New Home & construction stage inspections

New Home Building Inspections Melbourne

Pre-Handover & Construction Stage Inspectors

Building a new home is one of life’s biggest investments, representing years of planning, saving, and anticipation. It’s an exciting milestone — but it also comes with important responsibilities and potential risks. Even with reputable builders, new homes can sometimes have hidden issues such as structural defects, poor finishes, or incomplete workmanship that aren’t immediately visible during a standard walk-through.

That’s where a New Home & Pre-Handover Inspection becomes essential. This detailed inspections ensures your property meets the quality, safety, and building standards you expect before you make final payment or take possession. By identifying any issues early, you can have them rectified by your builder before the keys are handed over — saving you time, stress, and unexpected costs down the track.

At Elevate Building Inspections, we specialise in new home building inspections in Melbourne, helping homeowners identify defects, workmanship issues, and non-compliance before handover. Our teams are specialists in thorough, independent pre-handover inspections across Melbourne’s north-eastern suburbs – including Doncaster, Templestowe, Doreen, Diamond Creek, Eltham, Greensborough, Bundoora, Macleod, Montmorency, Heidelberg, Rosanna, Epping, Ivanhoe, Reservoir, Croydon, and surrounding suburbs. Our mission is simple: to give new homeowners complete confidence that their dream home has been built to the standard they deserve, ensuring a smooth and worry-free move-in experience.

What is a Pre Handover & New Home Inspection in Melbourne?

A pre-handover inspection (also called a new home inspection or PCI – Practical Completion Inspection) is conducted just before you take possession of your newly built home. It ensures the property is complete, built to code, and free from defects before final payment or settlement.

Our approach is detailed, systematic and aligned with industry best practice (including reference to standards such as AS 4349.1 for building inspections).

External & Site Areas

We inspect:

Brickwork, render, cladding — checking level, plumb and straightness, correct weep holes, expansion joints and finish quality.
Roof structure, tiles or metal roof sheets, flashings, gutters, downpipes — checking for correct installation, leaks, alignment and debris.
Drainage, paving, driveways, retaining walls, fencing, decks/balconies — looking at falls, storm-water management, structural fixings and finishing.
Windows and doors externally — correct clearance, sealing, hardware, and weather-proofing.
Landscaping and site grading — ensuring surface water doesn’t pool near the foundation, that site works are properly done.

Roof Void / Attic

Where accessible:

Check roof framing, battens, trusses, sarking (if applicable) and insulation.
Inspect for signs of leaks, condensation, or water staining.
Confirm insulation depth/distribution and ventilation pathways are correct.

Sub-floor / Underfloor (if relevant)

Examine bearers, joists, stumps/piers for settlement, decay or termite damage.
Verify sub-floor ventilation and moisture control are adequate.
Check stored materials or debris under floor that may conceal issues.

Internal Finishes & Fit-Out

We inspect:

Walls, ceilings, cornices, skirting boards — straightness, finish quality, absence of cracks or sagging.
Doors and windows — operation, alignment, hardware, seals, locks.
Joinery, cabinetry, kitchen & bathroom fixtures — correct fit, level, finish, appliance integration.
Tiling, grout, flooring — correct installation, even surfaces, no loose tiles or voids beneath.
Plumbing fixtures — functioning taps, showers, toilets; correct drainage and no leaks (visual check, non-intrusive).
Electrical fixtures — power points, light switches, smoke alarms, safety switches (visual compliance only).
Paint, surface coatings and coatings — full coverage, correct finish, no runs, drips or missed areas.

Compliance & Contract Review

We check whether the build meets the plans, specifications and contract scope (e.g., inclusion of fixtures, finishes, landscaping).
Confirm that hand-over documentation is in process or will be provided (warranties, manuals, certificates).
Provide commentary on whether visible work appears to meet building codes and standards.

Written Report with Photographs

After the inspection, you receive a professionally formatted digital report that includes:

High-resolution images of defects and non-compliance.
Categorisation of items (major defects, minor defects, maintenance issues).
Clear, plain-language explanation of issues, their significance and recommended next steps.
Delivered typically within 24 hours of inspection for faster follow-up with your builder.

Benefits of a New Home & Pre Handover Building Inspection in Melbourne

Protect your investment

A new home is a major financial commitment, and the best way to safeguard that investment is by ensuring everything has been completed to a high standard. A detailed inspection identifies defects, incomplete works, or poor workmanship before you make your final payment. This gives you the opportunity to have issues rectified by your builder while still under their responsibility, rather than dealing with costly fixes later.

Save money in the long run

Small problems left unchecked can quickly turn into expensive repairs once you’ve moved in. A professional pre-handover inspection highlights issues that should be corrected under the builder’s warranty, preventing future damage and unnecessary financial strain. By addressing these concerns early, you ensure long-term value and durability for your home.

Ensure full compliance

Your inspector checks that your new home meets Australian Standards, the National Construction Code, and the specifications outlined in your building contract. From structural integrity to finishes and fittings, we make sure every aspect of your home aligns with the legal and contractual obligations your builder must meet.

Move in with peace of mind

Knowing that your new home has been professionally assessed gives you confidence and reassurance. Our comprehensive inspection ensures your home is safe, complete, and ready for your family to move in. You can enjoy the excitement of settlement day without lingering concerns about hidden defects or unfinished details.

When Should You Book a New Home Inspection in Melbourne?

The best time to book your new home inspection (Pre-Handover / PCI) in Melbourne is as soon as your builder notifies you that the property is ready for Practical Completion.

At this point, the construction is almost finished, and the builder believes the home is ready to hand over — but final payment has not yet been made, giving you leverage to ensure all defects are addressed.

In Victoria, Practical Completion is generally:

2–3 weeks before the official handover, and
Before your final invoice is due

This timing is critical because once settlement occurs, it can become significantly harder to get builders and subcontractors back on site to rectify issues.

By arranging your inspection at Practical Completion, you ensure:

Any defects are clearly documented
Your builder is responsible for rectifying them
Repairs happen before you move in — not after

We understand build schedules can move quickly, so we offer flexible appointments and can often attend site within 48 hours of your booking, depending on location and urgency.

The earlier you book your inspection slot, the smoother the handover process will be. Let your builder know you will be having an independent inspection — it is your legal right, and they must provide access.

Why Choose Elevate Building Inspections For Your Pre Handover Inspection in Melbourne?

Not all pre handover and new building inspectors are the same. When it comes to protecting one of your most important investments, you need a team you can trust.

Here’s why homeowners, buyers, and investors across Melbourne’s north-eastern suburbs choose us:

Fully licensed and building and pest insured inspectors with local experience
Independent, unbiased assessments — we work for you, not the seller or agent.
Fast turnaround on reports, ensuring you don’t face unnecessary delays in decision-making
Practical recommendations, not just problems — we explain what issues mean and how they can be managed
Local knowledge, with extensive experience across Doncaster, Templestowe, Doreen, Diamond Creek, Eltham, Greensborough, Bundoora, Macleod, Montmorency, Heidelberg, Rosanna, Ivanhoe, and surrounding suburbs.

We also offer building inspections, dilapidation reports, comprehensive 137B owner builder defects reports, building and pest inspections, new home and handover inspections, asbestos surveys, timber pest inspections, pre-purchase building inspections and tax depreciation schedules.

We are committed to professionalism, transparency, and giving you the confidence you need to move forward.

Get Peace Of Mind Knowing Award Winning Building Professionals Are Carrying Out Your Inspections

Get In Touch for a New Home Building & Pre-Handover Inspection in Melbourne

New Home Building Inspections in Melbourne - Frequently Asked Questions

Most frequent questions and answers about new home building & pre-handover inspections

Do I really need a new home inspection?

Yes — new does not mean defect-free. Builders prioritise deadlines and volume, not perfection.

Can my builder refuse an independent new home building inspection?

No. Under Victorian Consumer Building Law, the owner has the right to engage independent inspections at any stage before handover.

What is a pre-handover inspection?

A pre-handover inspection is a thorough assessment of your new property just before settlement or handover from the builder. It ensures the home has been completed to an acceptable standard, is compliant with the building contract, and meets relevant building codes and standards. This is typically the final opportunity to identify and rectify defects before you take possession.

When will I receive my pre handover inspection report?

We provide clear, detailed reports with photographs within 24 hours of completing the inspection. In urgent cases, same-day reports can often be arranged.

When is the best time to book a pre-handover inspection?

The ideal time is once the builder notifies you that practical completion has been reached, but before you make the final payment or accept the keys. This ensures there’s still time to have any defects rectified.

Are your building inspectors licensed and insured?

Yes. All our building and home inspectors are fully qualified, licensed, and covered by professional indemnity and public liability insurance for your peace of mind.

What happens if defects are found?

If defects or incomplete work are identified, they are documented in a formal inspection report. This can then be provided to your builder for rectification before final handover. Most builders will address these issues as part of their contractual obligations.

Is a pre-handover inspection the same as a building inspection during construction?

No. A pre-handover inspection happens at the end of the build, while construction stage inspections (such as slab, frame, or lock-up) occur throughout the build. Many buyers choose both for full peace of mind.

Do you service my suburb?

We cover Melbourne’s north-eastern suburbs including Doncaster, Templestowe, Eltham, Diamond Creek, Bulleen, Greensborough, Bundoora, Macleod, Montmorency, Heidelberg, Rosanna, Ivanhoe, and surrounding areas.

Are your building and pest inspectors independent?

Absolutely. We provide unbiased reports — we don’t work for real estate agents or vendors. Our only obligation is to you, the buyer.

Satisfied Customers

"Ryan provided an excellent pre-property inspection service. He was very thorough and professional, arrived promptly, and is a great communicator. He made himself available to assist me every step of the way. I really appreciated his attention to detail and clear guidance. I would happily recommend his services to anyone looking for a reliable and trustworthy inspector."

"Marc was excellent from the moment the enquiry was made. He responded promptly and professionally and managed the process with the agent to make it stress free. The inspection was carried out in a very short timeframe and resulted in an amazingly comprehensive and thorough report within a few hours of the inspection. I would highly recommend"

"Ryan went above & beyond for my first time buying a house. The house inspection was well organised & frictionless, I didn’t have to organise anything & report was very professional. Helped me negotiate a slightly better price for my first buy, will be using him again soon. His building background & ballpark estimates were especially helpful outside of the report in gauging what the costs were gonna be for the existing issues at the property."

A subsidiary of

www.elevatebuilding.com.au

Our team brings together expertise, industry knowledge, and a keen eye for detail in every inspection. With over 40 years of combined experience and a strong “client-first” approach, we deliver reports that are detailed, thorough, and built to be relied upon.

Melbourne, Vic

CDB-U 60327

MBAV 527519

DIP CPC 50210

DIP CPC 50308

CPPUP-M3008

CPPUP-M3010