Everyone feels enthusiastic about acquiring entirely new houses. Fresh paint, shiny home appliances; everything looks and feels new. So, you might wonder, Do I need a home inspection on new construction?
The short answer? Yes. And here’s why.
A new house could have problems that remain unseen despite its flawless external appearance. Inspections of newly constructed homes verify that builders carried out safe and proper work.
The following blog reviews the five critical reasons why missing an inspection could be a big mistake.
1- Even New Homes Can Have Flaws
A new construction project should imply a faultless structure. Constructing a house involves many different components and is a major multi-part operation.
Buildings are prone to errors, which frequently emerge during construction.
Rushed building constructions result in dozens of possible undetected errors that an inspection would reveal.
Real-life example? During a home inspection on new construction, one buyer found out that their upstairs bathroom vent was blowing moist air into the attic, not outside. The small oversight allowed mold growth, which cost a lot to fix.
2. Municipal Inspections Aren’t Enough
Some property owners assume that county or city inspections are sufficient. Unfortunately, that’s not always true.
Municipal building inspectors usually perform short and shallow examinations. The inspection process typically lasts 15 to 30 minutes for basic code verification.
Home inspection procedures for new construction involve extensive scrutiny, unlike standard inspections. As your representative, home inspectors provide service exclusively to you rather than working for the builder or city government. Qualified inspectors devote ample time to conducting thorough examinations that cover every part of the home, beginning with the rooftop and extending down to the basement.
Professional inspectors affiliated with the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) execute more than 1600 unique tests during a home examination.
3. Catch Problems While The Builder Is Still Responsible
One of the biggest benefits of a home inspection on new construction is this: you can catch problems while the builder is still on the hook.
Most builders’ standard warranty extends to one year and includes coverage for specific repair work and other defects. But to fix a fault, you must first know that it exists.
The pre-closing examination, known as a professional inspection, is performed shortly before your final walkthrough. It gives you an opportunity to report problems to the builder before ownership transfers.
Even better, property owners conduct “11-month warranty inspections” right before the warranty termination to identify any issues originating from the initial year.
4. Peace Of Mind Is Priceless
Buying your house stands among your largest life investments. Everyone feels some uncertain tension when purchasing newly built properties, which is understandable, given the investment at stake.
Comprehensive new construction home inspections provide valuable security to buyers and homeowners. It also gives homeowners the security they need to feel their house is risk-free and has a durable structure.
You can sleep peacefully at night knowing your home has a secure foundation, a protected electrical system, and non-leaking plumbing. The mental comfort that an inspection provides makes it worth it.
5. It Can Save You Money In The Long Run
Sure, a home inspection on new construction comes at a price. But it can help you save substantial amounts in terms of repairs that you would pay for later. After neglecting the inspection, you wait six months to discover a silent plumbing leak that destroyed your freshly installed flooring. The needed repairs would probably need at least $5,000 to fix.
An inspection ahead of the closing could have detected that problem.
Home inspections perform the same function as medical checkups do for the human body. Is there any reason to avoid medical examinations just because you feel healthy? Probably not. The same goes for a new construction home inspection.
Real Example: Brand-New Homes Can Have Problems
Sarah and Jake illustrate the situation. The house featured flawless construction in its brand-new state. But their inspector found:
- Missing attic insulation
- A backwards-installed toilet flange.
- Improperly secured deck stairs.
- Unsealed window flashing.
Before the homeowners relocated, the builder solved every noted problem without any additional expenses. The inspection helped them save thousands of dollars easily.
A Quick Recap: Why You Shouldn’t Skip It
Let’s sum it up:
- A new construction project remains vulnerable to mistakes in the building process.
- The level of city inspections falls below what private inspectors provide.
- The builder’s warranty provides protection, so take advantage of its potential.
- It guarantees you peace of mind, which is priceless.
- An inspection helps save money because identifying problems during the early stages reduces future expenses.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Investment
So, what’s the takeaway?
Getting a home inspection on new construction isn’t about doubting your builder; it’s about protecting your investment, your safety, and your future.
It may be a minor thing to do, but it has far-reaching implications.
Don’t move in blind. Call Red Fish Inspections right now to schedule your new construction home inspection and experience a smooth moving experience.
Our certified inspectors dedicate their time to conducting field research while identifying hidden issues that other inspectors neglect to identify.
We communicate with our clients in straightforward language so they understand the issues at hand clearly. There is no jargon, no stress, just honest, thorough work.
