Handover and final documentation

It must be 'suitable for occupation', meaning it functions as a normal home, has power and water, and is weatherproof.

Handover usually happens after practical completion, once the major work is done and any agreed minor defects have been listed and a plan is in place to fix them. The house or work done for a renovation can still have some outstanding items, such as painting touch-ups, but must not include any major defects.

At handover, the owner gets the keys (if applicable) and important documentation.  

Certification documents

The type of certification that applies to your specific project may vary based on the building type, location and scope of work. Reach out to a licensed building certifier or your local council for further guidance on what certifications are relevant in your situation.  

Below are the key types of certificates issued:  

• Practical completion certificate is not a mandatory regulatory requirement but may be issued under your building contract. It signifies the building is substantially complete, but does not address regulatory compliance or suitability to occupy.  
• Final inspection certificate (Form 21) is relevant for detached houses and smaller structures, indicating satisfactory completion of building work and compliance with building approvals. It’s typically provided to an owner and lodged with local government.  
• Certificate of occupancy (Form 11) is relevant for multi-storey apartments and townhouses, indicating a building is fit for occupation.  

If you have built a new pool or installed a new pool fence, the certifier must issue a Form 17—final inspection certificate for pools and barriers (PDF) and provide a copy to the QBCC.

As it’s your responsibility to ensure each stage of the construction has been certified by a private certifier or a building certifier employed by a local authority, check that you have all inspection certificates confirming the work has been completed correctly.  

If you have not received all certification documents, submit a Form 35—owner request for a copy of inspection documentation (PDF, 169KB). The building certifier needs to provide the inspection documentation within five business days. 

Other documents

Ensure you also receive other documentation before handover, such as appliance warranties, product manuals, water or sewage notices, energy ratings, and certificates for electrical, plumbing and gas work.

If there are any issues with appliances after handover (e.g. an oven), contact the product supplier, not the contractor.

Final payment

The contractor can ask for final payment once they reach practical completion.  

On smaller jobs, the contractor can ask for payment when all work is complete. Again, it must follow the contract, plans and specifications, and comply with the relevant statutory requirements.

If you’re taking out a construction loan, your financial institution (e.g. a bank) will also do a final inspection before issuing the final payment.