Handovers

Building a home is exciting but stressful. That’s why our Handovers are conducted by experienced inspectors who assess that work has been completed in a tradesmanlike fashion to a recognised standard, according to the Building Code of Australia, using appropriate materials.

You get detailed Building and Timber Pest Inspection Reports to AS4349.1 and AS4349.3… plus a detailed list of defects and incomplete construction for your builder to address.

Handover Inspections and Reports

Handovers: The Final Step in ABIS' New Home Inspection Programme

We're there to support you throughout your entire house building process, not just to inspect and list off the small decorative defects at the end! At each step along the way, your inspector is there to assess the work undertaken.

You tailor the programme to suit yourself... select all 5 building stage inspections or simply choose the ones you're most worried about!

The Programme Consists of 5 Separate Inspections:

  • Base Stage immediately before  slab pour
  • Frame Stage when the frame is complete but before internal wall linings
  • Lock-Up or Waterproofing Stage when  external windows and doors are installed, the roof is on and flashing and waterproofing are complete, but before tiling of showers, bathrooms or installation of shower trays
  • Fixing or Pre-Painting Stage when construction is complete including cabinetry, but before painting
  • Handover or Practical Completion is a very detailed inspection conducted once the builder is satisfied that the construction process is complete and after a final clean has been undertaken.
SAMPLE HANDOVER REPORT

How Everyone Benefits from Our Handovers:

You benefit by having an independent assessment of the quality of work so you can make your final payment with confidence.

Your builder benefits from having the opportunity to correct any defects sooner rather than later which can be costly.

You may be wondering why you would need a structural inspection for your new home anyway. Builders are increasingly challenged to deliver quality construction with rising building costs in a competitive new home market. Even respected builders can have variations in quality. Most builders are concerned that errors and poor workmanship with the cost of associated re-work may destroy their reputation.

Or you may be wondering why you would need a timber pest inspection when you've just had new termite barriers installed. It is common for the termite barrier, which is installed early in the construction process, to be damaged or compromised by following building activity. Typical problems encountered are physical damage to the barrier, relocation of incorrectly positioned slab penetrations such as waste pipes, landscaping and paving built up above the weep holes or rendering over inspection zones.

When Selecting Your Builder We Recommend...

  • Don't just rely on the display home... get referrals. Talk to others about their experience with the builder and if possible, visit their home to see examples of the builder's work firsthand
  • Ensure the builder is fully licensed to build in your state and carries the necessary insurance to protect you
  • Have a solicitor help you negotiate the contract, and most importantly, ensure you and the builder clearly agree on what is to be built. Also ensure that  construction timeframes, both best and worst case, are acceptable to you
  • If you feel there may be a personality clash between you and your builder agree to use an impartial third party to act as liaison to handle all negotiations
  • Have ABIS conduct stage inspections, the handover inspection and following handover, a 6 monthly inspection for maintenance items and 6 yearly inspections for structural problems

Here are Some Useful Government Information Sheets:

The Building Process

We're About To Build