Practical completion is the moment your builder says the work is done. It is not a feeling about whether the house looks finished, and it is not the builderβs to declare simply because the scaffolding has gone. It is a defined date, and the definition is written down.
βdate of practical completion, in relation to domestic building work, means the date when the domestic building work is completed except for any omissions or defects that do not prevent the domestic building work from being reasonably capable of being used for its intended purpose.β
Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 (Vic), section 45(6)
Read it carefully, because it cuts both ways. Minor omissions do not stop practical completion, and holding out for a perfect house is not a position the Act supports. But a defect that does prevent the home being reasonably capable of being used for its intended purpose is a different thing entirely, and which class a defect falls into is precisely what an independent report establishes.
What we check at practical completion
Everything here serves one question: is this work complete in the sense the Act means, and what is missing from what you were promised?
Is it actually usable
The statutory test is whether the work can reasonably be used for its intended purpose. We assess each defect against that, because it decides whether the builder has reached practical completion at all.
Against your contract
Inclusions, specifications, plans and variations. A missing inclusion is not a defect, it is something you paid for and did not get, and it is far easier to raise now.
Every wet area
Showers, bathrooms, laundries and balconies over habitable rooms. Falls, drainage, sealing and terminations, because this is where the expensive claims begin.
The roof, from the roof
Flashings, penetrations, valleys and box gutters, inspected from up there rather than assessed from the ground.
Structure and movement
Cracking, deflection, and anything that suggests the building is moving differently to the way it was designed to.
Finishes under real light
Walls, ceilings, tiling, glazing, paint and stone. A torch on an angle finds the patch that a walkthrough at midday does not.
Has your builder called practical completion?
What we find
Offered to the owner as finished work.
Called complete. It was not, and it was documented before the payment.
Found from the roof. Nothing about it is visible from the ground.
Site Inspections photographs from real inspections. Addresses and identifying details are removed.
The date starts a clock
Practical completion is not only about what gets fixed. It is the date your rights are measured from. A domestic building work dispute must be referred to the chief dispute resolution officer within ten years, measured from the occupancy permit, the certificate of final inspection, or the date of practical completion, depending on which applies to your build (section 45(3)).
And if nobody wrote a date down, the Act supplies one:
βIt is to be presumed (unless an earlier date of practical completion can be ascertained) that the date of practical completion of domestic building work was the earlier of the following dates that can be ascertained for the work: (a) the date on which the builder handed over possession of the work to the building owner; (b) the date on which the builder last attended the building site to carry out work (other than work to remedy any defect that does not affect practical completion).β
Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 (Vic), section 45(4)
Which means the clock can start on the day the builder last showed up, whether or not anyone told you that is what happened. Having the condition of the property documented at that moment, by someone independent, is worth a great deal later.
Where the argument is about tolerance rather than fact, the reference point in Victoria is the Guide to Standards and Tolerances 2026, which replaced the 2015 edition on 1 August 2026. Our reports name the clause.
These are not opinion reports. 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 builderβs suspension and cancellation by the Victorian Building Authority.
Practical completion, handover, and after you move in
Three different moments, three different amounts of leverage.
REAL PEOPLE. REAL PEACE OF MIND.
“The single best decision we made.”
— Hilary Watson, Google review · rated 4.9 β β β β β by Australian homeowners
Every card below is a real, public Google review — read them all, including the ones we didn’t pick.
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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!
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Forget ordinary inspections⦠these guys bring the X-ray vision!
I donβt 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 donβt just inspect , they investigate! End result? A mind-blowing 461-page report packed with every detail you could imagine.
Soβ¦ Who you gonna call? Zeher, the man! π 100% recommend worth every cent and more.
Let'sss gooooπ₯…
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Zeher is worth his weight in gold! Him and his team do not miss anything. They will back you to the resolution! They arenβt 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.
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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!
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Could not recommend Zeher and his team enough. Not cheap but worth every penny. Picked up faults previous inspector and building surveyor didnβt. Great communication/advice throughout and he doesnβt just leave you after giving you the report. Back up from start to finish. Just wished I used him much earlier in my build.
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Zeher and the team took time out of their busy schedule to fit me and my partner in. Now given how successful heβs 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. Itβs very clear that Zeher truly cares about people, itβs a rare trait in this day and age. I canβt thank him and the team enough for what they do. We got a forensic inspection!
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Zeher conducted a comprehensive defects inspection on our new build after weβd been getting nowhere with our builder for over a year. His report was incredibly detailed and thorough – he didnβt 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 youβre dealing with a builder whoβs dragging their feet or you suspect corners have been cut, Zeher is exactly who you need.
Professional, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about ensuring homeowners arenβt 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, itβs 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 wouldnβt 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.
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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.
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I want to say that the most worthwhile thing I did during the house construction process was to find themοΌ 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 hesitateβyou get what you pay for!
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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.
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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!
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Zeher and the whole team are amazing! So knowledgeable, professional and supportive. You donβt 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 canβt recommend Site Inspections enough.
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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 didnβt 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 levellingβ¦
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. Itβs 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 π
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What a great service! As a property investor, having Site Inspection visit was a due diligence superpower. Highly recommend
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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…!
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Excellent inspection service. Very thorough, professional, and detailed. The inspector explained all findings clearly and provided a comprehensive report. Highly recommended.β
Questions we get asked
It is a defined date, not an opinion. The Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 (Vic) defines the date of practical completion as βthe date when the domestic building work is completed except for any omissions or defects that do not prevent the domestic building work from being reasonably capable of being used for its intended purposeβ (section 45(6)). Minor items do not stop practical completion. A defect that stops the home being reasonably usable is a different question.
Practical completion is the contractual milestone where the builder says the work is complete. Handover is when possession changes hands. They are often days apart and sometimes the same day, and the inspection is similar, but the leverage is at its highest before you accept the work and release the final payment.
Because it starts a clock. Under section 45(3) of the same Act a domestic building work dispute must be referred to the chief dispute resolution officer within ten years, measured from the occupancy permit, the certificate of final inspection, or the date of practical completion depending on which applies to your build.
The Act presumes one. Section 45(4) provides that, unless an earlier date can be ascertained, the date of practical completion is the earlier of the date the builder handed over possession and the date the builder last attended the site to carry out work, other than work to remedy a defect that does not affect practical completion.
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 date our inspectors will work after hours. The report is normally with you within 24 hours of the inspection.
That argument is about a document, not about opinions. In Victoria the reference point is the Guide to Standards and Tolerances 2026, which replaced the 2015 edition on 1 August 2026, and which edition applies depends on your contract date. Our reports name the clause.
In Victoria, no. Section 19 of the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 provides: βA 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 worksβ, with a penalty of 20 penalty units. You authorise us, and we become that person.
Enquire before you sign it off
Tell us the address and when practical completion is claimed. A week is the typical lead time, we keep a wait list for jobs that get rescheduled, and if you are up against a date our inspectors will work after hours.
ENQUIRE ABOUT A PRACTICAL COMPLETION INSPECTION
Send an enquiry online now to speak to a highly-qualified building consultant. As you approach this exciting stage, our team is here to address any concerns about hidden defects or incomplete work. Weβre more than happy to answer your questions, provide a quote, and ensure your new home is thoroughly assessed and protected. Celebrate this milestone with peace of mind knowing your home is being assessed by expert eyes.