It’s fun to purchase a new house in Detroit; the house has new paint, new appliances, and a new layout that suits your lifestyle. However, here is a good dose of reality: because it is new, it does not imply that it is perfect.

That’s where a new construction home inspection comes in.

Scores of Detroit homeowners skip it because they are confident that brand-new means no trouble. Here’s a news flash for you: new constructions can have problems, too. The issues may be minor, but we cannot entirely rule out the possibility of more serious problems. If you are buying a newly built house in Detroit, reading this blog will guide you through what home inspectors look for during inspections and why they are important.

Why Inspect a New Home

Imagine purchasing a new car and finding squeaky brakes or a fluttering engine light. How frustrating would that be? Homes are no different. The fact that a house is new does not imply that it was constructed with perfection.

During construction, numerous teams are involved, including framers, electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians. Even if a single team member falters on their job, this might cause problems. That’s why a new construction home inspection is your best safeguard against potential issues.

A 2022 survey by Real Estate Witch found that 89% of newly built homes required early repairs, even though no one had yet lived in them. Common problems included electrical (41%), plumbing (37%), foundation (35%), roofing (32%), and HVAC (38%). Detroit is not an exception.

Common Issues in New Construction Homes

Here’s a look at some of the most common issues in new construction homes that Detroit inspectors often uncover:

Improper Grading and Drainage

The weather cycle of freezing and thawing can be harsh on foundations in Detroit. Improper grading may result in the pooling of water around the house, leading to subsequent leaks in the basement or damage to the foundation.

HVAC Problems

Ducts in many of these new homes are not sealed, or are oversized or undersized for the building. It impacts energy bills and comfort, particularly during cold Detroit winters.

Roofing Errors

Shingles installed at an inappropriate temperature or with improper flashing tend to fail prematurely. New roofs are not an exception to this.

Electrical Code Breaches

Wrong wiring of outlets or overcrowding of panels is another issue. It is not only inconvenient but risky, too.

Plumbing Defects

Plumbing errors may include issues such as clogged sink traps or leaks behind walls, which can be more expensive to repair in the future.

So What Do Inspectors Look For

A new construction home inspection in Detroit covers every inch of your home, from roof to foundation. This is what will normally be checked by a certified inspector:

Structure and foundation

Damage to the basement walls.
Uneven flooring.
Improperly installed framing.

Attic & roof

Adjustment of the shingles and ventilation.
Proper insulation.
Flashing and roof penetrations.

Exterior

Siding installation.
Window sealing.
The slope drains away from the foundation.

Electrical Systems

Operating outlets and protection against GFCI.
Breaker panel integrity
Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.

Plumbing

Water pressure.
Leak detection.
Water heater functionality.

HVAC

Furnace and AC efficiency.
Ductwork sealing.
Thermostat operation.

Interior

Doors and windows are functioning properly.
Flooring installation.
Cosmetic and minor defects (nail pops, uneven paint).

All these are crucial elements and cannot be brushed aside, even in a new home. There are things that builders may overlook. These are caught through an inspection.

The Three Stages of New Construction Inspections

In case you choose to construct your home ground-up in Detroit, you will have an option of inspecting various stages:

Pre-Pour Inspection (Foundation)

It means that the ground is well-prepared, and a plumbing system is in place before the concrete is poured.

Pre-Drywall Inspection

This is done before the installation of insulation and drywall. It is the opportune time to identify errors in framing, wiring, and ducts.

Finish Check (Before Closing)

This is the most common and includes everything that the owner of the house sees and lives with every day.

Detroit-Specific Considerations

The conditions are special in Detroit homes because the weather and local codes often challenge homes. Having a local inspector who is familiar with Detroit’s soil conditions, snowfall, and aging infrastructure would easily detect problems that an out-of-town inspector might miss.

This includes:

The foundations in most Detroit neighborhoods are influenced by clay soil, which expands and contracts.
New constructions may still come with outdated plumbing lines as they pass through older parts of the city.
Local energy codes may require insulation standards established in that area, which may not be available in other regions.

That’s why hiring a local for your new construction home inspection makes a big difference.

Do not count on the Builder’s Inspection

Many builders have their own quality controls. However, they are not always detailed and objective. They are not interested in long-term sustainability but rather in completing the project as soon as possible.

An independent new construction home inspection ensures that someone is looking out for you, not just the builder’s schedule.

Final Thoughts

A new home in Detroit is an exciting achievement. Nevertheless, you risk more than peace of mind by not going for the inspection. Minor problems may transform into major and costly repairs in the future.

Think of a new construction home inspection as your last line of defense before moving into your new home. It will provide you with an opportunity to fix issues when the builder is still accountable to them. A home is the place where you need to feel secure and at ease. A new home may or may not have these traits.

Here at Blessed Assurance Home Inspection, we are the leading provider of new construction inspections in Detroit. Our certified inspectors know what to look out for in the Motor City’s newly constructed homes. We are thorough, honest, and local.

Don’t take any chances; schedule a home inspection if you’re building a custom new home or purchasing an already finished one. BAHI is your go-to inspection company when you need it.

Call us today to schedule your new construction home inspection and ensure your new Detroit home is truly move-in ready, with no surprises, just peace of mind.