A pre-settlement inspection of a new Brisbane home or apartment helps you record visible workmanship, incomplete items and relevant changes before settlement. Agree on the purpose and scope early: an initial defect inspection and a return visit after repairs are different bookings.
Confirm what the appointment is for
| Purpose | What to arrange |
|---|---|
| Initial new-home inspection | A detailed check of visible and safely accessible work within the agreed scope. |
| Follow-up after rectification | The earlier report, the repairs ready to inspect, agreed coverage and separate visit price. |
| Buyer’s final contractual check | Confirm the purchase-contract requirements with your solicitor or conveyancer. This may have a different purpose from a professional defect inspection. |
Before the inspection week
Contact the builder or developer for the expected readiness date and inspection access arrangements. Provide the dwelling address, unit or lot number, relevant plans or specifications, site contact and any particular concerns.
Tell us about the settlement date, any appointment time limit and restrictions on access. For an apartment, explain arrangements for entry, lifts, parking and any included balconies, storage areas or car spaces. A requested date remains subject to confirmation.
When the property is ready
Arrange the visit when the relevant work is sufficiently complete to assess. Incomplete work, cleaning or inaccessible areas can limit what can be checked. If you are unsure whether the property is ready, contact us before the appointment.
Terms such as PCI, pre-handover and pre-settlement can overlap. The inspection terminology guide explains the distinction. Two different labels do not automatically mean two inspections are required.
What is assessed?
The agreed visual scope can include internal finishes, doors and windows, cabinetry, tiling, flooring, wet-area finishes and accessible external work. Reported concerns are recorded with photographs and locations, with trades identified where applicable.
A standard visit cannot verify concealed framing, hidden services or waterproofing beneath tiles. Appliances are not tested. External roof inspection, engineering, specialist testing, common property and system commissioning should not be assumed to be included.
After receiving the report
Standard residential reports are generally issued the same day; confirm timing when booking. Review the findings, send them to the builder and keep the written response and agreed action. A separately priced follow-up can be arranged after repairs are ready.
Do not treat the report as an automatic instruction to delay settlement or withhold payment. Seek advice about your particular contract from your solicitor or conveyancer if completion, settlement or payment is disputed.
Already settled?
Contact us to discuss an appropriate inspection. Taking possession does not automatically end the builder’s defect obligations. Notify concerns promptly in writing and check the applicable contract, complaint and insurance requirements.
See our handover inspection service and sample report, or get your current inspection price.