What should a Queensland contractor record at practical completion?

What the domestic definition looks for

The Act's Schedule 1B wording for domestic building work has three parts. The work is in compliance with the contract, including all plans and specifications and all statutory requirements applying to it. It has no defects or omissions other than minor ones that will not unreasonably affect occupation. And if the owner claims there are minor defects or omissions, the contractor gives the owner a defects document.

QBCC's handover page adds that the home must be suitable for occupation, meaning it functions as a normal home, has power and water and is weatherproof. Items such as painting touch-ups can still be outstanding, but there must be no major defects. This guide covers domestic work only. Check your own contract for its definition on commercial jobs.

Sources[1][2]

The defects document

QBCC says the contractor and owner walk through the property at the handover inspection and complete the defects document. It lists the minor defects and omissions both parties agree to, and must state when the contractor will attend to them. It must separately list any minor defects or omissions that only the owner believes exist. It must be signed by both parties, or, if the contractor has signed, the contractor needs to make reasonable efforts to have the owner sign.

Keep a copy of the signed document, or a record of your efforts to get the owner's signature.

Sources[2]

A practical completion record you can copy

This table is our recommended record, not a statutory form. It keeps the completion facts separate from the payment claim.

Sources[1][2]

Notice, documents and final payment

Check the contract's notice and handover procedure before arranging the inspection. Confirm what must be delivered at practical completion and what evidence is needed for the final payment claim.

QBCC also says some contracts require all certificates of inspection, including the final certificate, before final payment, and recommends providing them before receiving final payment. A final payment request must follow the contract, plans and specifications and the statutory requirements.

Sources[2]

Record entry you can copy

Replace every square bracket, then save it on the job.

Job: [address and contract reference]
Inspection date: [DD/MM/YYYY]   Attended by: [names]
Scope complete against contract, plans and specifications: [yes / no, notes]
Statutory certificates held: [list]
Power, water and weatherproofing: [confirmed / notes]
Documents handed over: [list]
Defects document: agreed items [number], owner-only items [number], attend by [DD/MM/YYYY]
Signed by owner: [yes / no]   If no, my efforts to obtain signature: [dates and method]
Payment claim: checked against contract clause [number] on [DD/MM/YYYY]

Sources[1][2]

Common questions

What is included in practical completion?

For Queensland domestic building work, the Act's wording covers work done in compliance with the contract, plans, specifications and statutory requirements, no defects other than minor ones that will not unreasonably affect occupation, and a defects document where the owner claims minor defects. QBCC adds that the home must be suitable for occupation.[1][2]