Feeling excited as you near the end of your build and prepare to move into your dream home is important! This milestone is a culmination of years of hard work, and you’ll have a place of your own to call home and make new memories. However, it’s important not to let the exhilaration distract you from some important processes. Making sure that you’ve covered all your bases will save you stress, disputes, and expensive fixes later.

Practical Completion vs Handover

Before anything else, it’s worth clarifying two key milestones near the end of a build:

• Practical Completion is when your builder considers the work essentially finished, with only minor items needing attention.
• Handover is when control of the property shifts from the builder to you, and it’s usually when the final payment is due.

Just because a builder says they’ve reached practical completion doesn’t mean everything is perfect – it simply means the contract’s definition of completion has been met. That’s why inspections and documentation are so important at this stage.

Practical Completion Inspection

Before handover and final payment, you should carry out a pre‑handover inspection. The Resources page on our website has a helpful Practical Completion Inspection Checklist that you can refer to during your walkthrough, though we do recommend engaging an independent building inspector for this one.

A professional inspector will look beyond surface appearances to check:

• internal finishes (walls, floors, cabinetry)
• doors and windows for operation and seals
• electrical fittings and plumbing fixtures
• external elements such as cladding, gutters and drainage
• compliance with building standards and codes

Ordinary walkthroughs often miss defects that may be costly to address down the track. Independent inspections help ensure work complies with plans, specifications, and relevant building standards.

Leaving defects unresolved or only noting them casually can make it harder to get them fixed after handover, especially once final payment is made.

Required Documents

As you approach handover, make sure you receive all required paperwork and certificates. These can include:

• Certificates of compliance from licensed trades (electrical, plumbing, waterproofing)
• Occupancy, practical completion, or final inspection certificates
• Manufacturer warranties and operation manuals for installed products
• Inspection reports and maintenance guides

Builders must provide documents that show the work meets legal requirements. In Perth (and across Australia), dwelling works generally need to demonstrate compliance with the Building Code of Australia and any permit requirements before occupants can move in.  Make sure to store these documents carefully as they’re vital for future maintenance, insurance, and resale.

Warranty and Defects Rights

In Australia, builders must typically provide a defects liabilityperiod after practical completion. During this time (often three to 12 months depending on your contract), the builder must return to fix any issues that emerge.

There are also longer statutory warranties in many states that cover major structural defects for several years. These protections exist alongside your building contract and Australian Consumer Law safeguards.

It’s important to notify your builder in writing of defects as soon as you notice them, and to keep records of all communications.

Notices and Compliance Requirements

In WA, any project that requires a building permit must also have a Notice of Completion. The Notice of Completion confirms that the build is finished, and that all required inspections and safety checks have been carried out. For occupants, knowing that this notice has been issued provides peace of mind, confirming the property meets safety standards, complies with the law, and is properly covered by insurance.

Formal Handover Inspection

The formal handover inspection with your builder marks the official handover of the property and confirms practical completion, setting the stage for your final payment. This is your last chance to identify outstanding items and agree on how they’ll be rectified. Don’t feel rushed – walk through the property carefully, check every room, and note any defects on the handover document. Again, you can complete this inspection alone or with a professional inspector. Either way, make sure that you understand the agreed timeline for completing any remaining small tasks (like paint touch‑ups) and confirm how these will be addressed.

Take Your Time!

Completing a build is a major milestone, but it’s not just about getting the keys. Taking your time to inspect, document, and verify that everything is done right protects your investment and gives you confidence that your home is safe, compliant, and ready for you to move in!