When it comes to a home inspection on new construction, I am always asked by clients if it’s recommended.
In this video I chat a bit about the importance of home inspections not only on new construction, but older homes as well!
What Is A Home Inspection?
Many buyers have asked me, “What is a home inspection?” Especially if they’re doing new construction, do they really need to have a home inspection on a new construction?
Okay, so the answer to both is yes! I believe in home inspections, and whether it’s an existing home or it’s one that has just been built. Because the fact is, no matter how great the builder is, there’s no such thing as a perfect home. And I encourage all my buyers to get one.
On The Day Of Inspection
Now, on the day of the home inspection, understand that the inspector has a liability here. His job is to really notate everything that he finds, whether it’s cosmetic or something that would be a warranted item.
He’s going to check out everything in the house, from the electrical to the plumbing to the HVAC, the circuits, the doors, the showers, all that.
He’s going to be looking for leaks, for everything to be water-tight, and checking the windows. And it can be anywhere from 2 to a 3-hour inspection.
I always encourage my buyers, when possible, be there with the inspector so that he can share with you what he’s finding as he sees it. So when you get the report and you see the picture and he makes the little notation, you’ll recall what was that item that he’s talking about. You’ll remember because you had the conversation with him.
Sometimes New Construction Is Not Perfect
The other thing is, with new construction, the builder may be great, but they have contractors and sub-contractors that work for them.
The builder can’t be there and oversee every part of the construction. As much as he would like to, he can’t. Many times, there are things that sometimes don’t get done correctly.
I have actually had this happen with 2 different buyers, where they have gone in and had a home inspection and it was amazing the amount of things that were found that were either not to code or had been forgotten.
In one instance, there was an HVAC system that had been installed incorrectly. What a shame that would have been after you get to closing table and you go home and you go to turn it on and it doesn’t operate.
I think it’s really important that you have that for peace of mind. I always encourage my buyers to make sure that you do your due diligence, and this is part of your due diligence: getting a home inspection.
So Go Get One!
Whether it’s old or if it’s new, get a home inspection. Your agent can always refer you to reputable ones that have done a good job for their past clients, so ask them for some of those.