Handover is the last moment the money is still yours. Until you accept the property and make the final payment, you hold something the builder wants. Afterwards, you are chasing a builder who has already been paid, and everything about the conversation changes.
That is the whole reason this inspection exists, and the reason it is worth doing properly rather than walking through with the site supervisor and a pen. Every defect we find and document before you pay is a defect you are negotiating about from the strong side.
We inspect the home against your approved plans and the standards the work has to meet, and put the result in writing the same way we would if it were going to a tribunal, because sometimes it does.
What we check at handover
The list is driven by where the expensive claims actually come from, not by what is quick to look at.
Every wet area
Showers, bathrooms, laundry and any balcony above a room. Falls, drainage, sealing and the junctions where water gets out. This is where the expensive claims start.
The roof, properly
Flashings, penetrations, valleys and gutters, inspected from the roof where safe access allows, and by drone where it does not. Most handover reports we are asked to review never left the ground.
Finishes under real light
Walls, ceilings, tiling, paint and stone under a torch held on an angle, which is how a patch shows itself.
Doors, windows and seals
Operation, alignment, locking, weather seals and glazing. A door that does not close now is a frame that has moved.
Services that were signed off
Taps, drainage, exhaust fans, the dishwasher connection and the switchboard. Run, not just looked at.
Against your documents
The approved plans, the National Construction Code and the relevant Australian Standards. What does not comply matters as much as what is visibly faulty, and it is easier to argue before you pay.
Has the builder called it complete?
What we find
Tiles that sounded fine and were not. Found at handover, before the payment.
Foam is not a flashing. It was left as one and called complete.
A torch on an angle. The repair nobody mentioned at the walkthrough.
Site Inspections photographs from real inspections. Addresses and identifying details are removed.
When the builder says it is within tolerance
Most handover arguments are not about whether something is there. They are about whether it is acceptable, and that is a question about a document. In Victoria the reference point is the Guide to Standards and Tolerances 2026, which replaced the 2015 edition on 1 August 2026. Which edition applies to your build depends on your contract date, and handover and completion are not always the same date either.
Our reports name the clause. That moves the conversation off opinion and onto the document, which is where you want it before you release the final payment.
An SI inspection report is named in an ACT Government Stop Notice that halted a build until the non-compliances in it were addressed, and our findings have been followed by four written Directions to Fix and by a builder’s suspension and cancellation by the Victorian Building Authority.
Handover, practical completion, and after you move in
Three different moments, three different amounts of leverage.
REAL PEOPLE. REAL REVIEWS.
“The single best decision we made.”
Hilary Watson, Google review · rated 4.9 ★★★★★ by Australian homeowners
Every card below is a real, public Google review. Read them all, including the ones we didn’t pick.
★★★★★
Honestly we would have spent so much and had years of problems. They were the single best decision we made. Our lawyer, even the mortgage broker when we sent the report to them, everyone was impressed it was the best documentation and referenced all the rules etc. The only thing better would have been not needing their help, meaning we didn't buy a pre-construction as it seems every builder is out to cut corners so Zeher and team are the only and best thing you can do to mitigate this – cannot praise them enough!
★★★★★
Forget ordinary inspections… these guys bring the X-ray vision!
I don’t usually leave reviews, but this one is well deserved. From the moment they arrived, I could tell they were on another level. Friendly, approachable, and laser-focused on the job. As they worked, they started spotting defects I had never even notice, and honestly, things other inspectors completely missed.
Then came the gadgets, tools that can see behind walls like an X-ray, and floor level measurement devices so precise it blew my mind. Nothing was hidden, nothing was overlooked. I felt completely confident knowing my home was checked from top to bottom by true professionals.
They don’t just inspect , they investigate! End result? A mind-blowing 461-page report packed with every detail you could imagine.
So… Who you gonna call? Zeher, the man! 🔍 100% recommend worth every cent and more.
Let'sss goooo🔥…
★★★★★
Zeher is worth his weight in gold! Him and his team do not miss anything. They will back you to the resolution! They aren’t anything like your other inspectors that just provide a report and you are on your own. Site inspections will back you and work with you till you get rectification. He is simply amazing. I cannot recommend them enough.
★★★★★
Most thorough building inspection I've ever seen. Picked up hidden major issues before we went unconditional and saved us from buying a nightmare! Thanks Zeher!
★★★★★
Could not recommend Zeher and his team enough. Not cheap but worth every penny. Picked up faults previous inspector and building surveyor didn’t. Great communication/advice throughout and he doesn’t just leave you after giving you the report. Back up from start to finish. Just wished I used him much earlier in my build.
★★★★★
Zeher and the team took time out of their busy schedule to fit me and my partner in. Now given how successful he’s become, he could have phoned it in and pocketed the money. No way, this guy went above and beyond with his team, they took substantial time and delivered an incredibly detailed report and advice and insights. It’s very clear that Zeher truly cares about people, it’s a rare trait in this day and age. I can’t thank him and the team enough for what they do. We got a forensic inspection!
★★★★★
Zeher conducted a comprehensive defects inspection on our new build after we’d been getting nowhere with our builder for over a year. His report was incredibly detailed and thorough – he didn’t just identify issues, he walked us through what each one meant, why it mattered, and what we should be considering moving forward.
What sets Zeher apart is his ability to explain complex building compliance issues in a way that actually makes sense. He cross-referenced our concerns against building standards and gave us the documentation we needed to hold our builder accountable.
If you’re dealing with a builder who’s dragging their feet or you suspect corners have been cut, Zeher is exactly who you need.
Professional, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about ensuring homeowners aren’t taken advantage of.
Originally we chose not to invest with Site Inspections during our build process as we to tried to support a local business.
Unfortunately, it’s all came crashing down post handover realising despite having a private inspector throughout the process the builder shrugged it all off. Zeher has been a huge assistance and leveraged his social media in assisting what would otherwise be an unheard plea. If we initially went with Zeher wouldn’t be in the logistical mess our builders left us in 2 years post handover.
Highly recommend for anyone needing a building inspector who will actually fight in your corner.
★★★★★
The attention to detail and professionalism of the entire team was outstanding. The team take genuine care and explain the issues in a language that us non builders can understand.
The service we received from the initial phone enquiry to receiving the report was faultless.
I have no hesitation in recommending there service. I know have piece of mind and the confidence to discuss the issues with my builder. I'm only disappointed that I did not use them through every stage.
★★★★★
I want to say that the most worthwhile thing I did during the house construction process was to find them！ please don't trust your builder too much, especially the volume builder.
The site inspectors were very thorough and would try their best to accommodate your schedule. At times when I was feeling very negative because SS often ignored my emails, it was Mr. Zeher who helped us.
When you're still hesitating about the price, don't hesitate—you get what you pay for!
★★★★★
Millie was quick to respond and made the quoting, booking coordination etc. very easy. Zeher and his guys were thorough and revealed defects that would have cost many thousands to fix if not identified prior to settlement. Well worth the cost.
★★★★★
Zeher and Team went above and beyond for us money worth spent for his services. He saved our family from purchasing a lemon of a house! The thorough pre-purchase inspection with high-tech used alongside a very detailed report was mind blowing! Our eyes were definitely deceived until we had Zeher and team to help! We will use Zeher forever and a day now! Thank you again for everything!
★★★★★
Zeher and the whole team are amazing! So knowledgeable, professional and supportive. You don’t seek out a forensic level site inspection unless you have found yourself in an unexpected and vulnerable position. Zeher and the team are aware of this and handle the inspection, reporting and any follow-ups with care and empathy. I am so grateful to them for all of their hard work. If you find yourself in need, I can’t recommend Site Inspections enough.
★★★★★
I hired them for an off the plan apartment inspection and was really impressed with the quality of their work. While the developer was trying to be strict on time they managed to take the time needed to complete a detailed inspection. They didn’t do just a superficial look but went super detailed, lifting tiles in the balcony, opening shower drains, used mirror to check the doors from above and under, used a special equipment to measure floor levelling…
Generally, it was really impressive what they managed to actually check and importantly I got the report sent to me in just a few hours afterwards. The report was very detailed with the right level of technical details for the builder but also clear enough for a normal person to understand. It’s divided into categories going by rooms one by one and highlighting several levels of seriousness each with pictures, explanation of the damage and possible impact, how it links to the law or builder code and recommendation of steps to be taken.
They are indeed more expensive than others but also what you get is completely different level.
★★★★★
I rarely write reviews, and I generally do not like putting myself in the public spotlight, but Zeher and the team at Site Inspections truly deserve one.
I originally engaged Site Inspections for defect inspections in 2023. In 2026, I reached out to Zeher seeking clarification regarding a structural defect. What I received exceeded all expectations. Instead of a brief response, Zeher provided a detailed technical submission analysing the defect, explaining the relevant building regulations, and outlining how they applied to my specific situation.
I have seen reports from various building inspectors over the years, and I can honestly say that Zeher's technical submission alone was more comprehensive and insightful than some full inspection reports I have seen elsewhere. His depth of knowledge, attention to detail, and understanding of building standards are exceptional.
What impressed me even more was his genuine care. After I sent him an email explaining my situation, I never expected to receive a personal phone call. Zeher took the time to speak with me, encouraged me to keep fighting, and later that same evening prepared a technical submission that I was able to include in my Domestic Building Insurance claim.
Today, I received confirmation that my claim has been accepted. While many factors contributed to that outcome, I am incredibly grateful for the support, guidance, and technical expertise Zeher provided during a very difficult time.
Building disputes can be stressful and overwhelming, but Zeher went far beyond what I expected from a building inspector. His professionalism, integrity, and willingness to help made a real difference when I needed it most.
Thank you, Zeher, and the entire Site Inspections team. I am genuinely grateful for everything you have done and would not hesitate to recommend your services to anyone seeking a thorough, knowledgeable, and independent building inspector.
★★★★★
Zeher attended our property and conducted an inspection at the final stage/hand over.
He uncovered alot of things that the naked eye wouldn't have been able to see. Let's just say, alot of defects.
He was thorough, his reports are thorough and easy to read.
He did an amazing job and he is easy to deal with, professional and quick to respond to any questions I had.
His knowledge in this industry is what we need to get these cowboys off the tools.
Because of the attendance of Zeher on this job, the BPC looked into it and took action on the RBS from Boroondara council.
Worth every penny!
Highly recommend using Zeher from Site Inspections if you are building.
★★★★★
These guys are legends. In a world with so many dodgy operators- trades, builders, inspectors, insurance companies – site inspections are putting a spot light on this industry and helping the avaerage people like me hold them to account.
I have used site inspections twice now. They are super professional, detailed amd efficient. I couldn't be more impressed. I see comments talk about them being expensive, but they are comparable to other quotes i received and at the end of the day, you get what you pay for and have actually saved me thousands through their findings. I would 100% use them next time and recommend them.
★★★★★
Zeher and his team have been AMAZING! If you've been hesitating to book, don't! Zeher gave so much useful info from the second he arrived and answered every question happily and thoroughly. Even now he continues to help us navigate with the next steps. If you have any concerns or worries about your home, I hugely recommend getting Zeher in. It has been invaluable 🙌
★★★★★
What a great service! As a property investor, having Site Inspection visit was a due diligence superpower. Highly recommend
★★★★★
We had the pleasure of having Zeher inspect our home. Such a humble and genuinely kind person. Very thorough, supportive, and professional throughout the process. Received our very detailed report in less than 12hrs. Zeher also won the heart of his little fan immediately on arrival. Love the site inspections crew and highly recommend them. Lets Go…!
★★★★★
Excellent inspection service. Very thorough, professional, and detailed. The inspector explained all findings clearly and provided a comprehensive report. Highly recommended.”
Questions we get asked
An independent inspection of your newly built home before you accept it and make the final payment. We document every defect and incomplete item we find in writing, referenced to the standard, plan or manufacturer requirement it fails, so the list can go straight to the builder.
Yes. People write it as one word, two words, or call it a final inspection or a new home inspection. It is the same job: the last independent look before the keys change hands.
After the builder tells you the home is complete and before you accept it and pay. If you are already past that point, a post-handover inspection still carries weight while the warranty period runs, but you no longer hold the payment.
Every job is quoted. Size, complexity and the type of report all move the price. Tell us the address and the stage the build is at and you will typically have a figure back within 24 hours.
A week is the typical lead time, and we keep a wait list, so when a job is rescheduled a slot opens up at short notice. If you are up against a settlement date our inspectors will work after hours. The report is normally with you within 24 hours of the inspection.
In Victoria the right is in the Act. Section 19 of the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 provides: “A builder must permit the building owner (or a person authorised by the building owner) to have reasonable access to the building site and to view any part of the building works”, with a penalty of 20 penalty units. You authorise us, and we become that person.
That argument is usually about tolerance rather than fact, which is why the reference document matters. In Victoria the Guide to Standards and Tolerances 2026 replaced the 2015 edition on 1 August 2026, and which edition applies depends on your contract date. Our reports name the clause, so the discussion is about the document rather than about opinions.
Most builders fix what is documented properly, because a photographed defect referenced to the standard it fails is much harder to argue with than a phone call. Some resist. When that happens the matter goes to the building regulator and through the dispute process, and the report is already in the form that process needs.
Enquire before you take the keys
Tell us the address and when handover is scheduled. A week is the typical lead time, we keep a wait list for jobs that get rescheduled, and if you are genuinely up against a date our inspectors will work after hours.
ENQUIRE ABOUT A HANDOVER INSPECTION
Send an enquiry online now to speak to one of our highly-qualified building consultants. We’re here to answer your questions and provide a quote. Concerned about missed defects or incomplete work before moving in? Your inspection is carried out by one of 6 senior building inspectors, each with over 10 years of industry experience. Every defect we find is referenced to the standard, plan or manufacturer requirement it fails. We have written more than 7,500 reports for Australian homeowners.