Workmanship defects
Paintwork, joinery alignment, tile lippage, grout finish, plaster cracks, skirting and architrave finish, window and door alignment.
AS 4349.0
Handover Inspection Adelaide
Your last defence before final payment to the builder. An independent handover (practical completion) inspection on your new Adelaide build captures every defect the builder must remediate under the statutory warranty period.
Standard
AS 4349.0
On site
3 to 4 hours on site
Report
48 hours from inspection to defect list
WHAT'S COVERED
A handover inspection to the standard covers this scope.
To the AS 4349.0 standard. Inspector-specific scopes may extend further, so check the scope in your quote.
Functional checks
Doors and windows operating cleanly, drawers and cupboards aligned, locks engaging, appliance fitment, plumbing leaks, drain function.
Wet area compliance
Tiling falls to drains, silicone integrity, waterproofing completion, taps and showers functional, hot water flow.
Roof void, sub-floor, electrical
Visible roof void condition, insulation completion, sub-floor ventilation, exposed wiring, smoke alarm fitment.
External finishes
Render, cladding, brick courses, gutter and downpipe install, driveway and path levels, fencing completion.
Defect list for the builder
Photographic, location-tagged defect list. Builder remediates before you sign off on practical completion and release final payment.
AS 4349.0
Australian Standard for General Building Inspections
AS 4349.0 covers general building inspections - the standard for handover, defect, and progress inspections that don't fall under the pre-purchase scope.
WHY IT MATTERS
The Adelaide-specific case for this inspection.
South Australian statutory warranty for new builds is 5 years structural, 2 years general. Defects identified before practical completion are easier to enforce.
Once you've signed off on practical completion and made final payment, the builder's incentive to fix issues drops dramatically.
Defect lists from independent inspectors carry more weight than your own observations when negotiating with the builder.
GET MATCHED
A free quote from a local inspector.
Brief us once and we'll pass it to a local independent inspector. Matching is free.
FAQ
Handover Inspection questions Adelaide buyers ask.
When should I book a handover inspection?+
5 to 7 days before your scheduled practical completion meeting with the builder. This gives the builder time to remediate before final payment.
What if the builder disagrees with the defect list?+
AS 4349.0 reports give photographic evidence and standard-aligned descriptions. Most builders accept the list. For disputes, the report supports HBCF (Home Building Compensation Fund) or QBCC-equivalent SA dispute processes.
Can I do staged inspections through the build instead?+
Yes - see our staged building inspections service. Frame stage, lock-up, fixing, and practical completion is a five-stage option that catches issues earlier.
Get a free quote from a local inspector
Two minutes to brief us. We pass your enquiry to a local independent Adelaide inspector. No agent referrals. The matching service is free.