You have just purchased your own new house. Everything appears bright, new, and unused. There is no creaking on the stairs. No traces of stains on the floor. Not even a speck of dust.
So, do you need a home inspection on new construction?
The short answer: absolutely yes.
Long answer: Yes, and here is why. Naturally, one thinks moving into a brand-new house means no issues. However, even the most skillful masons can overlook stuff. A home inspection on new construction isn’t about doubting the builder; it’s about protecting your investment, your safety, and your peace of mind.
Let’s dive into the top 5 reasons why new home inspections are worth it.
Even New Homes Are Not Perfect
Building a house is complicated. It entails numerous subcontractors, including electricians and roofers, who typically work under tight deadlines. Minor errors may and can occur.
Common problems found during home inspections of new construction include:
- Poor roof flashing.
- Broken water pipe connections.
- Defective power plugs.
- Improperly installed HVAC units.
- Missing insulation.
A new house may look perfect on the outside, but hidden issues can exist beneath the surface.
Building Inspectors Are Not Enough
Yes, new houses are inspected by a city or county. But those inspections aren’t the same as new-build home inspections by a private home inspector.
Municipal inspections focus mainly on code compliance and often miss detailed issues that a private inspector can catch. Their time at any site is limited, and they concentrate on the major parts of the house. Private inspectors perform thorough checks that go beyond municipal inspections, including testing appliances, outlets, and attic insulation.
A deeper and more detailed look is provided by private home inspectors. They are employed not by the city or the builder but by you. They are employed to detect what may affect the safety, efficiency, and value of your house.
According to Realtor Magazine, 65% of new construction homes inspected reveal problems, and 24% fail initial inspections.
It Allows Catching Problems Early
One major advantage of scheduling a home inspection on new construction before closing is that you can catch problems while the builder is still responsible.
As soon as you sign the contract and become the owner, it becomes much more difficult to resolve matters within a short period or at all. Most often, there is a builder warranty, but the presence of a report by a licensed home inspector will be a stronger support of your argument when seeking repairs.
Conducting a pre-drywall inspection exposes wiring, plumbing, and framing issues before walls are closed up, allowing for easier fixes. That will lay bare all of these things (wiring, plumbing, framing) to your inspector, something you never get to see again when the drywall has been put in place.
It Can Save You Thousands
The charges for a new-build home inspection may initially cost a few hundred dollars. It can, however, prevent you from spending thousands of dollars in the future.
For example, detecting drainage problems early can prevent costly basement flooding repairs later. That may require you to invest a few hundred dollars in fixing the grading before you move in. But what about when water damage attacks your foundation? That may cost thousands.
A faulty HVAC system, poor attic ventilation, or leaky roof flashing can lead to high energy costs, mold, and significant roof damage. A simple inspection now can save you a lot of money in the future.
It Provides Peace of Mind
Peace of mind cannot be priced.
Purchasing a home is a major thing. You have most likely spent a considerable amount of time, effort, and money on this process. A home inspection on new construction provides you with confidence that your dream home is safe, sound, and built to the highest standards.
This is not just about spotting defects but rather about knowing everything about your home. Such knowledge enables you to be a better and more informed homeowner.
One Last Tip: Request an Inspection Contingency
You may still be in the contracting stage of purchasing your new property, but it’s not too late. Ensure that your contract includes a provision for an independent examination. This is referred to as an inspection contingency.
Including an inspection contingency allows you to negotiate repairs or cancel the purchase if significant issues arise.
Final Thoughts
New houses are beautiful and perhaps picture-perfect; however, what you don’t see doesn’t mean it’s not there. That’s why getting a home inspection on new construction is one of the smartest moves you can make as a homebuyer.
From saving money to ensuring safety, new-build home inspections give you the upper hand and peace of mind. This isn’t about mistrusting your builder but about protecting your investment. It’s all about ensuring your investment lives to see another day.
In case you are purchasing or constructing a new house, you do not have to forgo the checkup because everything seems and looks new. At Clatterbuck Home Inspections, we specialize in home inspections of new construction. We understand what to expect and where things go wrong, especially on the part of the builder.
We will provide an accurate and upfront picture of your new home, and we will share it with you before you sign off on the final documents.
Book your inspection now with Clatterbuck Home Inspections and confidently become the full-fledged owner of your new house. When it comes to what you want to do with your future, details do count.