If you’re considering buying a new home, it may be important to hire a third party to perform a new home construction inspection. Building codes and building departments are designed to ensure reliable construction, but there’s a huge gray area between best practices and the actual workmanship used in building a house. A third-party inspector will help you find out whether your new house is in good shape, as well as highlight any defects. Here are some common problems you may run into during a new construction inspection:
Questions to Ask a Builder
There are several questions to ask a builder before you sign a contract. For example, you may want to find out whether the builder will design the house according to your specifications. Ask about the standard features of the home, such as decks, fences, and finished basements. You may also want to find out how much each of these features will cost you. You can also ask about the timeline for completion.
You can also ask about the homeowner association or the Architectural Review Committee. You can also find out if the builder works with any contractors or has a preferred lender. Often, these people can give you inside information about the builder and their previous work. You should ask them if they have had any issues. If they have, you should be able to discuss these with the builder.
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) recommends a final walkthrough before the home is sold. Some builders allow several visits, but others may require appointments. Regardless of which one you choose, the inspection is vital. It will help you find out if the builder has missed any issues or is simply underperforming. Ultimately, the inspection is a valuable tool that will help you enjoy your new home.
While the overall construction process of a new home is generally smooth and error-free, problems can arise. Luckily, most new construction homes are backed by warranties. A structural warranty may last only a few years, but a whole-house warranty can cover you for several years. As with any new construction, make sure you ask about this warranty. Ask the builder to provide you with any guarantees in writing.
Pre-drywall Inspection
A pre-drywall inspection is an inspection performed before drywall is installed. This process checks framing, insulation, and plumbing to ensure that everything is in order. During a pre-drywall inspection, you can point out any problems you discover. However, pre-drywall inspections are not required in North Carolina and are not part of your mortgage loan. Therefore, you may want to get one before you sign the contract.
One of the main reasons that a pre-drywall inspection is so important is to catch any issues that may arise during construction. The foundation holds up the entire house, so it has to be solid and carefully planned. It must also be well-placed to avoid the risk of sinking into the land underneath the house. It should also not look uneven and should not expose the land underneath the house. The homeowner should also be aware of any issues that may affect the foundation.
A pre-drywall inspection is especially important for new home construction because it will allow you to check the structural integrity of the house. The inspector will note any problems that may arise during the construction process and document them with pictures and notes. This is very helpful as a record of any problems that were missed or corrected. In addition, a pre-drywall inspection will give you the confidence that your new home will be safe.
Another reason a pre-drywall inspection is important is to ensure that the house is built correctly. A pre-drywall inspection will help you identify any problems with the framing, insulation, plumbing, structural beams, and other elements that may be visible to the naked eye. A pre-drywall inspection will also provide you with pictures of your home, so you can see what needs to be fixed. As the new home construction is expensive, you will want to ensure that it is built to your specifications.
Importance of a New Home Construction Inspection
Before you move into your new house, consider getting a new home construction inspection from Landmark Inspections. These inspections are not only important for your peace of mind but can also help you avoid costly repairs and maintenance costs. After all, you didn’t want to pay for a defective home, did you? By hiring a home construction inspection, you can be sure that the defects and deficiencies are identified before you move in.
The first and most important step in buying a new home is to schedule a construction phase inspection. This inspection will tell you if the construction is meeting local building codes and is structurally sound. It will also let you know if there are any problems with the electrical wiring and plumbing systems. It is important to hire a professional inspector during the construction phase to ensure the building is built according to the latest building codes and is free of defects.
Having a home inspection performed by a building inspector is crucial, regardless of whether you’re buying a new or existing home. It will reveal any potential issues that may arise after the home has been built and can even be a contingency in your contract. A home inspection may even save you significant money, as it will reveal problems that could have been concealed from you. Ultimately, hiring a home construction inspector is the best investment you can make to protect yourself and your investment.
A home inspector will perform a thorough visual examination of the house. These professionals have extensive experience in home construction and are trained to identify hidden problems that you wouldn’t notice yourself. They also use a comprehensive checklist to make a thorough and complete home inspection. If there are problems, a professional home inspector will provide you with photos so you can see for yourself what they found. If the inspector finds anything, they’ll let you know.
Problems with a New Home Construction Inspection
When buying a new home, you should ask the inspector about defects that could cause future problems. Many problems arise during the construction process. For example, there might be cracks in the foundation due to settlement, or paint might not be applied evenly. If you’re unsure whether your inspector is checking for these issues, ask them to perform an inspection at the end of the construction process. Another common problem is that a builder may neglect to finish the exterior of the home.
Another problem you might find is problems with exterior cladding. This problem is often easily fixed, but it can cause major water damage. The builder will be notified of the issue, and you could end up spending thousands of dollars to repair the damage. A home inspector will be able to spot any problems with the exterior cladding, and he or she will report them to the builder. These problems could have been avoided with a home inspection.
Keep a list of things you want to be repaired. Keep a list in the kitchen drawer and submit a checklist every month. At the eleven-month mark, make a final repair request. In addition, take note of any settling cracks in the walls or ceiling. If there’s a problem that wasn’t found during the initial inspection, call the builder and make another appointment. If a problem persists, you can escalate it to the builder’s owner.
In today’s real estate market, builders struggle to build new homes quickly enough to meet the demand. It can take six months for a new home to be finished, and some mistakes may go unnoticed. Although new homes may look beautiful, they don’t require much maintenance, and many have flaws similar to older homes. Even if they’re new, home builders are still human, and mistakes happen.
Finding a Licensed Inspector
A licensed inspector can provide many benefits to a new home buyer, and their primary objective is to ensure that the home is safe and sound. Many inspectors offer multiple services, including foundation inspections, pre-drywall inspections, and final walkthroughs. Other inspectors may focus on one or two areas, and you’ll want to select a home inspector who can provide comprehensive reports. Some inspectors may also be able to take photos, which are valuable in the case of minor repairs.
A certified inspector can help you avoid costly repairs later on. In addition to being trained and certified, they’re insured and bonded. These certifications also ensure that you’ll be protected if you make a mistake in your inspection report. Additionally, a licensed inspector is protected from lawsuits if they fail to spot problems that could result in costly repairs. In most states, it’s best to choose an inspector who has a certification.
While a new home won’t usually come with the same problems that plague older homes, it’s still wise to have one inspected prior to moving in. A home inspector can catch any problems that arise before they turn into a costly headache. He or she can also ensure the safety of your family and loved ones by ensuring the building has passed the inspection requirements. In the case of a new home, a license is mandatory to prevent liability.
When hiring an inspector, make sure to check the building’s wiring and framing. This way, you won’t have to deal with any unexpected surprises later. A licensed inspector can also check a home’s electrical and plumbing systems. The inspector can also provide recommendations for the best heating and cooling systems and recommend repairs as needed. Ultimately, hiring a licensed inspector for new home construction is an excellent insurance policy.