A practical completion inspection (PCI) is an independent assessment of a newly built home before you accept handover from your builder. It identifies defects, incomplete work, and items that don't meet the expected standard — giving you a documented list to present to your builder for rectification before you move in. In Perth, where new housing estates in areas like Baldivis, Alkimos, and Ellenbrook are delivering thousands of homes each year, PCI inspections are one of the most important steps in the new build process.
What Is Practical Completion?
Practical completion is the stage in your building contract when the builder considers the home finished and ready for handover. The builder will issue a "notice of practical completion" and invite you to inspect the property. This is your opportunity — and in many cases your contractual right — to identify and document any defects before you accept the property and make your final payment.
Under WA's Home Building Contracts Act, builders are required to rectify defects identified at practical completion. The key is having those defects properly documented by a qualified inspector, not just spotted during a quick walk-through.
Why You Need an Independent PCI Inspector
Your builder may conduct their own internal quality checks before issuing the notice of practical completion, but these checks are done by the builder assessing their own work. An independent practical completion inspection provides an objective assessment by someone with no financial interest in the outcome.
Common reasons buyers engage an independent PCI inspector:
- Builders miss their own defects: Internal quality checklists are often rushed, particularly in high-volume building environments. Items get signed off that shouldn't be.
- You don't know what to look for: Most buyers aren't trained to spot construction defects. Roof tie-down issues, waterproofing failures, and frame defects aren't visible to the untrained eye — but they're exactly what a qualified inspector checks.
- Documentation matters: A detailed inspection report with photos, defect descriptions, and severity grading carries far more weight with your builder than a verbal complaint. If disputes arise later, you have a documented record.
- Leverage before final payment: Your strongest position to have defects fixed is before you make your final payment and accept handover. Once you've accepted practical completion, your options become more limited.
What a PCI Inspection Covers
PinPoint's PCI inspections are available in two tiers — Structural Plus and Structural Premium. The entry-level Structural tier is not offered for PCI because new builds warrant the additional detail that Structural Plus and Premium provide.
Structural Plus PCI (14+ Pages)
Covers external walls, foundation, ceiling, roof structure and covering, RCDs, smoke detectors, carports, moisture testing, plus internal walls, insulation and ductwork, doors and windows, roof drainage, eaves and cladding, patios and pergolas, retaining walls, surface drainage, and garages or sheds.
Structural Premium PCI (25+ Pages)
Everything in Structural Plus, with the addition of floors, fixed cabinets and appliances, power points, lights and switches, exhaust and ceiling fans, heat lamps and air conditioning units, hot water systems, toilets, showers, bathtubs and sinks, drainage, plumbing fixtures, and water supply. This tier includes safety and good working order checks on all major fixtures.
Note: Structural Premium testing is limited to operation of equipment only. Dedicated electrical or plumbing safety inspections can be arranged on request.
Common Defects Found in Perth New Builds
Perth's growth corridors are delivering large volumes of new homes, and construction quality varies. Here are the defects our inspectors find most frequently during PCI inspections:
Roof Framing Issues
- Loose or missing tie-downs: The metal straps and bolts that secure the roof to the walls are critical in Perth's wind environment. Loose, missing, or incorrectly installed tie-downs are one of the most common findings in new builds across northern and southern growth corridors.
- Damaged trusses: Prefabricated trusses can be cracked, twisted, or improperly braced during installation. These defects aren't visible once the ceiling goes in — they're only found during a roof space inspection.
- Missing or inadequate bracing: Roof frames require diagonal bracing to resist wind loads. Missing or insufficient bracing is a safety concern.
Waterproofing Defects
- Incomplete shower waterproofing: The waterproof membrane under shower floors and behind walls must be continuous and properly installed. Gaps, tears, or inadequate application are common in new builds and lead to water damage over time.
- Balcony waterproofing issues: External balconies need robust waterproofing. Defects here cause leaks into rooms below — often not apparent until the first heavy rain.
Finish Defects
- Paintwork: Runs, missed areas, and poor coverage are common finish defects.
- Tiling: Uneven grout lines, lippage (tiles sitting at different heights), hollow tiles (tiles not properly adhered to the substrate), and cracked tiles.
- Cabinetry: Doors and drawers that don't align, handles installed incorrectly, benchtop joins that aren't flush.
- Doors and windows: Doors that don't close properly, windows that don't lock, gaps around frames, and missing or damaged seals.
Drainage Problems
- Ground levels: The finished ground level should fall away from the building on all sides. We frequently find areas where fill, paving, or landscaping has created fall towards the house.
- Stormwater connection: Downpipes should connect to the stormwater drainage system. Unconnected or poorly connected downpipes direct water onto the ground next to the house — contributing to both moisture and pest problems.
Site Cleanup
- Construction debris: Timber offcuts, plaster, and other construction waste left in the roof space, sub-floor, or around the site. Besides being untidy, timber waste in the sub-floor area creates a termite attractant.
When to Book Your PCI Inspection
Book your PCI inspection as soon as your builder issues the notice of practical completion. Don't wait — you typically have a limited window to respond, and inspection schedules fill up quickly in busy building periods.
Key timing considerations:
- Before your walk-through with the builder: Ideally, have the independent inspection done before or at the same time as the builder's walk-through. This way you have a documented defect list to reference during the handover meeting.
- Before final payment: Your inspection should be completed before you release the final payment. This is your strongest negotiating position for having defects rectified.
- Allow time for rectification: Once defects are documented, the builder needs time to schedule and complete repairs. Build this into your timeline.
What Happens After the Inspection
- You receive the report: PinPoint delivers your PCI report within 24 hours as a PDF with photos, defect descriptions, and severity grading.
- Free debrief call: Your inspector walks you through every finding and helps you understand which items are critical, which are standard defects, and which are cosmetic.
- Present to your builder: Share the report with your builder as the basis for the defect rectification list. A professional report carries more weight than a handwritten list.
- Builder rectification: The builder is required to fix defects before you accept practical completion. Schedule a re-inspection of major items if needed.
- Accept handover: Once you're satisfied that defects have been addressed, accept practical completion and make your final payment.
PCI Inspection Pricing
| Bedrooms | Structural Plus | Structural Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 BR | $465 | $555 |
| 3 BR | $495 | $595 |
| Bedrooms | Structural Plus | Structural Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 BR | $499 | $644 |
| 3–4 BR | $549 | $709 |
| 5 BR | $599 | $774 |
View the full pricing page for additional cost information including multi-storey surcharges and granny flat pricing.
As a provider of 5-star rated building and pest inspections across Perth, PinPoint has inspected new builds across all major Perth growth corridors — from Yanchep and Alkimos in the north to Baldivis and Wellard in the south.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a PCI and a pre-purchase building inspection?
A pre-purchase inspection assesses an existing property you're considering buying — it evaluates current condition, existing defects, and maintenance issues. A practical completion inspection (PCI) assesses a newly built property against construction standards before you accept handover from your builder. The focus is on construction quality, compliance, and identifying defects for the builder to fix before you take possession.
When should I book my PCI inspection?
Book as soon as your builder issues the notice of practical completion. You typically have a limited window to respond, and booking early ensures you get your preferred inspection time. Ideally, complete the independent inspection before your walk-through with the builder and before releasing the final payment.
Can my builder refuse to fix defects found in a PCI inspection?
Under WA's Home Building Contracts Act, builders are required to rectify defects. If your builder disputes specific items, the inspection report provides documented evidence with photos and defect descriptions. For unresolved disputes, WA's Building Commission provides a complaints and dispute resolution process. Having a detailed independent inspection report strengthens your position significantly.
Do I need a pest inspection for a new build?
New builds should have termite management systems installed during construction, and a pest inspection is not a standard part of a PCI. However, if the property is in a high termite risk area (most of Perth qualifies) and several months have passed since the slab was laid, a timber pest inspection can confirm that the management system is intact and no early activity is present. This is a separate service from the PCI.
Book Your PCI Inspection
- Book online: Book Now
- Call us: 0481 575 747 (Mon–Fri 7:30am–5:30pm)
We cover new builds across the full Perth metro from Two Rocks to Mandurah.
PinPoint Building & Pest Inspections — Licensed and insured, AS 4349.1 compliant. Over 10,000 inspections completed across our expert team.
