What to do at the end of your New Home Build

21 Jan

Written By Build Together Project Management

Most people think the handover process is just about getting keys and celebrating. They focus on inspecting finishes and ticking boxes.

But here's what I've learned after years of working with homeowners: by the time you're walking through with your builder at handover, the power has already shifted. And if you didn't set things up properly in your contract months earlier, you've got almost no way to fix problems without a fight.

Let me tell you about Sarah.

She was so excited for handover day. She'd been dreaming about this moment for 18 months. But when she walked through her brand new home, she found cracked tiles in the bathroom, paint splatters on the kitchen benchtop, and the wrong tapware installed in the ensuite.

When she raised these issues with her builder, he handed her the final payment claim and said, "Just pay the balance and we'll come back to fix those minor things next week."

Sarah trusted him. She paid.

Three weeks later, the builder still hadn't returned her calls. Six weeks later, his office told her he'd "get to it when he can." The minor fixes? They never happened. She ended up paying someone else $4,200 to fix issues that should have been covered.

Here's what Sarah didn't know: her contract had a defects liability period, but it was poorly worded. It didn't clearly state what constituted a defect, what timeframes applied, or what happened if the builder didn't respond. She had rights on paper, but no practical way to enforce them.

Why most people get this wrong

Everyone thinks handover is about inspection. And yes, you should absolutely inspect thoroughly.

But what really matters is what your contract says about what happens next.

Most standard building contracts have clauses that sound reassuring but are actually designed to protect the builder, not you. They'll say things like "the builder will rectify defects within a reasonable timeframe" without defining what reasonable means. Or they'll require you to pay the full balance before defects are fixed, leaving you with zero leverage.

The real power of handover isn't in spotting problems. It's in having a contract that gives you actual tools to get them fixed without begging, waiting, or paying twice.

What actually protects you at handover

After working with dozens of homeowners through their builds, I've seen what makes the difference. It's not about being difficult or suspicious. It's about having specific things written into your contract before you even break ground.

The contracts that protect people have:

Specific defect response times: Not "reasonable timeframe" but actual days. Like "builder must respond within 5 business days and commence rectification within 10 business days."
Defined dispute resolution: What happens if you can't agree whether something is a defect or not? Good contracts spell this out.
Documentation requirements: What paperwork the builder must provide at handover, like warranties, compliance certificates, and manuals. If it's not listed in the contract, good luck getting it.

When I reviewed Emma's contract before she signed it, I flagged that her builder was using a template that required full payment at handover with only a vague promise to "address any issues." We negotiated a 15% completion clause and specific timeframes for defect rectification.

At her handover, she found several issues. But because her contract was tight, her builder came back within the week and fixed everything properly. She released the retention once the work was done. No stress, no fighting, no paying twice.

That's the difference a quality contract makes.

The handover checklist you actually need

Here's what should happen at the end of your build, based on what your contract should require:

Notice of practical completion
Your builder gives you written notice that the works are complete. This triggers specific timeframes in your contract for inspection, payment, and defect rectification. Make sure your contract defines what "practical completion" actually means.
Occupancy permit or final inspection certificate
Your builder provides proof that the building complies with regulations and is safe to occupy. Your contract should state that final payment isn't due until you receive this.
Your inspection period
You should have a set number of days (usually 5-10) to inspect the property and provide a defects list. This should be in your contract, not just hoped for.
Final payment claim with retention
The builder submits the final claim, but you hold back the agreed retention amount until defects are rectified. This is your leverage, and it only works if it's in your contract.
Defect rectification period
The builder fixes any issues within the timeframes specified in your contract. Once you're satisfied, you release the retention.
All required documentation
You receive warranties, maintenance manuals, compliance certificates, and any other documentation your contract requires. Don't let the builder tell you they'll "send it later."

What to do right now

If you're about to sign a building contract, this is your moment. Once you've signed, your options narrow dramatically.

Before you sign, look at these sections of your contract:

What does it say about practical completion and handover?
Is there a retention amount, and when is it released?
What are the specific timeframes for defect rectification?
What documentation must the builder provide, and when?
What happens if you disagree about whether something is a defect?

If your contract uses vague language like "reasonable timeframe" or requires full payment before defects are fixed, you're setting yourself up for Sarah's experience, not Emma's.

The truth is, most people don't know what to look for. The contract sounds official and professional, so they assume it protects them. But the details matter enormously, and most templates are written to protect the builder.

Get your contract checked before you sign

I've spent years working with builders and homeowners, and I've seen what happens when contracts are tight versus when they're loose. The difference isn't small. It's thousands of dollars, months of stress, and whether you love your new home or resent it.

A Building Contract Health Check shows you exactly where your contract protects you and where it leaves you exposed. We look at the handover provisions, payment terms, defect clauses, and all the other details that determine whether your build goes smoothly or becomes a nightmare.

You'll get: