“We are buying a newly constructed house; everything looks fine to us. We don’t need a home inspection now.”
If you are also thinking something similar, then you’re mistaken. Whether you’re buying an old house or a newly constructed one, getting a home inspection is a must. It is not a requirement, but it might become a future regret if you choose to skip it. It might seem like a hassle at first or just an additional expense, but if you want to ensure that the house meets high-quality standards, then the best way is to get a home inspection.
Yes, the builder must have followed the building regulations, but there is always a chance for human error that might lead to defects in construction. These can range from minor inconveniences to major structural issues. A professional home inspection for new construction homes can help you identify problems before you move in. These inspections will provide you with an opportunity to address them when the builder warranty is still effective. This will save you from paying for the repairs and holding the builder accountable for the issues. The issues could be minor or major. You can choose to get the minor ones fixed on your own, but if they’re major, like issues with your major systems, roofs, insulation, etc., then you must take informed action, as leaving them as-is will lead to costly repairs and future complications.
A professional home inspection can identify these problems before you move in, providing an opportunity to address them with the builder while the warranty is still in effect. Additionally, an inspection can reveal issues with plumbing, electrical systems, insulation, and HVAC installations that may not be immediately apparent but could lead to future complications. Investing in a home inspection for new construction ensures peace of mind, confirming that your new home is safe, sound, and ready for occupancy.
In this blog, we will discuss the best time to schedule a home inspection for a newly built home and what factors you should consider before scheduling one.
When to Schedule a Home Inspection for a New Construction Home?
There are three stages when you must schedule the home inspection for your newly built home. Let’s discuss each of these three stages below.
Pre-Drywall Inspection
The very first stage when you should schedule a home inspection for your newly constructed home is before the interior walls are sealed with drywall. During the inspection, the professional examines the following:
- Structural framework
- Electrical wiring
- Plumbing system
- HVAC
At this stage, it becomes easier for the inspector to find the issues as all will still be visible and accessible. Besides this, the inspector identified potential issues like improper installations, code violations, or structural weaknesses. Once you know what the inspection has uncovered, you can ensure the problems are addressed beforehand before they hide behind the drywall and become costlier to fix.
The inspection before drywall installation provides an opportunity to verify that all the components are correctly installed as per the building plans and industry standards. This ensures the home’s integrity and the safety of its infrastructure, giving you confidence in the quality of your new home.
Final Walkthrough Inspection
When your home’s construction is completed, you need to schedule a home inspection again. Remember to get the home inspected before closing the deal. This is a comprehensive step that ensures that all the aspects of the home meet quality and contractual specifications. Also if there are any issues highlighted by the inspector in the first step, those issues are also checked to ensure they’re fixed. During the final walkthrough, the professional inspector thoroughly examines the property. They look for any defects or incomplete work. The process also includes inspecting finishes, fixtures, appliances, and systems to ensure everything is functioning correctly and safely.
This stage of the inspection also helps you avoid unexpected problems and expenses, ensuring your new home is really in perfect condition and is ready to welcome you home.
11-Month Warranty Inspection
You need to schedule a home inspection once your deal is closed and the builder’s one-year warranty is about to finish. This is actually a strategic evaluation to identify issues that might have developed during the first year of occupancy. Some of the most common issues found during such inspections are:
- Settling cracks
- Plumbing leaks
- Electrical problems
- HVAC inefficiencies
The inspection is as thorough as the other two but this inspection helps you compile a detailed list of necessary repairs or adjustments that the builder must fix under the warranty. By identifying these issues early, you can ensure that your home is in excellent condition without having to pay a single extra penny (except for the home inspection cost, of course). Once this inspection ends, you will have peace of mind, and you will rest assured that your investment is protected. And if any issues are identified, then those will be handled as well.
Factors to Consider When Scheduling a Home Inspection for Your Newly Constructed Home
When you’re scheduling a home inspection for your newly constructed home, you need to consider different factors. The very first is timing; you must schedule the inspection at key stages, as we discussed above. Secondly, you need to coordinate with the builder. This helps you gain access to the property and ensure that all the systems and components are installed and operational at the time of inspection. Besides this, you need to select a qualified and experienced home inspector who must know the ins and outs of conducting a home inspection for a newly built home. You must also understand the scope of the inspection to ensure that it covers everything from the foundation to the roof. Lastly, don’t think that you’re done after scheduling a post-construction inspection; you need to get an 11-month warranty inspection as well. This will help you identify any problems that might arise during the first year of your occupancy. If the issues are there, they must be addressed and covered right away.
Conclusion
A home inspection for a new construction home is not a requirement but is highly recommended to ensure that the home is built to the highest standards and is free from defects. Even with stringent building codes and regulations, construction errors and oversights can occur. A professional home inspection provides an unbiased evaluation of the home’s structural integrity, electrical and plumbing systems, HVAC installations, and overall workmanship.
Once you get the inspection at different stages of the construction process, you can get to know about the potential issues early. Additionally, an 11-month warranty inspection allows homeowners to catch any problems that may arise during the first year of occupancy while still covered under the builder’s warranty. Investing in a home inspection for new construction offers peace of mind, ensuring that the home is safe, functional, and built to last.
Ensure your new home is built to perfection with Blessed Assurance Home Inspection! Our expert new construction inspections provide a thorough evaluation at every critical stage of the building process. Trust our experienced inspectors to identify any potential issues early, ensuring your home meets the highest standards of quality and safety. Don’t leave your investment to chance—schedule your new construction inspection with Blessed Assurance Home Inspection today and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is built to last!
