Your Comprehensive Guide to New Construction Inspection

Purchasing a newly constructed home is an exciting time! After months of planning and anticipation, the day finally arrives when you get to walk through your brand new property for the very first time. However, despite the newness and modern finishes, new construction homes can still have issues that need to be identified and addressed. This is where new construction inspection comes in.

Getting a professional new construction inspection is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure you don't end up with an unsafe, dysfunctional, or downright shoddily built home. Keep reading for your ultimate guide on what new construction inspection is, why it's so critical, what's inspected, and how to find the right inspector for the job.

What is New Construction Inspection?

A new construction inspection is a detailed examination of a newly built home, done prior to closing on the property. The purpose is to identify any defects, code violations, or workmanship issues so they can be corrected before you take ownership of the home.

During a new construction inspection, the inspector will thoroughly evaluate the major systems and components of the home including:

• Foundation and framing

• Roofing

• Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems

• Insulation and ventilation

• Doors, windows, and siding

• Drywall, paint, trim, and finishes

• Site drainage and landscaping

The goal is to catch any problems that could lead to expensive repairs down the road or safety issues for you and your family. In a way, the new construction inspection serves as a final quality control check to ensure your new build home is structurally sound and functioning as it should.

Why is New Construction Inspection Important?

There are several key reasons why getting a new construction inspection should be a non-negotiable part of the home buying process:

1. New homes are not immune to defects.

The common misconception is that new construction won't have any issues because it's brand new. However, new homes are put together by humans, and humans make mistakes. Problems like improper drainage slope, inadequate insulation, and imperfect HVAC ductwork are extremely common in new builds. A thorough new construction inspection catches these defects early.

2. It provides a second set of expert eyes.

Builders conduct their own inspections at various stages of construction. However, they are not a neutral third-party. The inspector only represents your interests, ensuring the home adheres to codes and your expectations.

3. Repairs are easiest to make.

It's much simpler to have the builder address issues while the home is still under construction and warrantied, as opposed to several months or years later when systems start to fail. The new construction inspection identifies problems so repairs can be made promptly and conveniently.

4. It may impact your home warranty.

Most new construction homes come with a builder's warranty. However, this warranty can be invalidated if you close on the home knowing about a defect that was not disclosed by the inspector. The new construction inspection prevents any nasty warranty surprises down the road.

5. Peace of mind for the homeowner.

Perhaps most importantly, a new construction inspection gives you assurance that your largest investment is structurally sound before you buy. This brings incredible peace of mind.

In summary, new construction inspection acts as quality assurance and protects the significant investment you are making in your new home. It provides a detailed evaluation by an unbiased industry expert looking out for your best interests.

What Exactly is Inspected?

The specific items examined during the new construction inspection will vary based on your home design and finishes. However, in general, the major areas and systems inspected include:

• Foundation & Framing - The inspector will look for cracks or flaws in the foundation and examine the framing for any defects like twisted or bowed studs. Proper installation of support beams, headers, and joists will also be checked.

• Exterior Materials - This includes inspection of all exterior finishes like siding, masonry, roofing, windows/doors, decks, and any other exterior elements. The inspector is checking for appropriate installation, functionality, and weather-tightness.

• Roof - The roofing materials, drainage, flashing, venting, and penetrations are closely examined. This catches any issues that could lead to leaks down the road.

• Plumbing - All supply lines, drain lines, fixtures, water pressure, and waste disposal are checked for correct functioning, leaks, or water damage. This includes inspection of gas lines if applicable.

• HVAC - The full heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is inspected including the furnace, ductwork, thermostat, and AC unit. Proper installation, functionality, and energy efficiency are assessed.

• Electrical - This includes inspection of the main service panel, wiring, switches/outlets, breakers, grounding, and other components that distribute power throughout the home.

• Insulation & Ventilation - Proper insulation in walls, floors and attics is checked. Also confirms adequate ventilation to prevent moisture issues like mold.

• Interiors - The inspector examines walls, ceilings, floors, cabinets, countertops, painting, trim, and other interior finish details. Any aesthetic flaws or potential safety hazards are identified.

And much more! A thorough inspector will check as much of the home as possible while it's still accessible during construction. This gives the best assessment of the property before walls get closed up and systems get buried.

What is NOT Included in New Construction Inspection?

While the new construction inspection is comprehensive, there are some things it does not involve:

• Appliances - Any home appliances like refrigerators, stoves, or dishwashers are not inspected unless specifically requested. Appliances are checked separately after closing.

• Cosmetics - Minor cosmetic flaws like drywall cracks, nail pops, or imperfect paint are generally excluded, unless they indicate larger issues. Cosmetic details should be addressed separately with the builder.

• Landscaping - The hardscapes and drainage around the home are inspected, but the plants, trees, and gardens themselves usually are not. Landscaping is often not fully finished at this stage.

• Utilities - Making sure electric, water and other utilities are properly connected to the home is the builder's responsibility. However, the inspector does check these systems function properly.

• Detached structures - Any detached garages, sheds, pergolas or other structures are not included unless specifically agreed upon. The focus is on the primary residence structure.

• Furniture/storage - Inspector will not move or unpack owner's belongings that are already moved in. Access to all areas of the home is ideal.

The purpose is to inspect the structural and mechanical integrity of the home itself. Anything beyond this scope can be addressed separately through other means like home warranties and walk-through checklists.

When Should the New Construction Inspection Happen?

Ideally, the new construction inspection should occur when the home is near complete but still accessible. This allows the inspector full visibility before drywall and insulation close everything off.

Common timing includes:

• Just prior to the drywall installation, so all framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation etc. are visible

• After insulation but before drywall. Gives a good check of systems before they get covered up.

• After drywall but before finishing paint and trim. Lets you address drywall flaws before the finishes go in.

• Just prior to closing. Final walk through to catch any last items.

Work with your builder to determine optimal timing. Some only allow inspection at specific phases. You want full access to all the home's skeleton before it gets covered by finishes. This ensures a thorough inspection.

What Happens After the Inspection?

Once the inspection concludes, you will receive a comprehensive written report detailing any issues or defects found. If problems are identified, the inspector will discuss the best course of action for getting them properly addressed.

Common next steps include:

• Reviewing the inspection report with your builder and agreeing on appropriate repairs

• Identifying any major defects that require repair prior to closing

• Determining if any changes to the purchase contract or price are warranted

• Scheduling any necessary follow-up inspections after repairs are complete

• Settling any disputes about necessary repairs through negotiation or third party intervention

Keep in mind any defects should be repaired by the builder - this is not on your dime. Use the inspection report as an objective basis for coming to a resolution. The goal is making sure your new home is safe and functioning exactly as it should be!

How to Choose the Right New Construction Inspector

Hiring a competent and experienced new construction inspector is key to getting a thorough inspection and identifying any issues with your new home. Here are tips for choosing the right inspector:

• Use referrals - Ask your real estate agent, friends/family, or neighboring homeowners for inspector recommendations. Referrals are a great way to find quality inspectors.

• Verify qualifications - Confirm the inspector has certifications, training, and experience specifically with new construction. General home inspectors may miss important details.

• Check reviews - Search online for reviews of local inspectors. This provides insight into their inspection quality, expertise, communication skills, and professionalism.

• Interview candidates - Have an introductory call with potential inspectors. Ask about their experience, what's included in the inspection, how long it will take, and if they provide a written report. Make sure you feel comfortable.

• Compare costs - Pricing can indicate experience levels. Be wary of quotes well below market rates. However, higher cost does not always mean better quality.

• Ask about the final report - The report is one of the most important parts of the inspection, so understand what you will receive at the conclusion. Digital reports are common nowadays.

Taking the time to carefully select your new construction inspector will pay dividends through a more confident home buying process and better understanding of your major investment. Don't leave it to chance.

Conclusion

Purchasing a newly constructed home is an exciting milestone that also requires thorough due diligence. A new construction inspection provides invaluable insight into your home's safety, structural integrity, and proper functioning of all systems and finishes. Taking advantage of this objective analysis by an industry professional eliminates nasty surprises after closing and provides peace of mind in your important investment. Use the recommendations here to understand what quality new construction inspection entails, why it's so critical, and how to pick the ideal inspector for your new home.