Thorough New Home Handover Inspections and Reporting in North-East Victoria
Independent Building Reports Victoria, based in Wangaratta, has been helping clients across North-East Victoria since 1999 with thorough and reliable new home handover inspections. With more than 25 years of building industry experience, we ensure your brand-new property meets all relevant standards before you sign off with your builder. Servicing Albury-Wodonga, Mansfield, Bright, Seymour, Shepparton and surrounding areas, our inspections are designed to protect your investment and peace of mind.
A new home is a significant financial and personal commitment, and the last thing you want is hidden problems surfacing after handover. Our role is to identify defects, incomplete work, or non-compliance issues before they become your responsibility. With Independent Building Reports Victoria, you can move into your new property knowing it has been carefully assessed by an experienced, independent inspector.
Prices for our new home handover inspections start from $590.
Why New Home Handover
Inspections Are Essential
While a newly built property may appear flawless, not all defects are visible to the untrained eye. Common issues include plumbing faults, electrical wiring problems, uneven finishes, or incomplete work. If these aren’t identified before the handover, they can be costly and difficult to rectify once ownership has been finalised.
A handover inspection ensures your property complies with building regulations and standards such as the Standards and Tolerances set by the Victorian Building Authority. By addressing problems before you sign off, you avoid expensive repairs and protect your rights as a homeowner.
What Our New Home
Handover Inspections Cover
Our handover inspections are designed to provide a complete quality check of your new property. We carefully assess every aspect of the build, from structural components to internal finishes, ensuring they meet industry standards. Any defects, incomplete work, or inconsistencies are documented clearly for you to discuss with your builder.
Our inspections also focus on utilities, including plumbing and electrical systems, to ensure they are installed correctly and functioning as they should. Even small issues can cause major problems down the line, which is why we pay close attention to every detail.
Checking Against Building Standards
We compare your property against the applicable standards and tolerances required in Victoria. This ensures your builder has met their obligations and delivered work to an acceptable standard.
Identifying Defects and Incomplete Work
Our inspection highlights any visible defects, incomplete finishes, or uneven construction. By documenting these before handover, you can have them rectified without additional expense.
Our New Home
Handover Inspection Process
We’ve designed a clear and thorough process to make your handover stress-free. First, we arrange a convenient time to complete the inspection with you and your builder if required. During the visit, we take detailed photos of every room, as well as close-ups of any problem areas.
We also conduct thermal imaging to identify leaks or issues with plumbing and utilities that may not be visible. Measurements of steps, bricks, door margins, and drainage are taken to ensure they meet required standards. Once complete, we provide a comprehensive report outlining all findings.
Detailed Handover
Inspection Reports
Our reports provide a full overview of your property’s condition at the time of handover. General photos of all areas are included, along with more detailed images of any identified defects or concerns. This visual evidence makes it easy to raise issues with your builder.
We also include recommendations for repairs or improvements and draw on our extensive building expertise to provide practical advice. The report is designed to be easy to read and delivered promptly, usually within 24 hours of inspection. Pricing for new home handover inspections starts from $590 (inc. GST), depending on property size.
FAQs About
New Home Handover Inspections
Why can’t I just rely on the builder’s final walkthrough?
Builders often conduct a final walkthrough, but this may not highlight potential defects or compliance issues. An independent inspection ensures an unbiased assessment and protects your investment.
When should I arrange a new home handover inspection?
The inspection should be booked just before the official handover, ideally when the builder advises the property is ready. This ensures any defects can be addressed before you sign off.
How long does a handover inspection take?
Most inspections take between 2–4 hours, depending on the property’s size and complexity. Larger homes may take longer to ensure every detail is covered.
Finalising your new build? Book a new home handover inspection to confirm quality and compliance before you take ownership.
