There is no disputing that building a new home can be a nerve-racking experience. This is especially true for first-time homeowners who are not sure what to expect. You want to make sure that your home is built exactly how you envisioned. That means hiring the right builder, taking time to consider design and layout, and having every stage of the build inspected.
There are numerous issues that can crop up during a new build. It is difficult for homeowners to keep track of everything, or identify problems when they arise. Two hurdles that you may run into are incomplete work or defects.
Even the best builders in South Australia are capable of inadvertently making mistakes or employing bad contractors. Construction inspections help protect you as the homeowner and can prevent disputes from getting out of hand.
Handover Inspection
A handover inspection provides the homeowner with a report on the quality of workmanship when a project is complete. This type of inspection should be carried out by an experienced professional who provides an impartial report. Whether you are involved in a new build or having major renovations on your home, a handover report is necessary before you sign off on the work.
Handover Report Details
The handover report provides South Australian homeowners with detailed information on the completed project, including all work and finishes. In many cases, a qualified builder conducts the inspection. The homeowner is provided with a checklist-style report along with descriptions of any defects identified.
The language used in a handover report should be for the benefit of the homeowner, rather than containing industry jargon. This allows the homeowner to easily understand the issues and discuss a resolution with the builder or contractor. Alternatively, the builder can work from the report to correct all the identified defects or incomplete work.
When discussing the report with your builder, the process is typically more productive because individuals in the construction industry are used to reading handover reports. If, however, you do end up in a dispute with your builder, the handover report can act as evidence of identified defects identified at the end of the build.
Houspect Handover Report
At Houspect, we employ licensed builders who have the relevant industry experience to conduct a thorough inspection. Your building inspector will provide unbiased information on the condition of the finished build. All defects and incomplete work are listed in a convenient format that is easy for the homeowner to understand.
Areas covered by our comprehensive report include a considerable amount of detail. We inspect all accessible areas of the property and include relevant information where necessary. The following areas are part of any handover inspection:
- Overall quality of the finishes, i.e. paintwork, plastering, tiling
- Fixtures and fittings
- Roof cover – tiles or metal sheeting – ridges, valleys, flashings
- Roof frame, insulation and sarking
- Guttering and downpipes
- Brickwork and cladding – straight, cleaned, joints, render
- Walls, internal and external
- Ceilings, flooring, skirtings
- Kitchen benches, tiling, cabinetry, shelving, fittings
- Showers, baths, vanities, WC
- Laundry trough, benches, drainage
- Plumbing and electrical fittings
- Doors and frames, internal and external
- Windows and frames, internal and external
- Patios, balconies and stairs
- Cabinets and wardrobes
- Fences and out buildings
If you are conducting a new build or having renovations carried out on your home, make sure that you arrange a handover inspection. Houspect can provide professional new home inspections in Adelaide and surrounding areas, plus a detailed and beneficial report to help you ensure that your dream home is completed to your specifications.
Call Houspect today if your project in South Australia is about to get underway. We can provide a range of construction inspections that will cover every stage of your build or renovation.
