When approaching the completion of your home, there are a few things to bear in mind. Have a read through the below checklist and be sure to ask any questions.

INSURANCE:

While the home is under construction, Pacific Builds has 'contract works' build insurance which covers your home for burglary or fire etc. However this policy is only during construction and expires when (1) the owners move in or (2) code of compliance is issued from council. So its important to arrange your full house insurance so that its organised before our contract works cover expires. We will write you a "Practical Completion Letter" which states the house is 'ready for occupation' whilst the code of compliance process is underway. This letter can be used for you to put your full house insurance cover in place until code of compliance certificate is issued.

COC / COUNCIL:

Code of Compliance is a certificate issued by the local council. Essentially its made up of 2 stages:

1) A final Inspection by the council. This is where the council go over the home and make sure it complies with the building code and with the consented plans. Because every inspector is different they can have different interpretations of whats required and often there may be several items requiring attention, if this happens, they are quickly remedied and a re-inspection is organised to check its been sorted. Once the final inspection has passed, we will forward you the ‘Passed Final Inspection Certificate.’
This enables you to get your final drawdowns from the bank in lieu of the Code of Compliance Certificate being processed.

2) Once the final inspection has 'Passed,' everything goes back to the council offices for a full document review. They ensure they have all the required certification statements and signoff's from critical subtrades. We take care of this entire process. It can take the council up to 4 weeks to process everything and issue the final “Code of Compliance Certificate.” Because this is a back-office function and council can take weeks to issue the certificate, we can still proceed with handover provided you have insurance in place and final payments have been made.

INVOICE PAYMENTS:

It is important that all outstanding payments are made before taking possession of your new home. Some banks require the code of compliance certificate to be issued, before they release the final funds. However, most banks are satisfied if the inspection has passed and we have provided our 'practical completion' letter. Please advise if there is any issues with final drawdowns from the bank in order to reschedule handover date.

POWER:

During construction, the power is being paid for by Pacific Builds, the connection is in place and commencement fee's paid. On the date of handover or move-in (whichever comes first) you will need to have the power bill transferred into your name. We use Contact Energy for the supply of the temp power, however you are able to use any power retailer you like and the transition is fairly smooth. You can call them in advance and just let them know what day the changeover needs to take place. Because 'smart meters' are used these days it means that theres no need for the meters to be read as the meter reading is sent electronically and available to the power companies at changeover.

PHONE / INTERNET:

You will need to advise your telephone or internet retail company as soon as you can. Ideally they like to have 2 - 3 weeks notice. Because you are in a new home, we have organised the fibre optic conduit from the street to the house. Our electricians have wired in a data cabinet in the garage and this continues the conduit from the outside of the home through to the data cabinet. However once you select your provider, you need to tell them that its a new home as the 'first connection' will require them to send a technician (this is typically free of charge) to connect up your router and send the fibre optic through the conduit to the data board. They will also ensure you are getting internet access and configure your router. Your best bet is to give as much notice as possible so they can schedule the technician for the approximate handover date and be sure to tell them that there is a compliant data cabinet inside and the fibre conduit has been installed in the trench during the build.

SITE ACCESS:

Please ensure all site access privately (homeowners themselves and their contractors e.g. window coverings) are scheduled for after the handover date, or by prior arrangement. This is to avoid issues around accidental damage, site security and maintaining insurance and our health & safety requirements. The home transforms significantly when carpet goes down so if you can hold off viewing until after final cleaning, it is an awesome wow-factor at the final walkthrough.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS / DELIVERIES:

Pre-Handover we like to give our trades people a clear run and cleaners full access to all areas. Also our insurance doesn’t cover homeowners personal contents. Please ensure any deliveries occur after handover. As we clean the house with it fully cleared and take our handover photos with a clear home. Our contract works insurance is limited in regards to homeowners items so if anything is damaged or missing, it wouldn’t be covered.

Our tradesmen will install the items supplied by Pacific Builds. E.g. the cooktop + oven + dishwasher is installed by us. However your fridge + washing machine + drier are items that are client connected after handover (even when the fridge has a water plumbing connection). Please ensure the fridge and washing machine, dryer are delivered after handover unless by prior arrangement.

WE’RE EXCITED TO GET YOU MOVED INTO YOUR NEW HOME - PLEASE KEEP IN TOUCH WITH ANY QUERIES!