An inspection is important before purchasing a home, but some people assume that it isn’t necessary if they plan to buy a brand new house. The truth is, even newly built houses are often far from perfect. Getting your new home inspected can allow you to have any problems addressed before you move in so you can avoid having to pay for repairs later.
Why Inspections are Important for New Homes
Builders are supposed to meet local codes, but that doesn’t mean they always do. Workers can make mistakes or cut corners to save time, and a code inspector may not notice flaws in a house. It’s easy to miss problems, especially things like inadequate insulation or electrical wiring issues, when the walls have already been put up.
Even if the builders do meet local codes, those requirements are minimums. If you designed the house with specifications above those minimums, such as extra insulation, you want to make sure you get what you requested.
When to Have a New House Inspected
You should have your new home inspected before you finalize the purchase. If you are planning to buy a house that has not been constructed yet, it may be a good idea to have it inspected a few times during the building process. If the inspector notes issues at any stage, the builder can fix them before continuing with the project.
Once the foundation has been poured, there isn’t much that can be done to fix problems. An inspector can check before the foundation is poured to make sure the site has been prepared correctly. If there is a problem with the grading of the yard or another issue that might cause foundation problems or basement leaks, it can be addressed ahead of time.
A second inspection can take place after the frame has been built and the roof and windows have been installed, but before the walls have been put up. That will allow the inspector to check the electrical wiring, plumbing, insulation and other components that will later be hidden.
The final inspection can include a check of the entire house, including its exterior. The inspector can examine the doors, windows, appliances, HVAC system, plumbing, electrical system, roof, gutters, driveway, walkways, garage, shed, patio and deck to make sure everything is as it should be before you sign the papers and move in.
Inspections can be a Money-Saving Investment
Even though a series of inspections would add to the cost before you moved in, they could save you money in the long run. If you didn’t have a brand new house inspected, problems could crop up later, after the builder’s warranty had expired, leaving you to pay for repairs yourself. If problems are caught during the construction process, you can require the builder to fix them and save yourself money, time and headaches down the road.
