Your Builder Says It’s Done. But Is It?

What a Practical Completion Inspection Covers and Why Hobart Home Builders Need One Before Handover

You’ve waited months – maybe longer. The frame went up, the roof went on, the kitchen finally started looking like a kitchen. Now your builder sends you a message: the build is at practical completion and it’s time for handover.

This is the moment you’ve been working towards. But it’s also the moment where a lot of Tasmanian home builders make a costly mistake. They get excited, sign off on the build, make that final payment and only then start noticing the problems.

A crooked door frame. Cracked tiles in the ensuite. Gaps in the skirting boards. Paint runs on the ceiling. Or worse waterproofing that wasn’t done properly, but you can’t see it because it’s hidden behind fresh tiles.

A practical completion inspection (PCI) is your chance to catch these issues before you accept the keys. It’s the independent, professional check that sits between your builder’s “we’re done” and your signature on the dotted line.

Here’s what you need to know before that handover day arrives.

What Does Practical Completion Actually Mean?

Practical completion is a formal stage in the building process. It means your builder considers the home substantially finished and ready for you to move in. There might still be a few minor items to sort out, but the home should be safe, liveable, and built to the agreed plans.

Here’s the important bit: once you accept practical completion, a few things happen at once. Your final payment becomes due, and it’s usually the biggest one. The defect liability period starts ticking. And your builder’s obligation to fix problems shifts from “everything” to “defects that show up within the warranty period.”

That’s why this inspection matters so much. Once you sign off, your negotiating position changes dramatically.

Why This Matters Even More for Tasmanian Builds

Building in Hobart and across Tasmania comes with its own set of challenges. The climate alone creates conditions that can expose poor workmanship faster than in many other parts of Australia.

Tasmania’s cooler, wetter climate means moisture management is critical. Condensation inside wall cavities, poor subfloor ventilation, and inadequate roof space exhaust systems can all lead to mould, timber rot, and insulation damage over time. Recent changes to Tasmanian building regulations now require vapour-permeable sarking in new builds – a type of building wrap that lets moisture escape from wall cavities. If this hasn’t been installed correctly, the issues won’t show up for months.

Coastal exposure, hillside foundations, and older infrastructure connections in some Hobart suburbs add further complexity. These aren’t problems you’d spot during a quick walk-through with your builder.

The Construction Industry Is Under Pressure — and That Affects Quality

There’s another reason to get independent eyes on your build. The Australian construction sector has been under significant strain.

According to ASIC data, 2,832 construction companies entered insolvency during the 2023-24 financial year. That’s a 28% increase from the year before, and the construction sector accounted for roughly 27% of all company failures nationally more than any other industry.

What does this mean for home builders? When building companies are under financial pressure, corners can get cut. Trades get rushed. Supervision gets thinner. None of this means your builder is doing the wrong thing but it does mean that independent verification of the finished product has never been more important.

What Does a Practical Completion Inspection Actually Check?

A PCI is a thorough, room-by-room assessment of the finished build. It’s not a quick glance — it’s a detailed review conducted against the Guide to Standards and Tolerances, Australian Standards, and the National Construction Code.

Here’s what a qualified inspector looks at:

• Internal walls, ceilings, and floors — checking for cracks, uneven surfaces, and poor paint finishes
• Doors, windows, and hardware — ensuring they open, close, and seal properly
• Tiling, grouting, and waterproofing in wet areas
• Kitchen and laundry cabinetry, benchtops, and fixtures
• Exterior finishes, cladding, gutters, downpipes, and drainage
• Roof space — insulation, ventilation, and sarking installation
• Driveways, paths, fencing, and retaining walls
• Compliance documentation and certification
• Overall workmanship quality and finish against contract specifications

The goal isn’t to be adversarial with your builder. It’s to create a clear, documented list of items that need attention so both parties know exactly what’s outstanding before final payment is made.

Understanding Defect Severity: What’s Minor vs. Major

Not every issue found during a PCI is a deal-breaker. The key is understanding the difference between a cosmetic touch-up and a genuine structural concern. Here’s a general guide:

Defect Type	Severity	Potential Impact	Typical Repair Cost
Minor paint imperfections	Low	Cosmetic only	$200 – $500
Cracked or chipped tiles	Low–Med	Aesthetic; may worsen over time	$300 – $1,500
Poor grouting or silicone in wet areas	Medium	Water ingress risk	$500 – $3,000
Subfloor moisture issues	Medium–High	Timber damage, mould risk	$2,000 – $10,000
Waterproofing failure in bathroom	High	Structural damage, mould, costly remediation	$5,000 – $20,000+
Structural movement or cracking	High	Structural instability	$10,000+

Note: These are general estimates only. Actual costs depend on the scope of the issue and local trade rates.

How Swell Building Inspections Handles Your PCI

At Swell Building Inspections, every practical completion inspection is carried out by a qualified builder – not just someone with a clipboard. That means we’re not only identifying visible defects. We understand why they’ve occurred and what they might lead to if left unaddressed.

Here’s how the process works:

1. Book Your Inspection and Clarity Call

Once your builder notifies you that the build is approaching practical completion, get in touch. We’ll have a quick call to understand your build, any concerns you have, and what to expect on the day.

2. We Coordinate With Your Agent or Builder

We handle the scheduling directly, so you don’t have to chase anyone.

3. Full On-Site Inspection

We conduct a thorough, unbiased assessment of the property using professional tools — including moisture meters and, for our Premium package, thermal imaging and optional shower flood testing.

4. Detailed Report Delivered Within 24–48 Hours

You’ll receive a clearly written, photo-supported report listing every defect identified, with references to the relevant standards. It’s designed to be handed directly to your builder.

5. Post-Inspection Support

Got questions about the report? We will call you to talk through the findings and work out your next steps.

Inspection Packages: Choose the Right Level for Your Build

	Standard — $770	Enhanced — $990	Premium — $1,650
Full PCI inspection	✓	✓	✓
Defect list with photos	✓	✓	✓
Standards & NCC references	—	✓	✓
Detailed written explanations	—	✓	✓
Thermal imaging	—	—	✓
Optional shower flood testing	—	—	✓

All prices include GST & based on a standard 3-4 bedroom home. Subject to house size.

Practical Tips for Homeowners Before Handover Day

Even with a professional inspector on your side, there are a few things you can do to prepare:

• Bring a copy of your building contract and approved plans to the inspection
• Note any items you’ve flagged during the build that haven’t been resolved
• Don’t sign off on practical completion until you’ve reviewed the inspection report
• Ask your builder for a clear timeline to rectify any defects — 10 business days is standard
• Keep the inspection report for your records — it’s useful evidence if issues arise later

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a practical completion inspection cost in Tasmania?

Swell Building Inspections offers three packages starting from $770 (inc. GST) for a Standard inspection, $990 for an Enhanced inspection with detailed standards references, and $1,650 for a Premium inspection that includes thermal imaging and optional shower flood testing.

When should I book a practical completion inspection?

Book as soon as your builder notifies you that the build is approaching practical completion – ideally before the formal handover walk-through. This gives you time to review the report and request any rectification work before making your final payment.

Can I negotiate with my builder based on the inspection report?

Yes. The report provides documented evidence of defects that your builder is responsible for fixing before handover. Most builders will use the report as a rectification checklist. If a dispute arises, the report also serves as credible evidence for formal resolution.

What’s the difference between a practical completion inspection and a pre-purchase inspection?

A pre-purchase inspection assesses an existing home before you buy it. A practical completion inspection is specifically for new builds or major renovations – it checks that the construction work has been completed properly and in line with your contract, the Building Code of Australia, and relevant Australian Standards.

What happens if major defects are found?

If major defects are identified, you should raise them with your builder before signing off on practical completion. Your builder is responsible for rectifying defects before handover. In Tasmania, if the builder doesn’t address the issues, the building surveyor can issue a written direction requiring compliance. If that fails, the matter can be escalated through Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) or the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT).

Do I really need an inspection for a brand-new home?

Yes. New homes are not immune to defects. Construction quality depends on the individual tradespeople who did the work and how well they were supervised. An independent inspection picks up issues that are easy to miss if you don’t know exactly what to look for, and it protects you before the final payment changes your position.

Your Home. Your Investment. Get It Checked Before You Sign.

Building a home is likely the biggest financial commitment you’ll make. A practical completion inspection is a small investment that protects a very large one. It gives you clarity on the true condition of the build, documented evidence to work with your builder, and confidence that your home has been finished to the standard you’re paying for.

If your new Hobart home is approaching handover, talk to Swell Building Inspections. We’re qualified builders who inspect with a builder’s eye, and we’re here to make sure you move in with confidence, not concerns.