If you’re building a new home in Munster or anywhere around Perth, a practical completion inspection (PCI) is your safeguard against poor workmanship. As the lead building inspector at WA Building Inspections, I’ve seen how vital this final check can be. 

In this article, I’ll walk you through the real-world defects we found during a PCI in Munster, Perth and show why a professional inspection could save you from serious headaches down the line. Plus, I would like to know from my readers: Should I dob in this dodgy builder? Let me know in the comments.

Why a PCI Is Vital for Your New Home

A practical completion inspection (PCI) is the final check before you take ownership of your home. This inspection ensures that the builder has completed all work to Australian standards and specifications. In my experience, a PCI often reveals issues that homeowners wouldn’t spot on their own.

Take our recent PCI in Munster, for example. The property seemed fine on the surface, but as we dug deeper, several defects became apparent.

 

 

Downpipe Buried in the Render: A Hidden Disaster

One of the first issues we uncovered was a downpipe buried too deeply within the render. At first glance, it might not seem like a big deal, but water drainage is crucial to the long-term health of your home. I mentioned during the inspection, “This downpipe is set 10 millimetres back into the render, and here’s a wee pop… let’s take a quick look.” Poor drainage can lead to water ingress, damaging the walls and foundation over time.

 

 

Non-Compliant Gutters – Why Compliance Matters

Next up, we looked at the gutter system and found a mix of Class T clips and screws that weren’t up to standard. “These are Class T clips, but the screws don’t match, and there’s no other gutter bracket,” I noted while reviewing the setup.

Non-compliant fixtures like these may not seem like a major issue, but when you’re dealing with Perth’s occasional heavy rains, these could fail, causing major damage to your property. If you’re concerned about these types of problems, our building inspections in Perth service can help identify them early.

 

 

The Shocking Brickwork Deviation

Brickwork is one of those areas where defects can easily be overlooked, but they’re crucial for your home’s structural integrity. During the Munster inspection, I found several step deviations and perp joints that were way out of spec.

“Now, the Australian standards say perp joints must be no more than 10 millimetres. Some of these joints are far thicker than that,” I explained. These deviations could lead to weak points in the structure, and over time, cracks may form.

To understand more about brickwork compliance and defects, check out our Ultimate Guide to AS 3700: Understanding Masonry Structures Standards.

 

 

Non-Compliant Blinds Installation

Next, we took a look at the blinds, which had been installed outside the reveal, contrary to what was expected. “This is a blinds installation, right? But they’ve mounted it on the outside instead of fitting it within the reveal,” I pointed out.

While this may seem like a minor aesthetic issue, it’s another sign of a builder not paying attention to the details. If they’re willing to cut corners on something visible like blinds, what else could they be missing? If you’re planning to build or renovate, it’s critical to make sure even small details like this are checked.

 

 

The Roof Space: What’s Kicking Around Up There?

The roof space is an area where a lot of issues can hide, and this Munster home was no exception. We found insulation kicked around everywhere, and it wasn’t installed according to Australian standards.

As I mentioned during the inspection, “We’re in the roof space here, and the insulation is kicked everywhere. This is not how it should be.” Poor insulation installation can lead to inefficient heating and cooling, which can drive up your energy bills.

If you’re worried about your home’s insulation, our thermal imaging inspections can help identify these problems.

 

 

Non-Supported Ducted Air Conditioning

While still in the roof space, we came across ducted air conditioning that wasn’t properly suspended. According to Australian standards, all ductwork needs to be properly supported to avoid placing excess weight on the roof structure.

“All of the ducted air conditioning needs to be suspended, and it’s not,” I pointed out during the walkthrough. This non-compliance could lead to sagging ducts, reducing the efficiency of your air conditioning system and potentially damaging your roof over time. You can learn more about AC Ducting Installation According to AS4254.1.

 

 

Hips and Valleys Not Strutted: A Recipe for Roof Failure

The most alarming issue we found was that the hips and valleys of the roof weren’t strutted properly. This is a crucial element for roof stability, and if left unattended, it could lead to serious structural failures.

“These hips and valleys need to be strutted. They haven’t thickened the timber or triple-gripped it to the under purlin, which makes this non-compliant,” I highlighted during the inspection.

This type of defect could cause your roof to shift or collapse under stress, making it one of the most critical issues we identified. Learn more about roof inspections and structural integrity to avoid such costly repairs.

 

 

The Importance of Compliance with Australian Standards

Australian standards are in place to protect homeowners and ensure that buildings are safe and durable. Unfortunately, many builders don’t always follow these standards to the letter.

At WA Building Inspections, we make it our mission to identify any non-compliance and ensure that it gets corrected before you move in. During our Munster Building Inspection, we made sure that all issues were flagged and brought to the builder’s attention for immediate rectification.

 

My Final Words: Protecting Your Home in Munster

In summary, a PCI is your last line of defence against dodgy builders who may cut corners to save time and money. The defects we found during our inspection in Munster show just how important it is to have a thorough inspection before finalising the build. From drainage issues to non-compliant roofing, these are problems you don’t want to discover after moving in.

If you’re building in Munster, Perth, or anywhere else in the area, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at WA Building Inspections. We’ve seen it all, and we’ll make sure that your home is up to standard before you take the keys.

 

FAQs on PCI and Dodgy Builders

What is a PCI in Munster, Perth?

A PCI (Practical Completion Inspection) is the final check of your home before ownership. It ensures the builder has completed the property to specification and that it complies with all Australian building standards.

 

Why should I dob in a dodgy builder in Perth?

If your builder has failed to meet Australian standards, reporting them can protect future homeowners from similar issues. More importantly, addressing these issues before you move in will save you time and money in the long run.

 

What are common PCI defects in Munster?

Common defects include improper drainage installation, non-compliant brickwork, poorly installed roof insulation, and unsupported ducted air conditioning.