New Construction Inspection: Why New Homes Need an Inspection
Homeowners across the nation are excited by newly constructed homes. You can watch as a house built to your specifications is constructed before your very eyes when you start a new construction. While you may expect your new home to be flawless from the start, there could be some issues that need immediate attention.
Before moving in, it’s important to have a home inspection done. We will discuss the importance of home inspections for new homes and what to expect from a licensed inspector who assesses your new home.
What is a Home Inspection?
Home inspections are conducted by a licensed, qualified home inspector who inspects the condition of a property and then writes a report detailing their findings. The inspector will examine the HVAC, plumbing, electrical, water, sewer, roof and more.
An inspection is the final check that ensures homeowners get their property in a condition as near to perfect as possible.
Why Should you get an Inspection on a Brand new House?
A brand new house should be inspected before closing. New homes are often a mess due to construction mistakes. If not addressed early, these issues can cause homeowners major headaches in the future.
No home is perfect.
No new house is perfect, regardless of how skilled its builders are. Even the best construction companies make mistakes. Unfortunately, some construction firms cut corners in order to complete a home within a certain time frame or budget. Home inspection in Chandler can help detect any residual problems from the construction process.
The building codes do not include everything.
Building codes may be followed by skilled contractors, but they don’t always ensure that homes are built to perfection or meet all safety standards. To minimize safety concerns, home inspections verify that new homes adhere to local building codes.
Your house was worked on by many different crews.
Depending on how the house was built and the number of crews involved, it could have been worked on by several teams. It can lead to miscommunications, safety issues, or other problems. These problems are often caught by building inspections before they become dangerous or serious.
The Benefits of a Home Inspection.
New homeowners can benefit from home inspections in many ways. The following benefits are available to new homeowners:
- Protect yourself from “buyer’s remorse”, where homeowners regret buying a new home.
- Homeowners insurance approval. In most cases, some mortgage lenders require that home inspections be performed before approving a loan. Many insurance companies require home inspections of four points on all new homes.
- Price negotiations are more powerful. Home inspections can allow buyers to negotiate lower prices if they discover defects they will have to pay later.
- Future savings will be higher. Early detection of problems allows homeowners to repair them faster, preventing further structural damage.
- Achieving peace of mind. Home inspections ensure that homeowners won’t be surprised by obvious issues after moving into a newly built property.
Building Code Inspectors vs. Private Home Inspectors.
New homes must be checked by local or municipal building code inspectors. Private home inspectors are not these individuals.
They work for local municipalities or cities. Building inspectors ensure that all new homes adhere to local building codes.
Private home inspectors, on the other hand are contractors who provide comprehensive inspections, including an in-depth examination of residential properties. They then provide homeowners with their professional opinion about the condition of the house, potential issues and more.
Schedule a private inspection of your home if a building code inspector already inspected it.
How Do You Find a Reputable Home Inspector?
Home inspectors who are reputable and reliable should be hired by future homeowners to inspect their newly purchased properties. Home inspectors who are reputable offer professional, thorough work. Reputable home inspectors are less prone to overlook building problems that could lead to higher costs in the future.
Check the social media pages of any inspector to see reviews, testimonials from previous customers, and an overall sense of quality. A Realtor can also be a great resource for locating qualified home inspectors.
Do home inspectors need a license to practice?
It depends on your state. Nevada, Texas and New York are some of the states that require home inspectors to be licensed. (Others do not.) Before searching for a reliable home inspector, homeowners should check the licensing requirements of their state.
What Types of Home Inspections Are Available for a New House?
Different types of home inspections are available for new homes. Let’s go over some of the most important and common inspections that you should order when buying a new house.
Inspection of Foundations.
The foundation of a house is inspected for signs of degeneration, instability, or soil issues. These assessments can help to prevent damage that could be long-lasting, like sloping or cracked foundations. Some homebuyers opt for a prepour inspection in order to reduce issues with grading and other lot issues prior to the builder pouring the foundation.
Inspection of Framing.
Inspections of the framing in newly built houses are conducted. Inspectors of framing should review the home during construction and after it is finished. Inspectors will also conduct framing checks after checking critical systems such as electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems. It is also known as a pre drywall inspection.
Blue-tape Inspection.
Close to the completion of construction, inspectors conduct blue-tape checks. Future homeowner, Realtor and the lead contractor walk through the property one last time. The homeowner, Realtor, or professional inspector that they bring along will use “bluetape” or other marking tools to identify problems during the walk-through. The builder will then use the punch list to correct any issues before moving in.
Final Inspection.
The final inspections are performed just before moving in. These inspections are conducted by future homeowners who walk through the home and note any problems they find, like electrical outlets that do not work.
Termite Inspection.
Inspections of new homes in areas with termite infestations are important. Licensed contractors inspect for signs that termites have burrowed into walls or flooring. Early detection of infestations allows pest control professionals to enter the property, treat the infestation and prevent further damages before the homeowners move in.
Radon Inspection.
Radon tests are performed to detect the toxic gas radon, which is present in new construction. To avoid health issues, inspectors should conduct radon tests before occupants move in. Even if the new property has radon resistant features, homeowners should still order radon tests.
Homeowners across the nation are excited by newly constructed homes. You can watch as a house built to your specifications is constructed before your very eyes when you start a new construction. While you may expect your new home to be flawless from the start, there could be some issues that need immediate attention. Before moving in,…