What Happens at Handover When You Build a New Home in Queensland?

What is a practical completion inspection?

It’s a walkthrough of your finished home before handover. It’s your chance to take a good look around, ask questions and point out any small touch-ups. Anything we find is noted in an agreed defects document, and we take care of those touch-ups before handover.

Can I bring my own building inspector?

Yes. You’re welcome to bring an independent building inspector to your practical completion inspection.

What do I get at handover?

Handover isn’t just a key exchange. We’ll:

• hand over your paperwork, including your final inspection certificate (Form 21), handover document (Form 7) and any other compliance certificates
• give you your Home Care Guide, with a summary of your warranties and how to look after your home
• show you how everything works, and answer any last questions

A tip: book removalists, NBN and deliveries for after handover, and make sure your home and contents insurance starts from handover day.

Is it normal for a new home to crack?

Small cracks are normal. New homes move a little as the timber and concrete settle. Small plaster or cornice cracks, or a door or wardrobe slider that needs adjusting, are common in the first months. Minor variations in paintwork under harsh, glancing light are normal too.

When should I book my maintenance visit?

Around month 9 or 10 after handover. Your first 12 months include one maintenance visit for settlement items. It’s optional, so you’ll need to request it. Keep a list of non-urgent items as you go, then send it through with a description, location and photo of each, and we’ll call you to talk through next steps.

Gas issues, electrical faults, plumbing leaks or anything unsafe? Don’t wait. Tell us straight away.

What does the QBCC Home Warranty cover?

Every new home we build is covered by QBCC Home Warranty Insurance. It covers structural defects for 6 years and 6 months from practical completion, and non-structural defects for 12 months.

If something comes up, talk to us first. We’d always rather hear about it and fix it. The QBCC also expects you to contact your builder before making a complaint, and has its own timeframes for reporting defects once you notice them, so it pays to speak up early.

How do I look after my new home?

Warranties cover defects, not wear and tear or damage, so a little care goes a long way:

• Follow the CSIRO guidelines for your slab: keep water draining away from your home, keep heavily watered gardens and trees well away from the walls, and don’t overwater.
• Keep your gutters clean.
• Book pest control every year.
• Service your garage door every 12 months.

We build homes to last, and we’re still here after the keys change hands.