WHAT IS A HANDOVER OR PCI INSPECTION OR STAGES INSPECTIONS?
A handover inspection or PCI is conducted at new build homes before handover of the possession of the property to owner and making final payment.
A final handover inspection is done by registered building practitioner to get a thorough report which highlights the defects, disputes and other discrepancies noticed which comply with BCA and NCC.
Five Progress or Stages Inspections are recommended during the construction process of new build home.
- Pre-Slab Stage.
- Wall to Plate Height Stage.
- Roof Framing Stage.
- Lock up Stage.
- Handover Stage.
HOW IS HANDOVER INSPECTION BENEFICIAL FOR THE OWNER?
The owner can get multiple benefits from HANDOVER INSPECTIONS.
- Identifying defects in the property on time and rectifying them at low costs.
- Getting a property constructed exactly the way you’d imagined, and the contract was signed.
- Meeting all the legal building standards and requirements of Australia.
- Assessing performance of the contractor and quality of work.
HOW ARE PROGRESS OR STAGE INSPECTIONS BENEFICIAL FOR THE OWNER?
The progress or stages inspection can deliver the great workmanship, cost effective repairs and replacements as well as check the compliance with BCA and NCC. It guides the construction process very smoothly.
A minor defect can deteriorate the building over the year and can be very expensive to fix the problem.
WHO CAN CONDUCT A HANDOVER INSPECTION OR STAGE INSPECTIONS?
An Independent Building Inspection Service in Perth who has Degree and Experience in Building or Civil Engineering and having Registered Building Practitioner.
WHAT IS COVERED IN A HANDOVER INSPECTION?
The report highlights the defects need to be addressed immediately by the builder, non-compliance, deficits, and other suggestions by examining all internal and external accessible parts of the building.
Inclusions
Workmanship of tiling, plastering, painting, cleaning up.
Permanent fixtures
- Electrical Circuits and Electrical Safety Measures
- Roof Cover, Insulation, And Sarking
- Brickwork And Concrete Strength
- Plumbing (Drainage, Seepage,)
- Walls (Internal and External)
- Ceilings
- Flooring
- Doors And Frames (Internal and External)
- Windows And Frames (Internal and External)
- Patios, Driveways, And Gardens (Soil Type, Acidity, And Soil Erosion)
- Balconies And Stairs
- Preventive Barriers for Termites
- Cupboards, Kitchen Cabinets and Wardrobes
- The inspection at all stages will the building as a legitimate property in the state of Australia only when it meets the following three criteria:
- Construction Execution as per plan and specifications signed in HIA or Master Builders Contract between the owner and the builder.
- Comply with BCA and NCC, Australian Standards and Tolerances.
- Workmanship to Australian Standards.
WHAT ARE BUILDING DEFECTS? WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON DEFECTS FOUND DURING A HANDOVER INSPECTION?
One of the most important purposes of a final handover inspection is to detect all defects in any aspect of the construction of the building.
According to the Australian Glossary of Building Terms, a building defect is defined as “a fault or deviation from the intended condition of a material, assembly or component”.
The defect may be characterised into two types:
Minor Building Defects: Superficial Faults That Do Not Affect Liveability.
Major Building Defects: Faults That Affect the Structural Integrity and Habitability Such as Roof Leaks, Cracks in Cement, Electrical or Plumbing Fails, Etc.
- Drainage: Soil Erosion, Breeding of Mosquitoes Due to Stagnant Water, Tap Leaks, Water Damage to Slabs, Etc.
- Pests and Termites: termite damage to wooden apparatus in the property such as doors, window frames, ceilings, wooden flooring, gardens, etc.
- Structural Defects: Wear and Tear of Foundation Walls, Loose Bricks on The Roof, Floor Joists, Etc.
- Roof Troubles: Harsh Australian climatic conditions cause expedited wear and tear in the form of leaks.
- Wooden Flooring Damage: dangerous gaps, an infestation of unwelcome creatures like rats and termites, peeling and uneven floors, warping, etc.
- Air circulation: unhealthy moulds, wood rot, expensive aircon functioning, etc.
WHAT ACTION IS REQUIRED TO TAKE AFTER NOTICING DEFECTS?
Non-Structural Defects: It must be rectified by Builder within 12 months.
Minor Defects: The defects are categorised as the ‘Building Defect Liability Period’ as per the contract.
Major Defects: It is cover up to 7 years as per Home Building Warranty in Australia.
The owner can official complaint to Building Commission of WA if the builder is not willing to take appropriate action to rectify the non-structural, major, or minor defects.
CONCLUSIONS
Hence, it is always wise to have appropriate advice or inspection from building inspector while building your new home to figure out the defects, non-compliance issues during the construction process. It will be easier and cost effective to rectify it.
