Handover inspections for confidence in your new home

A handover inspection provides an independent assessment of your new home before final payment, identifying defects and compliance issues while rectification remains the builder’s responsibility.

WHAT A HANDOVER INSPECTION COVERS

A handover inspection assesses the readily accessible areas of the completed home at practical completion. The purpose is to identify defects, incomplete items, and workmanship concerns before settlement and final payment.

Inspections are reviewed against accepted building practice and relevant Australian Standards, with findings documented clearly and in context.

Typical areas assessed include:

  • General workmanship and finishes across internal areas

  • Doors, windows, locks, and hardware operation

  • Wet areas, silicone joints, waterproofing related finishes, and visible leaks or damage

  • Cabinetry, benchtops, tiling, painting, and floor finishes

  • External elements including cladding, roofs (where accessible), gutters, drainage, and site finish

  • Visible cracking, movement, or defects requiring follow up

  • Safety and compliance issues observable at handover stage

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WHY A HANDOVER INSPECTION MATTERS

Building a new home is a significant financial commitment. A handover inspection provides an independent assessment of completed works before final payment, helping confirm the home meets contractual requirements and approved plans.

The handover inspection appointment is also a great opportunity for you to meet with your Site Supervisor and ask questions about everything from Warranty Periods to Next Steps. If there's anything that you don't quite understand, we'll happily de-code it. We Speak Builder.

Book an inspection today
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Independent Assessment

An objective review of completed works, carried out independently of the builder, developer, or associated parties at handover stage.

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Comprehensive Reporting

Clear reporting with photographs and plain English explanations to support rectification discussions with your builder.

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Timely Delivery

Greater confidence the home is ready for handover, with issues clearly documented before settlement.

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Risk Identification

Identification of defects, incomplete items, and workmanship concerns that may impact quality, compliance, or long term performance.

Our handover Inspection Process

Our handover inspection process has been refined through decades of hands on building and inspection experience.

You're not a builder, that's why you didn't build the house. It makes sense to have someone there on your behalf to make sure the house has been built to the standards of the Building Code of Australia. Of course it's not falling down and your builder is not incompetent. But it's wise to have a trained set of eyes go over the work for you.

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Define
purpose

We confirm the inspection type, property details, and purpose to ensure the correct service and scope.

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Inspect
independently

The inspection is carried out independently and assessed against applicable building standards and practice.

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Report
Clearly

Findings are prioritised by risk and explained in plain English to highlight what matters most and why it is important.

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Support
decisions

Reports are structured to support negotiation, planning, and informed next steps, helping clients act with confidence.

Who This Service Is For

Handover inspections are suited to homeowners who want an independent review before practical completion and settlement.

This service is appropriate for:

  • New home owners nearing completion of a new build

  • Clients wanting reassurance before warranties commence

  • Pro-active builders wanting to bring their Construction QA into line across all builds

If you are unsure when to book, we can help confirm the best timing based on your build stage and a conversation with your builder.

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What You Will Receive

A handover inspection provides a detailed written report documenting the condition and completeness of the home at practical completion, prior to final payment and handover.

The report includes:

  • Photographic evidence supporting all identified defects and incomplete items

  • Clear explanations of workmanship issues, compliance concerns, and finishing quality

  • Identification of items requiring rectification before final payment or settlement

  • Practical context to support discussions with your builder and final handover decisions

Reports are issued promptly after the inspection so issues can be raised and addressed within contractual timeframes, with a follow up inspection arranged if required.

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HANDOVER INSPECTION FAQs

  • A handover inspection is carried out once the builder has advised practical completion or requested final payment, but before settlement or handover occurs. Make sure you liaise with your builder closely towards the end of the build and remind them that you're getting a 3rd party inspector in.

  • Most handover inspections take between two and three hours, depending on the size, design, and complexity of the home.

  • Reports are typically issued within 24 to 48 hours of the inspection being completed.

  • Yes. Clients are welcome to attend the inspection, provided site access and safety conditions allow.

  • Yes. Inspections are conducted in line with relevant Australian Standards, the Building Code of Australia, and accepted building practice applicable at practical completion.

  • No. A handover inspection is an independent assessment and does not replace the builder’s own completion or handover process.

  • Defects, incomplete items, and non compliant works are clearly documented in the report so they can be raised with the builder for rectification before final payment and handover.

ARE YOU NEARING HANDOVER OR PRACTICAL COMPLETION?

If practical completion has been scheduled or final payment is approaching, a handover inspection can confirm the home is ready and document issues while rectification remains the builder’s responsibility.

If you are unsure about timing, a short conversation can help confirm the right stage and scope before you book.

BOOK A HANDOVER INSPECTION

GET IN TOUCH

Talk to your local Gold Coast, Tweed Coast aND Byron Bay building inspection experts

If you are unsure which inspection you need, speak with us first. We can clarify the right service, scope, and timing, and ensure expectations are clear before you proceed.

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Call
0424 741 616

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Email
info@dwellbuild.com.au

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Service Areas
Gold Coast, Tweed Coast & Byron Bay

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Response Time
Same-day quote & 24 hour turn-around on reports

SUBMIT ENQUIRY FORM

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