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Staged Building Inspections (Including Pre-Handover / PCI)

Building a new home is a major investment, and ensuring quality throughout the construction process gives you confidence that your builder is meeting the contract, plans and relevant Australian Standards. Staged Building Inspections provide structured, independent checkpoints at key milestones of your build, including the final inspection before handover (commonly referred to as a Practical Completion Inspection, or PCI).

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What Are Staged Building Inspections?

Staged Building Inspections are independent and professional assessments conducted at critical points throughout your home’s construction. Rather than waiting until the end of the project, we inspect at multiple stages to detect defects early, when they’re easier and more cost-effective to fix. Staged inspections help you hold builders accountable, clarify workmanship quality and provide documented evidence of issues before they become hidden behind finished surfaces.

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Key Inspection Stages

Our staged approach includes checks at major build milestones such as:

  • Pre-Pour Inspection - Slab set-out, reinforcement and termite protection before concrete is poured.

  • Frame Stage Inspection - Structural framing, bracing and fixings before linings go in.

  • Pre-Sheet Inspection - Services, insulation and framing checks prior to internal linings.

  • Waterproofing Inspection - Waterproofing membranes and wet-area prep before tiling.

  • Lock-Up Inspection - External finishes, doors, windows and roof before internal finishes.

  • Practical Completion / Pre-Handover Inspection - Final quality and defect check before settlement and builder payment.

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Suitable For

Staged Building Inspections are ideal for:

  • Homeowners building a new property

  • Buyers purchasing newly constructed homes

  • Investors completing a build

  • Owners preparing for final handover to ensure quality

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Why This Matters

  • Independent inspections at strategic build stages give you:

  • Early identification of non-compliant work or construction issues

  • Better leverage to have defects rectified prior to completion

  • Comprehensive, photo-based reports that stand up to builders and insurers

  • Confidence through construction and at final handover

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What’s Included in Each Inspection

Every inspection includes:

  • Visual assessment of accessible internal and external areas

  • Evaluation of workmanship, compliance and quality

  • Identification of visible defects and incomplete items

  • A detailed, easy-to-read report with photos and clear findings

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Service Areas

We complete Staged Building Inspections throughout the Shoalhaven and Illawarra, including: Nowra, Berry, Vincentia, Huskisson, Sanctuary Point and surrounding suburbs. See all areas

If your new home is approaching completion, contact Altitude Inspections to arrange a handover or PCI inspection and ensure issues are identified before final handover.

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