Buying a new home is one of the most exciting and stressful times in a person’s life. After months of searching, you’ve finally found the perfect home for your family. While new construction offers the appeal of customization and brand new amenities, it also requires diligence to ensure the home is built to plan and free of defects. This is where new construction inspection come in.
The Importance of Inspections for New Homes
New construction inspections are a critical part of the home buying process. These inspections identify any issues with the home while it’s still under construction and easy to remedy. Purchasing a newly constructed home is very different from buying an existing resale home. With resale homes, buyers have the benefit of hindsight. They can clearly see any problems or defects in the home before deciding whether to move forward with the purchase.
With new construction, buyers must rely on inspections to uncover any issues. Once the home is complete, it becomes much more difficult and expensive to address problems. Inspections allow buyers to confirm the home is built according to code and free of defects. This helps provide peace of mind and can prevent expensive surprises down the road.
When to Schedule Inspections
New construction inspections should be scheduled at multiple stages throughout the building process. Each inspection focuses on key components of the home’s construction. Scheduling inspections at different phases ensures no details are overlooked.
The first inspection should occur after the foundation is installed and inspected by the city or county building inspector. The foundation is a key structural component, and it’s important to verify it was properly installed. Poor foundation work can lead to cracks or settling issues.
Framing inspections come next. The home’s frame and rough work are examined, including structural components, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and more. Walls, windows, roof, and other framing elements are checked at this stage. Issues are much easier to remedy when the home is still an empty frame without drywall or finishes.
Insulation, drywall, and other rough-in inspections follow after the framing inspection. Plumbing, electrical, ventilation, insulation, and fire stopping are carefully examined at this stage. Then a final inspection is done once the home is nearly complete. Finishes, fixtures, cabinets, trim, and any other final details are checked.
Sticking to this optimal inspection schedule helps buyers feel confident every inch of the home has been thoroughly examined before closing.
Choosing the Right Inspector
Selecting the right inspector is key to a successful new construction inspection. Look for an inspector who specializes in new construction and has extensive experience inspecting homes at various stages of the building process. They should be familiar with local building codes and standards. The inspector should also maintain all necessary certifications and licenses related to home inspection.
Verify the inspector will conduct a comprehensive inspection at each stage. They should provide a detailed written report explaining any issues uncovered and recommendations for repair. The report should also confirm components that meet code and industry standards. Look for an inspector who takes the time to explain their findings and answer all your questions.
Independent home inspectors are best, since they have no stake in the sale of the home. Some builders may recommend inspectors they regularly work with. But these inspectors may face a conflict of interest. Independent inspectors put the buyer’s interests first.
What to Expect During the Inspection
The inspector will arrive on site to visually examine the home’s construction and workmanship. For a framing inspection, they’ll look at the structural integrity of the frame, along with proper installation of components like windows, exterior doors, roofing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and insulation.
The inspector will look for any signs of structural issues or potential safety hazards, as well as code violations. They may use tools like moisture meters, outlet testers, and levels to aid in the inspection. The inspector will also confirm the home is constructed according to the approved plans.
Don’t be surprised if the inspector moves panels, pulls back insulation, or pokes around behind walls. They are trying to examine areas that will eventually be covered up and inaccessible. After thoroughly inspecting the home, the inspector will review their findings with you. They can explain any problem areas and answer questions.
Potential Issues to Look For
New construction inspections help uncover defects and code violations before the home is finished. Here are some common issues to look for:
Structural & Foundation
- Cracks in foundation walls or floors
- Improper reinforcement of foundation
- Basement water leakage or dampness
- Poor quality concrete workmanship
Framing
- Improperly sized framing members
- Insufficient framing around openings
- Missing structural framing members
- Poor quality lumber
Plumbing
- Leaking pipes or joints
- Improper slope/venting of drainage pipes
- Cross-connected hot and cold supply lines
- Inferior fixtures that don’t meet code
Electrical
- Inadequate wiring size or type
- Lack of arc-fault and ground-fault circuit protection
- Light fixtures not properly supported and secured
- Improper cover plate installation
HVAC
- Inadequate system size for the home
- Improper ductwork installation
- Lack of adequate equipment support
- Bathroom fans not vented to the exterior
Insulation & Ventilation
- Insufficient insulation in walls, floors, ceilings
- Gaps or voids in insulation coverage
- Lack of air sealing around windows, doors, and openings
- Inadequate attic/roof ventilation
Paying attention to these common trouble areas ensures your new home’s systems and structure all meet today’s building standards and codes.
How Inspections Protect New Home Buyers
New construction inspection reports create an important paper trail for the buyer. The reports document any issues uncovered during the building process before closing. This provides proof of construction defects should legal action become necessary.
Inspections also motivate the builder to proactively remedy any problems. Builders don’t want defects documented in an official report. They are much more likely to promptly correct issues when the inspection reports are shared.
Having inspection reports that confirm code compliance also provides peace of mind for buyers. This paperwork trail demonstrates due diligence was taken to ensure your new home was built correctly. Thorough inspections and documentation are your best protection as a new home buyer.
Purchasing a newly constructed home is always a leap of faith on the buyer’s part. Paying for quality professional new construction inspections helps minimize the risk and provides vital confirmation your new home is as perfect as you dreamed. Don’t skip this important step when buying a new home.
The investment in multiple inspections is minor compared to the headaches and costs of fixing major issues down the road. A thorough inspection regimen safeguards your exciting new home purchase!
