients prefer me to walk through first, then join at the end for a summary, or review the report afterwards if they cannot be on site.
Q: Will the builder fix everything in the report?
A: Builders are expected to address reasonable defects and incomplete items. Your report gives you a clear, written list to discuss with them. Some minor cosmetic items might be considered acceptable tolerances, which I explain in the comments where relevant.
Internal link idea: reference your main FAQ section on the home page for broader questions about inspections.
To arrange a PCI inspection anywhere in Adelaide, use the contact form and include your builder’s name, handover date and site address. I will confirm availability and coordinate access with you and the supervisor.