No one likes red tape, especially when they’re trying to do something exciting. So, when people find their dream home, they sometimes don’t want to slow down the purchasing process. As such, one of the most frequently asked questions is, “Do we need a home inspection for new construction?”
The answer, to the buyer’s disappointment, is a resounding “Yes.”
Why People Think They Don’t Need a Home Inspection for New Construction
In a way, it makes sense. In an ideal world, when a home is new, nothing has worn out, so everything should be in tip-top shape.
But we don’t live in an ideal world. If we did, every time your food was made to order at a restaurant, it too would be perfect!
New homes should ideally meet all modern internachi and local standards. And typically, they will. But people make mistakes, and there are also things that fall outside of codes.
Why They Do
There are many reasons you need a home inspection for new construction. Sometimes, construction companies cut corners, especially when there is a tight deadline. Other times, they make mistakes. Finally, some home issues are simply outside of their control.
Here are some of the most common issues we come across when inspecting new construction homes.
Sewer Line Problems
You would likely be surprised at what we’ve found clogging up sewer lines in new construction homes! Unfortunately, sometimes construction companies dump materials that they should dispose of elsewhere.
At other times, it can be an honest mistake, such as rain washing something somewhere it shouldn’t go.
Improper Drainage
Too often, when a construction company first builds a home, they do the bare minimum for drainage. Drainage consists of everything from your gutters to your landscaping. Here’s what to watch for.
Gutters
While contractors nearly always attach some gutters, they often don’t extend them far enough away from the house.
Simply having a gutter empty out at the base of your home does nothing for your drainage. You need it to flow further away so it doesn’t seep back into low-lying areas, such as basements.
Landscaping
Landscaping is more than curb appeal. It can also dispel (or create) water management issues. Plants in the right places can absorb water and prevent flooding. Consequently, a lack of plants can cause erosion, soil compaction, and flooding.
Grading
Even if you build a house perfectly, the placement of the construction is just as relevant to your quality of life, particularly in terms of water management.
A home at the top of a hill will obviously be less prone to flooding than a home at the bottom of a valley. But there are more subtle grading issues that certified home inspectors are trained to look for during a home inspection.
A new construction home can flood just as easily as an old one!
Windows
When a developer builds new construction homes, if they do so on a budget, they may not get the best of anything. This might mean windows that aren’t as thick as you might like for your home. A window can fit within Internachi standards and still not provide significant insulation. And there are other even more window factors Detail View Home Inspections looks for.
An improperly sealed window lets in air and water from the outside. You might not notice it until you get your home pressure washed, but it will have a significant effect on the price of your electric bill because of the increased heating and cooling costs!
Time for a Home Inspection for New Construction
So if you’ve just found your dream home, or even if you built it to spec, don’t assume that just because it’s brand new, it’s perfect. Call Detail View Home Inspections to ensure your dream home doesn’t become a nightmare!