Handover inspection Brisbane
Your builder says it's done. But is it really? A professional handover inspection protects you from defects, incomplete work, and costly surprises — before you take the keys to your new home.
Book an InspectionFrom $660 · Same-week availability · Same-Day Reports On Site
What is a handover inspection?
A handover inspection (also called a final inspection or PCI — Practical Completion Inspection) takes place at the very end of your build, just before you accept the keys from your builder. VG Inspect attends the property and works through the entire home systematically — checking every room, every surface, and every system against Australian building standards.
The report you receive is a clear, photo-supported document you can hand directly to your builder to have defects rectified — at their cost, not yours.
What we check at handover
- Roof covering, gutters & downpipes
- External cladding, render & paint
- Windows, doors & seals
- Garage door operation
- Driveways, paths & site drainage
- Landscaping & fencing (if contracted)
- Internal walls, ceilings & cornice
- Floor coverings — tile, timber, carpet
- Kitchen joinery, benchtops & splashback
- Bathroom tiles, grout, silicone & fixtures
- Wet area waterproofing compliance
- Electrical fittings, switches & GPOs
- Plumbing fixtures & water pressure
- Air conditioning units & ducting
- Staircase balustrades & handrails
- All doors, handles & locks
Why Brisbane buyers need a handover inspection
Builders are under pressure
Volume builders are finishing homes faster than ever. Trade quality and finish work suffer when timelines are compressed.
Defects are common
On average, VG Inspect identifies 15–30 defects per new home — many of which the builder would never have volunteered to fix.
Timing is critical
Once you accept the keys, your leverage shrinks. Defects found before handover must be rectified before settlement.
Your investment is protected
A $660 inspection can save thousands in post-settlement repairs — and gives you a permanent record for warranty claims.
“Adam found 22 items that needed fixing — things we never would have noticed. The builder had them all done within two weeks. Best $660 we spent on the whole build.”
— Sarah M., Narangba · New home handover, 2025How it works
1. Book online
Choose a time that suits your handover schedule. Same-week availability is usually possible across Brisbane and SEQ.
2. We inspect
Adam attends the property and conducts a thorough inspection — typically 2–3 hours for a standard new home.
3. You receive your report
A same-day PDF report with photos is issued on-site (most inspections, exclusions apply) — ready to hand to your builder.
Frequently asked questions
When should I book a handover inspection?
Book as soon as your builder advises the home is approaching practical completion — ideally 1–2 weeks before your scheduled handover date. This gives time to arrange the inspection and have defects rectified before you accept the keys.
Do I need to be there during the inspection?
You're welcome to attend, but it's not required. You'll receive the full report with photos regardless. Many clients are at work during the inspection.
What if my builder says everything is fine?
That's exactly when you need an independent inspection. Builders have a financial interest in handing over quickly. An independent QBCC-licensed inspector has no such conflict.
Which areas do you cover?
VG Inspect covers all of South East Queensland — including Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Logan, and the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast corridors.
How is a handover inspection different to a PCI?
They're the same thing. PCI (Practical Completion Inspection) and handover inspection are interchangeable terms used in Queensland for the final inspection at the end of a new build.
What's included in a handover inspection?
A full walk-through of the finished home — every room, all internal walls, ceilings and cornice, floor coverings, kitchen and bathroom joinery, wet-area waterproofing, electrical fittings and GPOs, plumbing fixtures and water pressure, doors, windows and locks, plus the exterior: roof, gutters, cladding, render, paint, the garage door, driveways, paths, site drainage and fencing. Every defect is photographed and referenced against the relevant Australian Standard, the National Construction Code and the QBCC Standards and Tolerances Guide, then compiled into a report you hand straight to your builder.
How long does a handover inspection take?
Allow 2–3 hours on site for a standard new home. Larger or two-storey homes take a little longer. Adam works through the property methodically rather than to a clock, so nothing gets skipped to save time.
How much does a handover inspection cost?
$660 inc GST for new homes under 220m². Homes over 220m² are quoted individually — call us on 07 3180 8041 for a quote. It's the most comprehensive inspection we offer, and the fee is typically recovered many times over in defects the builder then rectifies at their cost.
Do I get a same-day report?
Yes. For most inspections your photographic PDF report is issued on-site the same day, usually before Adam leaves the property (some exclusions apply for complex builds needing extended desktop review). Every defect is recorded with a photo, its location and the specific clause it breaches, so you can hand it to your builder straight away.
What if my builder disputes a defect in the report?
That's exactly why every item is measured and tied to a published clause rather than left as opinion. If a builder says something is acceptable, we can point to the specific measurement and the exact QBCC Standards and Tolerances or Australian Standard it breaches — for example the paint viewing test (visible from about 1.5 m under normal light) or floor level (out of tolerance beyond roughly 4 mm under a 2 m straightedge). Objective figures settle the question.
Are you QBCC licensed and insured?
Yes. VG Inspect holds QBCC licence 1318443 and carries professional indemnity insurance. Adam is an independent, licensed inspector with no relationship to your builder, so the report is written in your interest — not theirs. You can verify the licence on the QBCC online licence search.
Do you re-inspect after the builder rectifies the defects?
Yes. Once your builder has actioned the report, we can return to verify each item was rectified properly before you accept handover, for a small re-inspection fee. It's the cleanest way to confirm the list was genuinely closed out rather than just ticked off on paper.
Ready to protect your new home?
Book your handover inspection online in under 2 minutes. Same-week availability across Brisbane and SEQ.
Book an InspectionOr call us directly · QBCC Licensed · 5.0 ★ on Google (71 reviews)
Your build, stage by stage
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