Pre-Handover Inspections Melbourne
Independent defect checks before you accept handover
Before you take the keys, get an independent inspection to check for visible defects, incomplete work and workmanship issues that should be raised with the builder before final sign-off.
Pre-handover inspections
From
$450+GST
- Registered and fully qualified
- 20+ years of building industry experience
- Fast reports with photos
- Independent buyer-side advice
What Melbourne Buyers Say
What Our Pre Handover Inspections Include:
A pre-handover inspection gives you a clear defect report before you accept the property.
- Independent inspection
A buyer-side check before you take possession - Photo-based defect report
Clear evidence of visible defects and incomplete items - Plain-English explanations
Easy to understand, easy to send to your builder - Practical handover advice
Know what to raise before final sign-off - Fast turnaround
Reports are typically completed quickly for time-sensitive handovers
What Our Pre Handover Inspections Check:
Our independent pre-handover building inspections assess the visible condition and workmanship of your newly constructed home before you take possession.
From internal finishes and cabinetry to doors, windows, and wet areas, we identify defects, incomplete work, and potential concerns your builder may need to address. Each inspection provides a clear, detailed report to help you understand the property’s condition and approach your practical completion inspection (PCI) with confidence.
Internal rooms
Visible defects, damage, poor finishes and incomplete work
Cabinetry and joinery
Alignment issues, damage, installation defects and finish quality
Doors and windows
Operation, latching, locks, hardware and visible defects
Wet areas
Sealants, tiling, drainage concerns and visible finish issues
Floors and walls
Paint, plaster, flooring, damage and workmanship concerns
Roof space, where accessible
Visible concerns in accessible roof areas
External areas
Driveways, paths, garage, outbuildings and external components
Handover items
Incomplete work, damaged fittings and items to raise before sign-off
What Happens After the Report?
Once you receive the report, the next step is usually to send it to the builder and request rectification before final handover.
This can help you:
- raise defects while the job is still open
- request missing certificates or supporting documents
- push for incomplete items to be finished
- avoid inheriting problems that should have been addressed earlier
Is This the Right Inspection for You?
This is for you if:
- You are close to handover on a new home, townhouse or apartment.
- You want an independent set of eyes before you accept the property.
- You do not want to rely only on the builder’s final check.
- You want a clear report you can use to raise defects with the builder.
- You are under time pressure and need practical advice quickly.
This may not be the right fit if:
- You are buying an existing home and need a pre-purchase inspection.
- You only need a timber pest inspection.
- You need earlier stage inspections such as slab, frame or pre-plaster.
- You need specialist engineering, plumbing, electrical or legal certification.
Why Book Before Handover?
A brand-new home is not always defect-free.
A final clean can hide poor workmanship. Small defects can become frustrating after move-in. Incomplete items can be harder to chase once possession is accepted.
A pre-handover inspection helps you identify visible issues while the builder is still responsible for fixing defects and completing outstanding work.
In simple terms:
It is better to find problems before the keys are in your hand, not after you have moved in.
Common Handover Defects
Even new homes can have defects.
Common issues include:
- uneven plastering or paint finish
- chipped tiles, scratched glass or damaged flooring
- doors and windows that do not open, close or latch properly
- poor sealant work in wet areas
- incomplete fixtures, hardware or fittings
- misaligned cabinetry and joinery
- drainage issues around the site
- external finishing defects
- damaged surfaces or fittings
- items not completed to an acceptable handover standard
Why You Should Not Rely Only on the Builder
The builder may complete their own checks, but those checks are not the same as an independent buyer-side inspection.
The builder is reviewing the property from their side. You need someone focused on yours.
A pre-handover inspection helps because:
- defects are usually easier to raise before sign-off
- your leverage can drop after handover
- finish quality is not always reflected in approval documents
- minor defects can become bigger frustrations after move-in
- a clear report gives you something practical to send to the builder
Your Pre Handover Inspection Process
Why choose Nextgen Inspections For A Pre Handover Inspection
Registered and qualified
Inspection by a registered and qualified building professional.
Building industry experience
Backed by more than 20 years of building industry experience.
Independent advice
Buyer-side guidance with no builder bias.
Photo-based reporting
Clear reports with photos, so defects are easier to understand and raise.
Fast turnaround
Practical reporting for time-sensitive handover decisions.
Melbourne focused
Pre-handover inspections across Melbourne and nearby growth areas.
Areas We Service
We provide pre-handover inspections across Melbourne and nearby growth areas. This includes new homes, townhouses and apartments across:
If your property is outside metro Melbourne, contact us before booking so availability can be confirmed.
Book Your Pre-Handover Inspection
If your handover date is approaching, do not leave the final check to the last minute.
A pre-handover inspection gives you a clearer defects list, better documentation and more confidence before you accept the property.
Starting from $450 + GST
Pre Handover Inspection FAQs
What is a pre-handover inspection?
A pre-handover inspection is an independent inspection of a newly built home carried out near the end of construction, before final sign-off and before you take possession.
It helps identify visible defects, incomplete work, workmanship issues and handover concerns that should be raised with the builder.
Do I really need one for a brand-new home?
Yes, it is strongly recommended.
New homes can still have defects, damaged finishes, incomplete items or workmanship issues. The inspection helps identify those problems before handover, while the builder is still responsible for addressing them.
When should I book a pre-handover inspection?
The best time is when the property is practically complete, but before you accept handover and take possession.
In most cases, around 48 hours notice is helpful so access can be coordinated.
How much does a pre-handover inspection cost?
Pre-handover inspections start from $450 + GST.
The final price can depend on the property type, size, location and inspection requirements.
How quickly do I get the report?
Reports are usually turned around quickly, often within 24 hours.
This is useful when your handover date is close and you need to raise defects with the builder without delay.
What does the report include?
The report includes visible defects and concerns found during the inspection, supported by photos and plain-English explanations.
It is designed to give you a clear list of items you can raise with the builder before handover.
Can I give the report to my builder?
Yes.
The report is designed to help you communicate defects and concerns clearly with the builder before final handover.
What documents should I ask for before handover?
Depending on the property, it may be worth asking the builder for relevant completion documents, certificates and warranties.
This may include waterproofing documentation, plumbing certificates, electrical certificates, appliance warranties, occupancy documentation and other supporting paperwork for completed works.
Does this replace council or building surveyor approval?
No.
A pre-handover inspection does not replace council approval, building surveyor approval, engineering certification, plumbing certification or electrical certification.
It is an independent visual inspection focused on accessible areas, workmanship, defects, incomplete items and practical handover concerns.
What if the builder says everything is complete?
That is exactly why an independent inspection can be useful.
The builder may consider the property ready for handover, but an independent inspection can identify visible defects, finish issues or incomplete items that should still be raised before you take possession.
Move in with more confidence
Before you accept handover, get an independent defect check so you know what to raise with the builder.
Pre-handover inspections start from $450 + GST.