Handover day is probably the most significant day in any build project. In the months leading up to it, though, there are a few critical steps that need to happen to make sure we’re not scrambling to finish. Let’s take a look at what this period in your build will look like.
LEADING UP TO HANDOVER
While the entire build is essentially leading up to handover, we’ll really start thinking about it once we’ve begun final touch-ups. At this stage, we’ll be installing the last of the fixtures and fittings and cleaning up what’s left of the construction site. If you’ve chosen to integrate your landscaping with the build, your gardens will also be in the final stages.
There are, however, a few more things that need to happen before we can give you the keys:
The practical completion inspection (PCI)
Here at Arklen, we pride ourselves on high-quality craftsmanship and always work incredibly hard to deliver our homes to the highest of standards. But building a home is a big project, and there are bound to be some small imperfections along the way. This is where the Practical Completion Inspection (PCI) comes in. In this, we’ll organise a date to walk with you through your home, room-to- room, end-to-end with the aim of flagging any of these minor issues that still need fixing. There might be a cupboard that’s not shutting quite as smoothly as it should be, or a chip in the paint behind a door; each and every one will get flagged with a bit of blue or green tape. Then, over the next few weeks we’ll go back and address each one.
Setting the date
Once we’ve completed the PCI, we’ll be able to estimate how long we’ll need to tidy things up and can finalise a handover date. This will typically be about 2–4 weeks from the PCI, but every build will be different. The last thing we’d want to do is set a date, let you organise your removalists and set your rental termination in motion, to end up delaying it.
Scheduling your valuation
During the period between the PCI and handover, we’ll send through your final invoice. This you should then forward on to your bank which will trigger the scheduling of the bank’s valuation. Usually quite a simple process, this gives the bank a chance to confirm that the project is complete and liveable.
A few things for you to organise
Now that you know your handover date, there are also a few things that you can start organising yourself:
Utilities: As they’re needed throughout the build, gas, water and power will usually have been set up well ahead of this stage. Before handover, though, we’ll send you a prompt to set up your internet and organise a check on your NBN.
Insurance: We’ll have builder’s insurance that will protect your home during construction, but after handover this will be your responsibility. Best to organise it ahead of time so it’s a smooth transition.
Bins: Your council won’t automatically send your street bins, so it’s a good idea to contact them and organise delivery a few days before handover.
Removalists: Now that you know the handover date you can also book in any removalists and start actually planning your move!
Rental termination: If you’ve been renting through the build, this will also be the time to start organising your rental termination.
Change of address: This one isn’t quite as urgent, but if you get a spare moment, the earlier you can change your addresses, the longer you’ll have to look out for any you might have missed—and avoid losing important mail down the line.
HANDOVER DAY
With the most difficult part behind you, the handover day itself, is usually quite easy and more of a formality. We’ll officially hand over the keys (although you’ll likely have had access to organise a few things before handover, as well) and, if you’d like, we can run through the things we ticked off the PCI list. Other than this, though, your handover day should be one of celebration. The house is officially yours and you deserve to appreciate it before you begin the hard work of moving in.
AFTER HANDOVER
Now, the house might be all yours but please don’t touch a thing and ruin all of our hard work. We kid, of course, but there are a few more things of note.
Learning about your house
Either shortly before or after handover, we’ll also tee up a few appointments for you to learn how your appliances work. Then, in the few months after you’ve moved in, it’s a good idea to consciously learn how your house works as a whole and develop a temperature-control routine. Keep an eye out for any draughts that come through open doors or windows, identify when you need to shut the blinds to keep the heat out, and define the best time to turn on the aircon for the most efficient heating or cooling.
12-month defects liability period
All Arklen homes come with a 12-month defect liability period that starts from handover day. These are typically 4 months, but we believe you should experience your home in all four seasons before confirming that it’s working as it should be. If anything needs urgent fixing, get in touch with us straight away and we’ll come in to give you a hand. If it’s not urgent, just make a note and, at the end of this period, we’ll check-in and make the needed repairs. This could include a door handle that’s coming loose a little too quickly or a door that, without anyone living in the home, no-one noticed rattles in the wind.
We also implore you to make us the first point of call for any issues or future additions. It’s much easier for us to loop you in with suppliers so you don’t need to go chasing them up. We also have the contextual knowledge to make sure solutions are appropriate and effective.
In one of our projects, for example, we had installed electrical services out the back in preparation for a future pool. When it came time to install the pool, though, the contractors weren’t aware of these services and ran the electrical conduit along the side of the house where it’s now visible from the street (see below). The pool still looks stunning, but this could have been avoided if we’d been involved.
Long-term maintenance
Finally, this first year is also a good time to start familiarising yourself with the long-term maintenance tasks that are now your responsibility to organise. From re-treating your timber deck once a year, or repainting outside every five, staying on top of maintenance can save you significant repair costs further down the line. The specific tasks and frequency will all vary depending on your build and location, but the earlier you get a schedule in place the easier it’ll be to stick to.