5 Reasons to Get a New Construction Home Inspection

Do You Need a Home Inspection on a New Build?

Buying a new construction home can be very exciting. From picking out your custom finishes to planning your new living spaces, there is a lot to think about during the buying/construction process. One thing you do not want to forget is to have your newly-constructed home inspected by a professional home inspector.

You may ask yourself if you need a home inspection on a brand new home, and the answer is always yes! A final walk-through with the builder is simply not enough. A professional home inspector will be looking out for your best interests, and alert you to any potential issues with the home. Below are 5 important reasons why you should consider a new construction home inspection:

1. No home is perfect, not even new ones.

Building a home requires an enormous amount of materials, multiple different contractors, and different methods of construction. A standard size home can have up to 10,000 parts. It is not uncommon for things to be overlooked or go unnoticed with so many variables in play.

These are just a few examples of issues we’ve found on our new construction inspections:

• Areas of missing soffits, which can allow unwanted pests to enter your attic and living space

• Plumbing leaks behind exterior siding

• Missing or insufficient roof flashing that can lead to moisture damage

• Loose or improperly installed roofing shingles

• Electrical issues such as incorrect wiring or inoperable outlets

• Reverse-plumbed fixtures where the hot water comes on in the cold position, and vice-versa

These issues were able to be repaired before the homeowner moved in.

A builder will often tell you that the home is under warranty, so wait until after moving in to see if any issues pop up. Most homeowners will not recognize electrical, roofing, etc. issues simply because they do not have the tools to test them, or they are unable to access a roof like a home inspector. While it is important to have an 11 Month Warranty Inspection, why let problems fester for almost a year, potentially causing further damage and/or safety issues?

2. Have issues corrected before you move in.

Nobody wants to move into a brand new home, only to be burdened by more construction. Dust, noise and debris from ongoing repair work can be a nightmare. There will likely be some minor repairs required after moving in, but you will want the builder to correct any significant issues prior to taking occupancy.

3. County inspections and home inspections are very different.

City/county inspectors work for the local municipality. They are there to make sure that new construction lives up to a minimum building code. Home inspectors work for you (the homebuyer), and follow a Standards of Practice and InterNACHI Code of Ethics while inspecting your future home. We provide a complete inspection of your home, from the roof to the foundation, and cover everything that our general home inspection includes.

County inspectors are often very busy, sometimes conducting as many as 20 inspections per day. By contrast, our home inspections can last up to 4 hours on-site, and then additional time to complete the home inspection report.

4. Building codes often defer to manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Building codes help to ensure that safe, reliable homes are being constructed. These codes often have a basic set of standards. Proper installation of several components (i.e., James Hardie siding) requires them to be installed per the manufacturer’s specifications. Sometimes these specifications are unknown to the builder and/or code inspector, so items can be improperly installed. With so many moving pieces on a new construction build, even the best home builders may sometimes overlook issues. Hiring a home inspector as an unbiased, third-party will allow for a fresh set of eyes on the home.

5. Don’t get stuck with expensive repairs.

When the time comes to sell your once-new home, the buyers will probably hire a home inspector. The home inspection report may reveal problems from the original build that you never knew existed. As a result, correcting these items will now be up to you, because your one year builder’s warranty has probably expired. Don’t let these items go unnoticed, leaving you with an expensive repair.

How Do I Schedule My New Construction Home Inspection?

That’s easy! Call, text or email us today to schedule your Home Inspection in Raleigh, NC and surrounding areas including all of the Triangle Area. We offer free, no obligation Home Inspection quotes.

Call, Text or Email Us Today!

Buying or selling a home in the Triangle area? Our detailed home inspection consists of a thorough examination of all systems and components of the home. See one of our sample home inspection reports and read our 5-star home inspection Triangle area reviews. We’re always here to answer any questions, whether it’s weeks, months or years after your home inspection. Let our local, Triangle area home inspectors help you make an informed decision.

New Leaf Home Inspections provides home inspection services to all of the counties located in the Triangle area.