A new house final inspection, often called a PCI, or practical completion inspection, in the industry, is your walkthrough of the finished home before you release final payment and take the keys. It goes by several names depending on who you ask, a house handover inspection, a property handover inspection, or simply a final inspection checklist for new house buyers, but the purpose is the same everywhere: catch what needs fixing while your builder still has every reason to fix it quickly. Industry surveys in Australia consistently suggest that a significant majority of new homes have at least some defect at this point, most of them minor, some genuinely worth holding up settlement over. This checklist reflects what we actually look for on new house final inspections right across Melbourne, from established inner suburbs through to the newer estates further out.
Before You Start
- Do the walkthrough in daylight, ideally on a clear day, since poor lighting hides paint and finish defects easily
- Bring your phone for photos and your original plans or contract inclusions list to check against
- Test everything rather than just looking, open every door and window, run every tap, flush every toilet
- Write items down as you find them rather than relying on memory for the whole walkthrough
Exterior
- Render, brickwork, or cladding finish is even and free of cracks or gaps
- Paint coverage complete on all external trims, fascia, and eaves
- Driveway and paths are free of cracking, uneven joins, or trip hazards
- Fencing and gates are secure, aligned, and latch properly
- Letterbox installed and matches the property address
- Site is clear of builder’s rubble, offcuts, and construction debris
- Retaining walls, where fitted, show no leaning, cracking, or drainage issues
Roof and Gutters
- Roof covering (tiles or sheeting) is even, with no visible damage or misalignment
- Gutters and downpipes are securely fixed and properly connected to stormwater
- Flashings around vents, chimneys, and roof penetrations are sealed
- No visible sagging in the roofline
Garage
- Garage door opens, closes, and locks correctly, including remote if fitted
- Floor is free of major cracking and slopes correctly to any drain
- Internal walls and ceiling are finished and painted
- Power points and lighting are working
Entry, Hallways, and Living Areas
- Front door, and all internal doors, open, close, and lock smoothly
- Walls and ceilings are free of cracking, marks, or uneven paint
- Flooring, whether timber, tile, or carpet, is even and free of visible defects
- Skirting boards and architraves are properly fitted with no gaps
- Windows open, close, lock, and seal properly, with flyscreens fitted and intact
- Light switches, power points, and any ceiling fans operate correctly
Kitchen
- Cabinetry doors and drawers open, close, and align correctly
- Benchtop is free of chips, scratches, or gaps at the wall junction
- Taps run properly with no leaks, and water pressure feels adequate
- Oven, cooktop, rangehood, and dishwasher, where included, are connected and functioning
- Splashback tiling is even with consistent grout lines
Bathrooms and Wet Areas
- Waterproofing certificate for each wet area has been provided and kept on file
- Tiling and grout lines are even with no visible cracking
- Shower screens, taps, and drainage all work with no pooling water
- Toilet is secure, flushes properly, and shows no leaks at the base
- Exhaust fans are fitted and working, particularly in bathrooms without windows
- Silicone sealant around baths, showers, and vanities is complete and neat
Bedrooms
- Built-in wardrobes and sliding doors run smoothly on their tracks
- Carpet or flooring is properly fitted with no visible seams lifting
- Windows and any security screens operate correctly
Laundry
- Taps and washing machine connections are fitted and free of leaks
- Bench and cabinetry, where included, are properly finished and aligned
- Floor waste and drainage are clear and functioning
Outdoor Living and Alfresco Areas
- Alfresco or covered outdoor area ceiling lining and paint finish is complete
- Outdoor power points and any lighting are fitted and working
- Decking or paving is level, secure, and free of trip hazards
- Water runs away from the house rather than pooling near the alfresco slab
Services and Meters
- Water, gas, and electricity meters are installed, accessible, and correctly labelled
- Hot water system is connected, working, and set to a safe temperature
- NBN or internet connection point is installed and active where included in your contract
- Stormwater and sewer connections are complete with no visible surface issues
Electrical and Safety
- Smoke alarms are installed in the required locations and functioning
- Safety switches are fitted to the switchboard
- All power points and light switches throughout the home have been tested
- Balustrades and stair railings meet current spacing requirements
Documentation to Collect at Handover
- Certificate of occupancy or final inspection certificate from the relevant building surveyor
- Waterproofing certificates for all wet areas
- Warranties and manuals for appliances, hot water systems, and any installed equipment
- Copy of the approved plans as actually built, noting any variations
- Domestic building insurance certificate of currency, where applicable
A Melbourne Specific Check: Drainage Before Winter
If your handover falls anywhere near Melbourne’s wetter months, pay particular attention to site drainage and any low points in the yard where water could pool against the house. A dry autumn day can hide a drainage problem that only shows itself in the first proper winter downpour, so it is worth asking your builder directly how stormwater is meant to flow across the site, rather than assuming it has been handled correctly just because everything looks fine on a clear day.
Using This List
Anything you find gets written up with a photo and handed to your builder before final payment, not after. Most builders will come back with a timeframe of a couple of weeks to work through a rectification list, sometimes longer if there is a lot to get through, and it is reasonable to ask for a second walkthrough once they say it is done rather than simply taking their word for it.
Getting an Independent Eye on It
If you would rather have a professional go through this whole list with you, the new house final inspection and pci inspections melbourne buyers book through us covers every item here, with a same day written report you can hand straight to your builder. It works just as well as a straightforward final inspection checklist new home buyers use themselves, but with the benefit of someone who does this daily and knows exactly what a defect looks like versus what is simply unfinished. Call Casey Building Inspections on 0488 339 686 as soon as your handover date is set.
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