As your new home moves into the final stages of construction, everything begins to come together. Finishes are completed, final adjustments are made and the home is carefully prepared for handover.
This stage is often called pre completion or handover preparation, and it’s one of the most exciting milestones in the building journey. It’s also when clients tend to have a few final questions about inspections, handover and what to expect before moving in.
Below are some of the most common questions we’re asked as a home approaches completion.
What Is a Pre Completion Inspection (PCI) When Building a Home?
What Should I Look For During My Final Walkthrough?
Your final walkthrough is your chance to see your home complete and make sure everything is just as you expected.
Most clients use this time to move through each room, taking a close look at finishes, fixtures, and fittings. You might check cupboard doors and drawers, measure your fridge or appliance spaces, test taps, and make sure any upgrades you requested have been included. Bringing a tape measure can be handy to check furniture placement and room dimensions.
If you notice any small items that need adjustment, you can note them so they’re addressed before handover.
This inspection is not about searching for problems, but simply confirming that everything has been completed as expected.
The goal is simple: make sure your home is complete, comfortable, and ready for you to move in.
Can I Bring Someone With Me to My Inspection?
Yes, many clients choose to bring a family member or trusted person along to their inspection.
A second set of eyes can be helpful when walking through the home, and it can also be a nice moment to share the excitement of seeing the finished result.
Why Are Trades Still Working at the House Near Handover?
Even in the final stages, different trades may still be completing their work.
Final adjustments, detailing and finishing touches often happen right toward the end of construction. This may include items such as electrical fittings, cabinetry adjustments or external works.
These last stages are about refining the finished product and ensuring everything is presented at its best for handover.
Why Are Small Adjustments Sometimes Needed Before Handover?
What Final Checks Happen Before Handover?
Before handover takes place, the home goes through a number of final checks.
These checks confirm that construction is complete, fixtures and fittings are installed correctly and the home is ready for occupancy. It’s part of making sure everything meets the expected standard before the keys are handed over.
Our team follows a series of detailed checklists during this stage to ensure everything is functioning as it should. This includes checking that light fittings and power points are working, appliances are operating correctly, doors and windows open and close smoothly, locks are functioning properly and any paint touch ups or small finishing details are addressed.
Taking the time to work through these final checks helps ensure the home is presented in its best possible condition before handover.
Will the Home Be Cleaned Before Handover?
Yes. Before handover the home is cleaned and prepared so it is presented in its finished condition.
Construction can leave dust and minor debris during the build process, so a final clean ensures the home is ready for you to move into and enjoy.
This allows you to walk into a home that feels complete and ready for everyday living.
What Documentation Will I Receive at Handover?
At handover you will receive important information relating to your new home.
Each client receives a handover kit that contains documentation and useful information to help you manage and maintain your home moving forward. This includes appliance manuals, warranty details and product information for the fixtures and fittings installed throughout the property.
The handover kit also includes a list of the trades involved in building your home, along with contact information should anything require attention. A final checklist confirming the completion of key items is also provided.
We recommend keeping this information together in a safe place, as it can be helpful to refer to over time.
Many clients keep their handover kit for years, as it contains helpful references for maintenance and product warranties.
It’s also a useful document to hand over to new owners if you sell your home.
When Will I Receive the Keys to My New Home?
Once the final inspection has been completed and signed off, the certificate of occupancy has been issued and the final payment has been processed, handover can be arranged.
At this stage you will receive the keys to your new home along with your handover documentation.
This is the moment when the building journey officially becomes home ownership, and when you can begin moving in and making the space your own.
What Happens If Something Needs Attention After Handover?
Even in a brand new home, small adjustments can occasionally arise once you begin living in the space.
New homes naturally go through a settling period as materials adjust to their environment. Minor items may appear during this time and are a normal part of a new build.
If an emergency situation occurs, such as a burst pipe, you should contact the plumber listed in your handover kit so the issue can be addressed as quickly as possible.
For general questions or concerns, you can contact our team directly. Most minor items can be noted on your three month maintenance form, which allows us to review and address them together as part of the normal maintenance process.
How Soon Can I Move In After Handover?
Once handover has taken place and the keys are provided, the home is officially ready for occupancy.
Most clients begin moving in shortly after handover, although the timing often depends on their personal circumstances such as the sale of an existing home or arranging moving services.
With the certificate of occupancy issued and final checks completed, the home is ready for everyday living.
Do New Homes Need Maintenance After Moving In?
Like any home, a new house benefits from occasional maintenance over time.
As materials settle and the home adjusts to normal living conditions, minor items such as small paint touch ups or adjustments may arise. This is a normal part of any newly built home.
Your three month maintenance form allows these small items to be reviewed and addressed together once you have had time to live in the home.
The handover stage is an exciting milestone and marks the completion of months of planning, construction and finishing work. By this point every stage of the process has contributed to creating a home that is ready for you to move into and enjoy.
For many clients, handover is the moment when the building journey finally becomes home ownership.
