Posted by Buying a new construction home is an exciting time. After months of watching your home be built from the ground up, the day finally comes when you get to walk through the front door and call it your own. While new construction offers many advantages like customization and brand new features, it also comes with risks that resale homes do not. This is why a New Construction Home Inspection is absolutely essential before signing on the dotted line.
The Importance of Home Inspections
Inspections serve a critical purpose for all home purchases. Having an objective third party thoroughly evaluate the condition of the home prior to closing helps buyers make an informed decision and protects their investment. While inspections are commonly associated with existing homes, they are just as important – if not more so – for new construction.
New construction homes come with an inherent risk since you are buying a home that has never been lived in. There are many complex systems within a house that need to work together properly. Sometimes issues can slip through the cracks with new construction that would have otherwise been caught over time in an older home. An inspection by a qualified professional helps identify any issues that could impact safety, quality, or function before you finalize the purchase.
Common Defects in New Construction
Several issues commonly arise in new construction that may not be immediately apparent upon a walk-through. Some examples include:
- Structural Defects: Issues with the foundation, framing, load-bearing walls or improper insulation. These problems threaten the structural integrity of the home.
- Mechanical Defects: Problems with heating/cooling systems, ventilation, appliances, plumbing or electrical systems. Faulty mechanical systems can be expensive to repair.
- Weather Sealing Issues: Improper insulation, air leaks or sealing issues that allow moisture intrusion. Unwanted air flow can lead to high utility bills and moist conditions that promote mold growth.
- Drainage Issues: Improper grading or drainage away from the structure. Standing water near the foundation leads to cracking and water damage.
- Construction Defects: Poor workmanship and cutting corners leading to things like crooked walls or doors that do not close properly. May not affect function but impacts aesthetics.
Many of these issues would require significant repairs down the road. A New construction home inspection performed by a qualified inspector helps identify defects before the sale is finalized, so they can be remedied by the builder.
Why Your Builder’s Inspection is Not Enough
Builders conduct their own inspections throughout the construction process to ensure everything meets their standards. So why is an independent home inspection still important for new construction? There are a few reasons:
- You need an unbiased assessment. The builder’s inspection is primarily focused on adhering to code and protecting their own interests. Your home inspector only represents your interests.
- Inspectors identify issues the builder may miss. Even the most diligent builder can overlook something or cut corners. Fresh eyes often spot problems that get overlooked.
- Your home inspector works for you. They are not afraid to antagonize the builder to get problems addressed. Builders respond better to a third party report.
- Inspections provide documentation. It protects you down the road if the builder does not properly address issues and they lead to major repairs.
While a builder’s inspection ensures the home meets minimum standards, a New Construction Home Inspection goes above and beyond to identify any issue that may impact your satisfaction as the homeowner.
What to Expect with a New Construction Inspection
New Construction Home Inspection follow the same general process as inspections for resale homes. The inspection occurs after construction is complete, but before closing and move-in.
Here are some specifics on how it works:
- Timing – The inspection is typically scheduled 1-2 weeks prior to closing after all systems are installed and functional. However, deficiencies cannot be fixed at this stage so consider an earlier consultation.
- Walk-through – The inspector examines all systems including structural, exterior, roofing, insulation, electrical, HVAC and plumbing. Cosmetics are also evaluated.
- Review paperwork – The inspector verifies permits were properly pulled and that the home meets code requirements. Blueprints are reviewed.
- Functional testing – Systems like HVAC, appliances, ventilation and plumbing are tested under normal operating conditions.
- Identify issues – Every defect, deficiency or unsatisfactory condition is documented in detail along with options for remediation.
- Explain findings – The inspector presents their report upon completion, provides recommendations and answers any questions.
- Assist repair process – Your inspector advocates on your behalf with the builder to ensure issues are properly corrected prior to closing.
The end result is peace of mind knowing your new construction home has been thoroughly evaluated by professionals who represent your best interests.
Choosing the Right New Construction Inspector
All home inspections require an experienced professional, but selecting the right inspector is especially crucial for new construction. Look for the following qualifications:
- New construction expertise – Ensure they have significant experience specifically inspecting new construction homes, not just resale homes.
- Trusted reputation – Verify they have strong reviews and come recommended by past new construction buyers.
- Advanced training – Look for ongoing education, special certifications and training on new home standards.
- Local market knowledge – Pick an inspector familiar with builders and codes for your specific area.
- Methodical process – They should use a detailed inspection checklist and provide a robust written report.
- State licensing – Confirm the inspection company and inspector carry proper state licenses.
A reputable new construction inspector gives you added assurance that problems will be identified before the sale is final.
When to Schedule Your Home Inspection
Ideally, you should have your New Construction Home Inspection completed 1-2 weeks prior to closing. This ensures all systems and finishes are in place and functional for thorough testing. It also allows some time for repairs to be completed before move-in.
However, earlier in the construction process is better when it comes to identifying and remedying significant structural or design defects. Consider a consultation with your inspector at these key stages:
- Foundation stage – Inspect foundation for signs of cracking or improper water management.
- Framing stage – Evaluate framing, insulation, electrical and plumbing before walls get closed in.
- Pre-drywall stage – Thoroughly inspect mechanicals, ventilation and insulation before drywall conceals them.
- Final walk-through – Completed inspection of all systems right before closing.
Meeting with your inspector during construction allows you to catch serious issues while they can still be easily and inexpensively corrected by the builder.
What the Inspection Report Should Include
A thorough new construction inspection report contains detailed findings that help you make an informed decision about the home. Expect the following:
- Comprehensive assessment – All systems, components and features are evaluated from roof to foundation.
- Clear documentation – Each deficiency includes photographs and detailed descriptions for clarity.
- Itemized issue summary – Problems are summarized with repair options and cost estimates.
- Inspection standards – The report specifies what standards, codes and best practices were used to benchmark performance.
- Pass/fail indication – Summary clearly states whether the home passed inspection and if repairs are recommended.
- Easy to understand – The report is formatted cleanly and written in plain language, avoiding overly technical jargon.
- Builder negotiation – The inspector advocates on your behalf with the builder to make needed repairs.
Carefully reviewing the inspection report gives you the confidence of knowing exactly what condition the new construction home is in prior to completing the purchase.
Don’t Waive Your Right to a Home Inspection
Some builders may encourage buyers to waive the right to a home inspection in order to speed up the process or avoid having to make repairs. This represents an enormous risk, especially with new construction. You should never feel pressured to purchase a home without an independent inspection first.
An experienced new construction inspector acts in your best interests and has the knowledge to identify issues you may miss yourself. The cost of a home inspection is minor compared to the significant expense that can stem from buying a defective home. The peace of mind and protection a New Construction Home Inspection provides far outweighs any small delay or inconvenience to the builder.
Invest in New Construction Peace of Mind
Purchasing a newly constructed home is an exciting experience. You get to customize finishes to your taste, everything is brand new, and maintenance costs are low. But the risk of buying any property without an inspection is simply too high. Protect your investment by hiring an experienced home inspector that specializes in new construction.
A thorough New Construction Home Inspection provides third party verification that your home is structurally sound, free of defects, and operating properly. The detailed report arms you with objective information to make a confident buying decision. It also ensures the builder remedies any issues, so you don’t get stuck with expensive repairs down the road.
Don’t get too caught up in the excitement of your new home. Take time to schedule a comprehensive inspection from qualified professionals devoted to protecting your satisfaction and investment. The peace of mind and assurance provided is well worth the small time and money investment. After all, your home is likely the biggest purchase you’ll ever make – invest in confidence and make it a smooth one!