What should I look out for in a pre-settlement inspection for a new build?

After months of waiting, the date is finally here: Your off-the-plans property now exists in the flesh and you get your invite to do a pre-settlement inspection.

There is a lot more to a pre-settlement inspection than just rocking up to your property, checking it’s built, and calling it a day.

This is your opportunity to check the developer has built the property they promised.

So, in this article you’ll learn what happens at a pre-settlement inspection and you’ll get a list of what you should be looking out for.

And if you have a question, write your questions or thoughts in the comments section below.

What happens at a pre-settlement inspection?

A pre-settlement inspection is your chance to find anything that is broken or not quite finished with your property (list of what to check below). You then brief the developer and builder on what they need to fix before settlement is made.

That’s why you want to test that everything works and the developer hasn’t missed anything.

This takes a bit of time. For a good, clean, finished product, you should allow 30 minutes to complete a standard 2-bed townhouse. But for a 3-level townhouse, allow 45 minutes to test everything.

As you go through the property you should mark any changes either with a “post it” note or sticky red dot. This will alert the builder to a required change. You should also note this down yourself to send an email summary to the developer.

Just bear in mind that when you do your pre-settlement inspection the property may not be 100% complete. There could still be dust on the floors, it may need a clean, and the landscaping might not be done yet.

So don’t expect a 100% complete product. You’re looking for things that need to be fixed, so the builders can make changes while they’re still on site.

Pre-settlement checklist

A cosmetic look around a new property is quite straightforward, but there is a comprehensive list of things you need and should look for, and a process for what to do.

Before going through the below list, make sure you arrive with a copy of your sale and purchase agreement and any spec documents so you can check what’s in the property matches what you signed up for.

Here’s a list of the top things you should check, at a minimum:

• Hot water cylinder. First, check if this is turned on. You need to test the hot water at your inspection. So if it’s not on, it needs the chance to heat up within your inspection time.
• Paint job. Look at the paint on the walls; specifically look for splashes on the floor and carpet. Under a standard contract you need to assess your paint from 2 metres away and under natural light. You can’t get a magnifying glass and make a song and dance about every blemish, but anything you can see from 2 metres should be brought up.
• Windows, doors, cupboards and draws. Open and close every door, cupboard and window to check they open and stay open.
• Bathrooms mirrors. Have they been installed? It’s not uncommon for bathroom mirrors not to be installed at the point investors do a pre-settlement inspection. So don’t be surprised if it’s not there, but make sure you place a “post it” note in the bathroom if it’s not there.

• Power points. Make sure they all work. Investors often take a phone charger or a hairdryer (or equivalent) with them to check.
• Curtains and shades. Do they all open and close?
• Checking appliances. Do the appliances match up with the sales and purchase agreement and do the brands match? If they don’t you want to make sure an equivalent brand has been used. Make sure you check the heat pump works and that all appliances turn on and off.
• Outside. The landscaping might not be 100% done, but check the builder has removed rubbish. Also, make sure the mailbox and washing line are there (if part of the contract).
• Hot water. Once your cylinder has heated up, check the flow from taps and that they work correctly.

For an even more comprehensive list of what to look out for, download our pre-settlement checklist here.

Why are pre-settlement inspections necessary?

A pre-settlement inspection isn’t unique to New Builds. But, you do need to go through more thoroughly than you would with an existing property.

Why? Because with existing properties you’ve probably already been through the open home and have conducted building inspections. Whereas with a New Build, this will be the first time you’ve been through the property.

Investors who skip the pre-settlement inspection risk-taking on a property with glaring issues.

Now, to be fair, if there is an undiscovered issue your tenant picks up the developer will fix it (for the first 12 months). So if you do miss something, it’s not the end of the world.

But if there is something wrong that you don’t pick up pre-settlement e.g. there’s paint on the carpet, it might not be fixed straight away. That’s because a developer will often wait until there are multiple issues across the properties before sending contractors to do them in one hit.

I’ve found some things I want fixed, what’s the process?

Once you’ve gone through the property you’ll have put notes or red dots all over the place. You should also send an email to the developer summarising what needs to be fixed along with any photos or videos you’ve taken.

These will be rectified and you will have the opportunity to check again before settlement.

Power points are one thing, but what about the roof - should I hire a professional building inspector?

Most buyers purchasing an existing property will commission a builders’ report. But it is less common for a New Build. So you might be thinking – “Do I need to get a builders’ report?”

New Builds do come with a 10-year builders’ warranty, so that does mean if there is a product defect you may be covered.

But if you want additional reassurance that the property has been well built, then paying for a second pair of eyes (the building inspector) can be a good idea.

Usually, this will cost about $600-$700. The question is whether you want to pay for that reassurance or not.

It is important to note that if you are using a third party to purchase a New Build, they may do the pre-settlement inspection on your behalf.

What’s my next step?

The most important part of the pre-settlement inspection is the preparation. You need to walk in with a game plan.

You need to know what to check, and you also need your reference details like specification documents and your sale and purchase agreement.

That way you can walk in with confidence knowing exactly what you need to do and what to look for.

This means you can then brief the developer and builder on exactly what needs to happen before settlement.

Write your questions or thoughts in the comments section below.