PCI stands for Practical Completion Inspection. It is the most important inspection you can book on a new home — and the one that delivers the most direct financial protection for the most buyers.
What Practical Completion Means
Practical completion is the point at which your builder declares the home is complete and ready for you to accept. In Queensland, the definition of practical completion is typically set out in your building contract — most standard contracts define it as the stage where the home is complete except for minor defects that do not affect liveability.
Practical completion is the builder's assessment of readiness. It is not an independent assessment. The builder determines when practical completion is reached — and they do so with an interest in progressing to settlement. A Practical Completion Inspection is the independent assessment of that claim.
What the PCI Covers
A PCI covers every element of the completed home assessed against three standards: the QBCC Standards and Tolerances, the applicable Australian Standards, and your specific building contract.
Wet areas. Every shower, bath, laundry, and wet area is assessed. Shower membrane height is measured on every wall — required minimum 1800mm. Floor waste sealing is assessed. Tile and grout condition is checked. Silicone junctions at wall-to-floor transitions are inspected.
Internal surfaces. Every wall and ceiling surface is assessed for plasterboard defects and paint non-compliance. Roller texture variation, runs, holidays, and colour variation are documented where they exceed the QBCC tolerance threshold.
Doors and windows. Every door and window is operated and assessed for installation quality and frame sealing. Every door must latch correctly. Every window must lock correctly. Every external frame must be sealed against water ingress.
Roof space. Where accessible, the roof space is entered and assessed for insulation, truss connections, lateral bracing, and any evidence of water ingress.
External perimeter. The full external perimeter is walked and assessed for site drainage falls, external cladding, gutters and downpipes, driveway and path control joints, fencing, and landscaping compliance.
Contract compliance. Every item specified in your building contract is verified — appliances, tapware, tile selections, fencing, landscaping, and any other specified items.
When to Book Your PCI in Queensland
Book your PCI as soon as your builder notifies you that the home has reached practical completion. This notification typically comes 5 to 10 business days before the proposed handover date.
Contact VG Inspect immediately on receiving the builder's notification — do not wait until the week before handover. Inspection slots in high-volume corridors like [Waraba](/[waraba](/waraba)), [North Harbour](/north-harbour), and Aura fill quickly. Early booking ensures you get the inspection date you need.
Do not accept the keys before the independent PCI is complete. Signing the handover certificate before an independent inspection shifts the burden of proof significantly — defects you sign off become your problem to argue about, not the builder's obligation to fix.
Ready to book your inspection? A VG Inspect QBCC-licensed inspector attends every job.
Book an InspectionWhat Happens After the PCI
Your report is delivered within 24 hours of the inspection. For morning inspections, always the same evening. You review the report, identify which defects require rectification before handover, and present the report to your builder's site supervisor.
The builder rectifies defects or documents an agreed written rectification schedule. You sign the handover certificate when satisfied. You collect the keys.
Book your PCI before handover. QBCC licence 1318443.
