Why I Filmed This Practical Completion Inspection in Baldivis

This inspection is a good example of why I regularly recommend a practical completion inspection, especially on new builds in fast-growing Perth suburbs like Baldivis.

The builder still had a fair bit to get through, and while that’s not unusual at PCI stage, the volume and type of defects identified here went well beyond minor touch-ups.

“It’s probably a good video to show you to get a PCI done.”

A practical completion inspection is your last real opportunity to identify defects before handover, and this property highlights exactly why that matters.

Site and External Compliance Issues Identified at PCI

Stormwater Discharge and Retaining Walls

Straight away, there were compliance issues visible externally. One of the first problems identified was incorrect downpipe discharge.

“There’s a new requirement that downpipes need to be discharged from the sole of the gutter.”

That requirement wasn’t met, creating a compliance issue before even stepping inside the house.

Retaining walls were incomplete, and more critically, there was no visible termite barrier or damp proof course.

“There’s no termite barrier. There’s no damp proof course.”

These are not optional elements. They’re fundamental requirements for durability and long-term performance under the National Construction Code.

 

Missing Weep Holes and Brickwork Defects

Render and Masonry Detailing Failures

Moving around the side of the house, another significant issue became obvious — there were no weep holes at all in the render or brickwork.

“There is no weep holes at all in the render or in the brickwork.”

Weep holes are essential for moisture management. Without them, trapped moisture has nowhere to escape, increasing the risk of rising damp and long-term deterioration.

Bonding issues in the masonry were also evident, indicating poor planning and execution during construction.

“That didn’t work. That’s just poor workmanship, planning.”

 

Water Ingress Inside the Garage

Compliance and Performance Failure

Inside the garage, water ingress was already occurring.

“Look at the amount of water that’s getting in here… that’s a compliance defect.”

Under the National Construction Code, garages are still required to meet minimum performance standards. Visible water ingress at PCI stage is a clear indication something is wrong.

Signs of rising damp were already visible through the first course of masonry.

“You can already see some of the rising damp coming through that first course.”

 

Incomplete and Unsafe Internal Installations

Kitchen, Laundry and Services

Inside the house, several services were incomplete or non-functional. Near the range hood, cabinetry was unsecured, ducting was not installed correctly and electrical connections were missing.

“The cabinet’s not secure, nor is the ducting installed, nor is the power installed.”

In the laundry, plumbing issues were immediately apparent.

“Leaking.”

While both hot and cold taps were present, the hot water system was not actually heating.

“The hot doesn’t actually heat.”

Electrical functionality was also inconsistent, with some switches and fittings working and others completely dead.

“Nothing.”

In one area, a range hood had been installed in the same way as another, yet only one of them actually worked.

“It’s not even connected.”

 

Why This Matters at Practical Completion Stage

Not Just Minor Defects

At this point, it became clear that this inspection was only scratching the surface.

“If I had to do a full video on all the defects on this PCI, it would be a blockbuster.”

These weren’t cosmetic defects or minor touch-ups. They were systemic issues affecting compliance, safety and performance.

This is exactly why practical completion inspections in Perth suburbs like Baldivis are so important. Once final payment is made, leverage is significantly reduced.

 

The Importance of a Practical Completion Inspection

Before Handover, Not After

A practical completion inspection is your final chance to identify defects while the builder is still responsible for rectifying them.

“The recommendation is just get a PCI done.”

Homes can look complete on the surface while hiding serious compliance and workmanship issues underneath. This inspection is a textbook example of that risk.

 

FAQs: Practical Completion Inspections in Perth

 

What is a practical completion inspection?

A practical completion inspection checks whether a new build is complete, compliant and ready for handover under the contract and the National Construction Code.

Are missing weep holes a serious defect?

Yes. Missing weep holes can lead to moisture build-up, rising damp and long-term structural damage.

Can rising damp appear before handover?

Yes. Rising damp can be visible even at PCI stage if damp proofing and drainage have not been installed correctly.

Should plumbing and electrical systems be fully functional at PCI?

Yes. All services should be installed, connected and operational before handover.

Why are PCIs important in suburbs like Baldivis?

High-volume construction increases the risk of shortcuts and missed details, making PCI inspections critical before final payment.