Why You Need a New Construction Home Inspection
New construction homes have all sorts of problems.
Building a home is a very involved process with many different subcontractors working on different projects within different phases of construction, usually without regard to other contractors projects.
With all the separate activities occurring at the same time, it is very difficult for the builder to carefully check all phases of construction. Even the best builders will likely miss something.
Examples of problems we’ve found in newly built homes:
- Broken roof trusses.
- No roof vent.
- Missing siding.
- Improperly sized nails on deck, roof, joists.
- Insufficient insulation in the attic.
- Missing roof gutters and downspouts.
- Improperly installed roof shingles allowing water to penetrate under the shingles.
- Deck guards missing.
- Tiled shower leaks.
- Leaking shutoff valve for sinks.
- Disconnected ducts (a/c, heating and bathroom fans) in attic.
- Improperly installed dishwasher drains.
- Disconnected water heater vents.
- Plumbing vents caps not removed.
- Outside frost-free faucets installed incorrectly.
- No access panels for bath tub drains.
- No method to disconnect the gas piping after the shutoff valve for gas appliances.
- HVAC condensors installed to improperly.
- Exhaust and intake furnace pipes switched.
- Anti-tip brackets for a range only attached to drywall.
- Kitchen fans run, but dampers at the exterior don't open.
City building inspections are not the same as home inspections.
The job of building inspectors is to check for compliance with applicable building codes. Building codes are minimum standards.
While building inspectors do their best, these inspections are not enough for the
new homeowner.
Problems found before you buy can be fixed before moving in to your new home.
There will minor touch-ups that will take place after you move in, but you don't want the horror of the builder making significant repairs after you move in.
Defects can be repaired before they result in serious consequences or costly damage.
To protect you and your family, safety items should be addressed. We have found wires left cut or unsecured which can spark and
cause a fire. (Electrical issues cause 51,000 fires annually.) Disconnected ducts (a/c, heating) resulting in higher utility bills.
You want these defects found and repaired before you close and move-in to your new home.
It matters when you decide to sell your home.
Deficiencies that date back to the original construction will be discovered even if you never knew they existed. If your 1 Year Builder's Warranty is expired, it's too late to get the builder involved. You now own those problems.
