As a building inspector who’s seen it all, I’ve got to say—this one shocked even me. I’m Russell McCarthy, founder and lead inspector at WA Building Inspections Perth, and what we found during this PCI inspection (shown in the video below) was nothing short of alarming.

This was a brand new home—and yet, it was being called “complete” by the builder.

What Is a PCI Inspection and Why It Matters

PCI stands for Practical Completion Inspection. It’s a critical final step before settlement in a new build, where you check the property to ensure it’s ready for handover.

If you’re building in WA, your PCI is your final chance to get the builder to fix defects before you move in. Once you’ve paid and taken possession, your leverage drops significantly.

That’s why so many clients book us for a Pre-Handover Building Inspection.

Major PCI Inspection Fails We Found

Let me walk you through what we discovered in this case:

No Door Furniture or Handles

“So we’ve got no door furniture. I don’t know how they’re expecting the client to even sit on this.” – Russell McCarthy

Basic fittings like handles were missing. No knobs, no locks, not even a latch.

Leaking Shower Already

One of the bathrooms already had visible water leaks. For a new build, this is completely unacceptable.

Dishwasher Space Missing Required Panel

“There’s supposed to be a panel underneath the dishwasher. This is a manufacturer’s requirement.” – Russell McCarthy

Not installing the correct under-panel not only breaches installation guidelines but can void appliance warranties.

Balcony Timber Repairs Done Poorly

“Efforts have been made to repair it… They’ve just kind of joined two pieces of timber. Of course, they wouldn’t be straight. That would be asking a lot.” – Russell McCarthy

It looked like someone tried to patch a job together without even sanding the join flush.

Exposed Brick, Missing Paintwork & Connected Services

“There’s no electricity, no gas, no sewage. Nothing. At least we know where they are.” – Russell McCarthy

Can you believe they were calling this place ready for handover?

And these weren’t minor cosmetic oversights. These were major construction, safety, and livability concerns.

Our Role at WA Building Inspections Perth

We don’t just look for superficial damage. We go deeper:

• Check against Australian Building Codes

• Identify corners being cut

• Ensure compliance with manufacturer recommendations

When you book an inspection with WA Building Inspections Rockingham to Mandurah, you’re getting experience that has caught issues just like these countless times.

Why Perth Builders Are Rushing PCI Handovers

Some Perth builders are racing through final stages to meet deadlines, banking on you not noticing the issues. The pressure on volume builders is enormous, but that’s no excuse for delivering incomplete or unsafe homes.

Don’t Take Their Word for It – Get It Inspected

“This is what you can expect nowadays. They haven’t even tried to seal the exposed brickwork. We’ll see what they do.” – Russell McCarthy

I wish I could say this was a one-off, but it’s becoming increasingly common. If you’re building, this is your sign to book a PCI Inspection today.

We service across Perth and also offer dedicated coverage in WA Building Inspections Midland for clients building north-east of the CBD.

FAQs About PCI Inspections in Perth

What is a PCI Inspection?

A PCI inspection, or Practical Completion Inspection, is your final walkthrough before handover of a new home. It ensures the builder has finished all contracted work to a livable and code-compliant standard.

What should I expect during a PCI Inspection in Perth?

Expect a thorough room-by-room review, from doors and windows to plumbing, fittings, paintwork, and even compliance with manufacturer specs like dishwashers and rangehoods.

Can a house pass PCI with no electricity or plumbing?

Absolutely not. As shown in our video, some builders try to hand over homes with no working utilities. This is not compliant and should be rejected until rectified.

Who can I trust for PCI inspections in Rockingham or Mandurah?

If you’re building south of Perth, book through WA Building Inspections Rockingham to Mandurah to get a trusted PCI expert on-site.

How do I book a PCI inspection in Midland?

If you’re building northeast of Perth, our WA Building Inspections Midland team is ready to help. Book online or contact us through our main site.

“If it’s getting called PCI and looks like this, you’ve got to wonder what else was rushed. Don’t move in blind.” – Russell McCarthy