One reason a buyer might choose to buy a “new build” home is the expectation that it will be free from the issues that are found in older homes- like outdated plumbing and electrical, a worn-out furnace, a roof that needs replaced, or being less energy efficient. However, new construction homes have their share of problems, as well.
Building a home is a complex orchestration involving many different subcontractors. Each subcontractor works independently on different aspects of the construction, usually without regard to the others’ work. With all the separate activities occurring at the same time, it is nearly impossible for the builder to carefully check everybody’s work and can often lead to construction defects and poor workmanship being overlooked.
Even the best builders will likely miss something.
Ideally, you want to have a newly built home inspected twice. First, while under construction, just before the drywall is hung. The second time is when the home is finished, right before the final walk-through with the builder.
A pre-drywall inspection is a visual assessment of the home’s systems and components designed to find defects before they are covered up with drywall, flooring, stucco/siding, insulation, and roof tile. Any deficiencies identified during the inspection can be brought to the builder’s attention and easily corrected before being covered up. This is the most crucial inspection during the building process.
Here are some examples of items found in a pre-drywall Inspection:
- Ducts completely unattached to the heating and air conditioning unit
- Bathroom fans venting to the attic
- Reversed hot/cold in faucets
- Loose or faulty electrical wiring
The pre-dry wall inspection does not include a review for compliance with regulatory requirements (Building Code or other codes, regulations, laws, ordinances, etc.).
When construction is completed on your new home, the builder will do a final walk-through with the buyers before closing on the property. The final walk-through is done to go over the systems and components of the home and to show the buyers how everything works. However, the final walk-through is NOT a home inspection.
A final construction inspection is done before the final walk-through with the builder and includes a comprehensive, non-invasive, visual assessment of the home designed to identify deficiencies in the home’s systems, components, materials, and workmanship that should be addressed before closing escrow and moving into your new home.
In addition, if First-In Home Inspections does your Final Construction Inspection, an 11-Month Warranty Inspection is included at no additional cost.
Here are some examples of items found in a final construction inspection:
- Missing insulation
- Raised roof shingles allowing water to penetrate underneath the shingles
- Missing siding
- Closed dryer vents
Many new home builders offer a one-year warranty to cover any repairs, or replacement of several systems or specific appliances in the new construction home within the first year.
The main goal of the 11-month home warranty inspection is to uncover any major issues that could potentially be covered under the builder’s warranty, making it the builder’s responsibility to cover thosecosts– saving you from having to pay for costly repairs out of your own pocket.
Before the warranty on your home expires, it’s a good idea to schedule an inspection to identify any defects and concerns related to the original construction of the home that you may want to bring to the builder’s attention.
An 11-month home warranty inspection should be performed approximately 30 days before the expiration of the builder’s one-year new home warranty to allow time for you to submit a warranty claim for any necessary repairs before the warranty expires.
In addition, if First-In Home Inspections also does your Final Construction Inspection, then the 11-Month Warranty Inspection is included, for no additional cost.
