Practical Completion Inspection Checklist
Understand what may be reviewed before handover, how visible defects and incomplete work are documented and what a practical completion inspection does not replace.
A Practical Completion Inspection Reviews the Finished Home
It is a visual assessment of accessible areas near the end of construction. The report records visible defects, incomplete work, damage and finishing issues observed at the time of inspection.
The Home May Still Have Minor Defects or Omissions
Practical completion generally means the work has reached a stage where the home is reasonably capable of being used for its intended purpose, even though minor defects or incomplete items may remain.
Visible Completion
The inspection reviews whether accessible building work appears complete and identifies visibly unfinished components.
Defects and Damage
Visible defects, poor finishes, damage and components requiring further builder attention are documented.
Photographic Evidence
Photographs support the written findings and help identify the location of each reported item.
Handover Preparation
The completed report provides an independent list that can be reviewed with the builder before or during the handover process.
What Is Normally Reviewed at Practical Completion?
The exact scope depends on the agreed inspection service, property design, construction progress and safe access available on the day.
Interior
Visible walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, cabinetry, fittings and completed internal finishes may be reviewed.
Exterior
External walls, windows, doors, finishes, drainage components and accessible external work may be assessed.
Roof and Roof Space
Visible roofing, gutters, penetrations and accessible roof-space elements may be reviewed where safe access is available.
Wet Areas
Accessible bathrooms, ensuites, laundries and kitchens are reviewed for visible defects, incomplete work and finishing issues.
Garage and Site
The garage, paths, drainage, retaining walls and other accessible site items may be reviewed where included in the agreed scope.
Completion and Presentation
Missing components, incomplete finishes, construction debris, damage and presentation issues may be recorded.
Typical Items Reviewed During the Inspection
Open each section to see examples of visible items commonly considered during a practical completion inspection.
Internal Walls, Ceilings and Floors
Visible finishes and completed internal surfaces.
Internal surfaces are visually reviewed for obvious defects, damage, incomplete finishes and presentation issues.
Doors, Windows and Cabinetry
Accessible operation, alignment, finishes and visible damage.
Doors, windows and accessible cabinetry may be checked for visible defects and basic operation without dismantling hardware.
Kitchens, Bathrooms and Laundry
Visible wet-area finishes, fixtures and accessible components.
Wet areas are reviewed for visible workmanship issues, incomplete items, damage and accessible fixture operation.
Building Exterior
External walls, finishes, openings and visible drainage components.
Accessible exterior areas may be reviewed for visible damage, incomplete finishes and workmanship concerns.
Roof Exterior and Roof Space
Visible roof work where safe and reasonably accessible.
Roof access depends on height, pitch, surface condition, weather and safe access arrangements.
Garage, Paths and Site Areas
Accessible ancillary work included within the agreed scope.
External site areas may be reviewed where construction is complete enough to allow a meaningful assessment.
Common Types of Practical Completion Findings
Not every listed item has the same importance. The report may contain incomplete work, visible defects, damage, maintenance items and limitations.
Incomplete Work
Missing fittings, unfinished finishes, incomplete connections or work not completed at the time of inspection.
Visible Defects
Workmanship concerns, cracking, gaps, poor alignment, damaged materials or other observable building issues.
Damage
Scratches, chips, dents, stains, broken components and damage caused during construction or final trade activity.
Items Requiring Monitoring
Some conditions may require observation over time or further review after the building has been occupied.
Presentation and Cleaning
Construction residue, incomplete cleaning, labels, protective coverings or debris affecting final presentation.
Further Assessment
Some findings may require review by the builder, engineer, licensed trade or another appropriate specialist.
How to Prepare for Practical Completion
Confirm that the home is sufficiently complete and that safe access has been arranged before the inspection date.
Confirm the Timing
Arrange the inspection when the builder advises that the home has reached practical completion and before handover where possible.
Provide Approved Plans and Documents
Supply the approved building plans, relevant specifications and variation documents so visible and accessible work can be compared with the intended construction.
Arrange Full Access
Confirm access to the home, garage, roof space, exterior and other areas included in the inspection scope.
Allow Time to Review the Report
The report should be reviewed before important handover decisions or deadlines where the building program permits.
The Inspector Reports Findings — the Builder Manages the Work
An independent inspector provides a separate visual assessment. The builder remains responsible for construction, rectification and completion under the building contract.
Building Inspector
The inspector records visible and accessible conditions observed during the practical completion visit.
Builder
The builder manages construction and determines how reported items are reviewed and addressed under the contract.
What Should the Completed Report Contain?
The report should clearly identify the location, visible condition and significance of each reported item.
Property and Inspection Details
The report identifies the property, inspection date, agreed scope and areas reviewed.
Supporting Photographs
Relevant photographs help identify the location and illustrate the visible condition of the finding.
Clear Finding Descriptions
Each item should explain what was observed without overstating what can be established visually.
Recommended Attention
The report may recommend builder review, rectification, completion or further specialist assessment.
Inspection Limitations
Incomplete, concealed, unsafe or inaccessible areas should be recorded in the report.
Plans, NCC and Standards
Where the relevant documents are supplied, visible and accessible work is reviewed against the approved building plans, applicable National Construction Code requirements and relevant Australian Standards within the agreed scope.
What a Practical Completion Inspection Does Not Do
It is an independent visual inspection at a specific point in time. It does not replace specialist certification, statutory approvals or the builder’s responsibilities.
Destructive Investigation
Finished surfaces are not opened, removed or damaged to inspect concealed components.
Continuous Site Supervision
The inspector has not supervised the construction process and cannot report on every earlier stage.
Certification of Specialist Systems
Electrical, plumbing, gas, engineering and other systems may require separate licensed certification.
Guarantee of a Defect-Free Home
A visual inspection cannot identify every concealed, future or inaccessible defect.
Control of Rectification
The inspector reports findings but does not direct trades or determine how the builder will rectify the work.
Legal or Contractual Advice
Questions about payments, handover, disputes or contract rights require advice from an appropriate adviser.
In Western Australia, applicable defect-notification periods and other rights depend on legislation and the building contract. Report concerns promptly in writing and obtain independent contractual advice where required. Review against approved plans, the National Construction Code and Australian Standards is limited to visible and accessible work within the agreed scope and is not a full certification or design audit.
Practical Completion Inspections in Perth
General information for people preparing for new-home handover in Western Australia.
When should the practical completion inspection be arranged?
Does practical completion mean that every item must be perfect?
Does the inspection include the roof space?
Are electrical and plumbing systems fully tested?
What happens after the inspector finds defects?
Should I attend the practical completion inspection?
Can every defect be identified during one inspection?
Preparing for New-Home Handover in Perth?
Inspector Group provides independent practical completion inspections with clear photographic reporting of visible defects, incomplete work and finishing issues.