3 Reasons to Order a Home Inspection on New Construction
When you buy a newly built home, you may think that new construction means the building is in perfect condition. Ordering an inspection doesn’t seem important because you’re not purchasing an older home. However, there are benefits to having a home inspection on new construction. Protect yourself and verify that your new home is move-in ready.
New Homes May Have Issues
A house is constructed by a variety of contractors and sub-contractors. Roofers, plumbers, electricians, framers, and a flooring crew are just some of the workers that help to build your home. It’s impossible for your builder to supervise every aspect of the project. Defective materials might be used or there could be issues with the construction. The problems may be minor, like a dripping faucet, or could be more severe, such as cracks in the foundation.
Common issues that home inspectors regularly see in new homes include:
- Missing or improperly installed roof shingles, leading to water damage
- Insufficient insulation for the local climate
- Unattached ductwork preventing heating and air-conditioning units from working
- Improper appliance installation
- Damaged roof trusses
- Windows that will not shut, latch, or open easily
- Warped floorboards
- Faulty wiring
- Poor grading and drainage
Discovering these problems through a home inspection gives your builder time to make repairs before closing. Otherwise, the homeowner may not discover issues for months or even years after moving in.
Municipal Inspection vs. Complete Inspection
With any new construction, city or county building officials are required to sign off that a building is safe. Many homeowners naively rely on these inspections to find any problems with their new home. Munipal inspectors only check the construction for violations of city codes. They evaluate the structure based on the city’s minimum requirements for a new home.
Hire a professional inspector who specializes in new home construction to determine the true condition of the workmanship and materials. They will look for problems, safety concerns, and defects in the build. A home inspection is a more complete inspection that assesses every component and system of the property. The inspector will examine major systems like the roofing, electrical, and plumbing and he or she will test minor fixtures like power outlets and water faucets.
Order a Home Inspection on New Construction
Make sure your purchase contract offers you the opportunity to have the property inspected before closing the sale. Because many homeowners see new construction as move-in ready, they do not take advantage of a professional inspection. It’s a small price to pay, especially compared to the amount of money you’re investing in a home. An inspection will help you avoid future home repair costs. If problems are found, you can have the builder make repairs before the sale is final.
Aarrow Home Inspections offers home inspections to the Triangle Area of North Carolina. Contact us to schedule our services.