Is the house you are purchasing newly built? If so, a new construction inspection might be in order. After the construction work, a new construction inspection is scheduled to make sure that the builder has performed their job well and there are no visible defects or missing items in the building.
Why do People Schedule a New Construction Inspection?
The purpose of a new construction home inspection is to make sure that everything is okay in a new house. The homeowner of the new house doesn’t have to pay for the repairs right after making a hefty investment in the form of a new house. If the builder has missed some hardware components or made errors in the installed systems, they can be fixed immediately.
What Does a New Construction Home Inspector Look For?
In a detailed inspection, which lasts for a couple of hours, the new construction home inspector checks each visible part of the home. The inspector evaluates the following parts of the home:
- The Plumbing System
It is not necessary that every inspector start with the plumbing system, but this system is most likely to have problems. The inspector can check the dishwasher’s functioning to detect any sign of leakage.
A new construction home inspector usually follows a process to check the functioning of plumbing fixtures, the drainage system, and leaks. The process is simple: open all the faucets in the house and let the water fill the tubs.
Once the water is filled, let it drain from all over the house. This can reveal the efficiency of the drainage system and whether there are any leaks in the plumbing system.
- Structural Inspection
The inspector looks for the visible structural components of a new home. The inspector may look for framing and structural components of the house. The purpose of this check is to make sure that the framing matches the plan and it is properly installed and braced. Any problem with the structural components can lead to crooked walls. In such cases, after a few years, the doors and windows won’t shut properly.
- Foundation of the Home
Cracks are not common in the foundations of new homes. But, if there are any, it can be alarming as the builder has compromised the quality of work there. Foundation issues expand with time, just like a snowball rolling down a mountain. The inspector checks for any signs of structural damage and water intrusion in the foundation.
- The Electrical System
It’s the most crucial check. The inspector will check all the switches by turning them on and the electrical fixtures associated with those switches. This part of the new construction home inspection also includes inspection of electrical panels and GFCI protection in the kitchen and bathrooms.
Any mistake with this system can be dangerous. So, the inspector also checks the safety hazards and verifies that everything is grounded properly.
- HVAC System
Your new home should be cozy, not frustrating. The inspector checks the working of the HVAC system and ensures it has been installed properly. The check includes assessing the leaks in the ducts of this system. The thermostat should also be checked to keep the indoor environment comfortable.
- Interior of the House
The inspector checks the finishing work in the interior of the house. The grout in the bathrooms should be checked, because such places are most likely to be prone to mold growth. The inspector also checks if there are any cracks in the drywall or the roof. The floor check is also mandatory to ensure that the structure is well-aligned.
- Windows and Doors
The builders who tend to complete the project early often miss some work. Inspectors have noticed missing window knobs in several newly constructed homes. So, the inspector checks the doors and windows thoroughly and their movement. There should not be a lot of gaps in the windows, and the installation must have been done cleanly.
Improperly installed doors and windows are responsible for air leaks that can challenge the working of your HVAC system, and obviously, it can increase the energy cost of your home.
- Insulation and Ventilation
The insulation is the hidden part of the home. It can be checked in the attic, garage, and crawl spaces of the home. The new construction home inspector verifies that the material used for the insulation is up to standard.
The ventilation of the home should also be checked to ensure it is installed according to the code. Ventilation is usually counted as being responsible for mold growth and insect infestation.
- Roof and Attic
A homeowner is not likely to climb up the roof and check the quality of the builder’s work. But a new construction inspector checks every accessible area of the home. Proper roof installation can improve a home’s structural stability. The inspector also checks flashing, insulation, and good airflow inside the attic.
- Exterior of the Home
The inspector checks for the exterior components, starting from the roof shingles, drainage systems, downspouts, siding, grading, and pathways. The purpose of a whole new construction inspection is to make sure that the builder has done quality work.
Why Should You Never Skip a New Construction Inspection?
A newly constructed home can also be full of surprises. There can be missing shingles, improperly installed cabinets, problematic windows, and much more. The purpose is to make sure that your investment is secure.
Skipping a new construction inspection can let the hidden problems grow into major issues. Such major issues might not be easy to repair once the residents have moved into the home. So, experts advise you not to skip the new construction home inspection.
Conclusion
It is a fact that no house is perfect. Even the new houses have some errors that might be due to the negligence of the construction workers. The best solution to such problems is getting a new construction home inspection.
The new construction home inspectors are experts at finding out the problems that may arise during the construction phase.
Connect with the experts at Total House Inspection for a thorough new construction inspection!
