There’s hardly any question that you need an inspection when purchasing an existing home. You must examine the property to ensure it is in the condition you expect and that there are no severe problems.
But what about when you are building a new home?
When you are having a home built, you might think there is no need for a home inspection because the house is built from scratch and everything is brand new. However, even new homes can have problems and flaws, that’s why it’s still a good idea to have a home inspection even when you have the house constructed to your exact needs. Here’s why.
Why Do New Homes Need Inspections?
New homeowners can be so excited about finally having their place that they overlook the need for a professional home inspection. They may think that since they’re the ones building their home, they know everything that’s going on.
However, many things can go wrong during construction, and it’s essential to have a professional inspect your home to make sure everything is up to code.
Home inspectors will look for structural issues, electrical problems, and plumbing leaks. They will also check to make sure the home is adequately insulated and that there are no safety hazards.
While it might not be on your priority list, getting a home inspection is vital to protect your investment. So schedule an inspection today, and rest assured that your new home is in good hands.
Common Issues Discovered in New Homes
Newly built houses carry this idea of perfection since they are new— from the finishings to the appliances. But is a new home perfect? Here are some common issues found in new homes during inspections:
- Poor craftsmanship. You might find nails sticking out of the trim, gaps between the flooring and the walls, or crooked cabinets.
- Inadequate weather-proofing. It’s an important factor, especially in places with severe winters or hurricanes. You might find cracks in the foundation or problems with the roof.
- Defective plumbing. This issue can range from simple leaks to more severe problems like poor drainage.
- Electrical hazards. Issues with the electrical system are some of the most dangerous problems you can find in a house— old, new, or otherwise.
- Structural problems. These usually come down to the quality of materials used and workmanship. You might find cracks in load-bearing walls or problems with the foundation.
- HVAC issues. New homes are often built with central heating and cooling, but the systems might not get correctly installed or maintained.
While a new home might come with a sense of perfection, it’s important to remember that no house is perfect. There are always issues, whether it’s due to poor craft, inadequate weather-proofing, or defective plumbing.
The most important thing is to be aware of these potential problems to be prepared for them. And what better way to do that than to have a professional home inspection? For example, if you’re from Melbourne and want your newly-constructed house inspected, Landmark Building Inspections Melbourne can help.
When Can You Get Your New Home Inspected?
You can arrange to get your newly constructed home inspected during the construction process. But it may be wise to arrange two home inspections – before and after the drywall is up.
The first inspection, called a “pre-drywall” or “pre-punch list” inspection, is conducted before the framing, wiring, and plumbing are complete but before the drywall gets installed. This inspection allows you to identify and correct errors and omissions that could get hidden once the drywall is up.
The second inspection, called a “final” or “post-construction” inspection, is conducted after the home is completed but before you move in. This inspection allows you to identify any problems that may have arisen during construction.
For example, the pre-drywall inspection revealed that the framing was not up to code. As a result, the builder would have to make the necessary changes before installing the drywall. It would be more difficult and expensive to fix if you waited until the post-construction inspection to identify this problem.
Or, let’s say the post-construction inspection revealed that the air conditioning unit was not installed correctly. The builder would have to fix this before you moved in. If you waited until you moved in to identify this problem, you would have to live without air conditioning while it was getting fixed.
Skipping these inspections could cost you time and money in the long run. So, it’s essential to know when they should get conducted.
Final Thoughts
Building a home is a considerable investment, and you want to be sure that everything is up to code and meets your expectations. A home inspection can identify potential problems before they become significant issues, from electrical hazards and poor ventilation to water damage.
