What Is A New Construction Home Inspection?

So you’re buying a newly built home? Surely, everything will be fine and you can simply move in without a worry.

Unfortunately, it’s not that simple.

For most people who buy new properties, inspecting them seems redundant. But in reality, newly constructed homes are not exempt from defects and may have as many issues as a 20-year-old home. For instance, new constructions often have structural defects, electrical problems, missing fixtures, and other examples of substandard craftsmanship. 

If you don’t address these issues while the builders are still in the construction process, you’ll have to pick up the slack after you move in - and needless to say, this can end up costing you a pretty penny. 

You can avoid dealing with this problem by scheduling a new construction home inspection that helps ensure the property you’re buying is built to acceptable standards. 

Is a new construction home inspection different from a regular home inspection?

Yep!

Your run-of-the-mill home inspection is a visual examination of a property’s structural integrity and the condition of the main systems. It’s conducted by a qualified inspector with thegoal of ascertaining the overall condition of the property in the home purchasing process. 

It’s a common practice to schedule the inspection before the sale closes, as the awareness of potential issues helps the buyer make an informed decision on whether the home is worth the price. They can then use this information as a bargaining chip to adjust the listing price or to negotiate for the seller to make necessary repairs before closing. 

On the other hand, a new construction inspection also protects buyers but the service provided is completely different. 

You’re well aware that building contracts often include a final walkthrough, which seems fair. However, make no mistake - the final walkthrough is not an impartial evaluation of the work that’s been done. 

Even if the builders stuck to pre-approved plans, there’s still a possibility that a home has several flaws. This often happens when contractors rush or subcontract their work to other, less competent companies. 

In contrast to a regular inspection, a new construction home inspection confirms the quality of the work at varying stages of construction. It’s not a “singular” service as it encompasses smaller checkups conducted at different intervals. 

Hence, it helps you stay in control of the process and sees to it that any flaws are recognized and rectified as soon as possible - ultimately leaving you satisfied with a truly flawless home. 

Common issues with new construction

Regardless of whether they’re caused by natural human errors or sheer incompetence, newly built homes often exhibit the following:

• Structural issues 
• Drainage problems
• Window leakage
• Electrical difficulties
• Missing fixtures
• Plumbing problems

A qualified inspector will keep a close eye on the presence of these flaws in addition to evaluating the adherence of the builders to the local building codes. 

Stages of a new construction home inspection

As we said previously, it’s necessary to inspect new construction in stages, which include:

1. Foundation inspection

This inspection is a critical evaluation of the underlying foundation conducted before the builders pour the concrete. This helps identify and correct any defects early in the construction process, which allows you to circumvent costly issues later down the road. 

When the inspector arrives at the construction site, they’ll examine if the foundation has been correctly graded and excavated. Then, they’ll confirm whether the anchors and footing were laid down at the right distance. 

This ensures the integrity of the foundation and confirms if it will be able to properly support the home’s structural weight. 

2. Pre-drywall inspection

Pre-drywall or framing inspection takes place when the contractor builds the frame. The roof and the windows are also installed at this time, meaning that the home will finally take shape and the skeletal structure will be visible - minus the walls and shamrock.

Since everything is exposed, the inspector will have an easy time closely evaluating the main structural features, including:

• Studs
• Beams
• Posts
• Various structural components
• Basic electrical features
• Plumbing

If everything checks out, the inspector will greenlight the construction of drywall. If they discover any issues, the contractors can fix these defects before the next stage of the home construction process.

Any repairs will slow down the entire project, but considering that later fixes will require tearing down the drywall, it’s a worthy tradeoff. 

3. Final inspection

The final inspection is the last quality control check before the home is finished. Its goal is to confirm whether the construction is built according to pre-approved plans and Florida building codes, as well as to check whether the home is safe to live in. 

Furthermore, the inspector will check the quality of work, scan for cosmetic issues, and keep a close lookout for plumbing, electrical, or appliance issues. 

Experienced contractors can also make mistakes, so scheduling all three stages of a new construction home inspection helps keep the builders accountable and allows you to rectify problems while the building is still under construction.

When should you schedule a new construction home inspection?

The best time to schedule an inspection is as early as possible in the process. By doing so, you make certain that any repairs will be completed by the builder and not you after you move in.

It’s very common for contractors to claim that the issue occurred after they finished the job, so evaluating the quality during different phases of the construction process eliminates any doubts as to when the damage occurred.

What if the contractor objects to the inspection?

If you inform the contractor of your intention to schedule a new construction home inspection and they object to it, it’s a massive red flag. Many contractors are wary of another party assessing their work, but if they have nothing to hide, they shouldn’t have any issues with the inspection. 

If they say no to the inspection, it’s possible they’re hiding something and it’s on you to consider if you want to follow through with the construction. 

Safeguard your biggest asset

Buying a brand new home is a sign you made the American dream a reality for yourself, and you’re well within your rights to demand utmost perfection. After all, you paid big bucks to put up a home and we believe you should get the most money for your value. 

By scheduling a new construction home inspection, you’re safeguarding your investment and putting yourself in a more powerful position because you can demand the contractor to mend any mistakes they may have made. 

The only question remaining is who should you hire. 

Here at Guardian Angel Inspections, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional quality at a reasonable price. Our inspectors treat clients as if they were family, and regardless of what happens, you’ll have a qualified professional on your side fervently advocating for your rights and doing their best to protect your investment. 

Reach us via phone at 561-512-7854 or fill out our contact form to book an inspection.