Final Progress Payment & Occupancy Permit
In most Victorian contracts, the final progress payment becomes due at practical completion.
Before making payment:
Ensure all defects are clearly documented
Confirm the timeline for rectification
Understand what must be completed before handover
The occupancy permit is issued by a registered building surveyor once the home complies with Victorian building regulations. You cannot legally move in until this has been granted.
The PCI inspection and occupancy permit occur around the same time but serve different purposes.
Should You Use An Independent Building Inspector
Some homeowners engage an independent building inspector for their PCI inspection. An independent building inspector provides a technical review of workmanship and compliance. This can offer additional reassurance, particularly for buyers unfamiliar with construction standards.
Whether you choose this option depends on your comfort level. The key is ensuring the inspection is thorough and documented clearly.
As part of our commitment to quality, Eight Homes engages independent building inspection specialists, BPI, to conduct a third-party inspection at Practical Completion Inspection (PCI) stage. This independent assessment provides an additional layer of quality assurance before handover, helping identify any items requiring attention. Once any findings have been addressed, a follow-up inspection is completed to verify the work, giving our customers added confidence that their new home meets the high standards we expect before they receive the keys.
After PCI: The Defects Liability Period
Following handover, your home enters the defects liability period, also known as the maintenance period.
During this time, your builder remains responsible for rectifying agreed defects in accordance with your contract and Victorian requirements.
If new issues arise after moving in, report them in writing so they can be assessed and scheduled for repair.
