Many buyers wonder why you would get a home inspection on new construction. One of the main reasons is to get a review of the structure before components like the drywall and floor are in place. This will help catch issues while they are still easy to fix.
There are a few phases to new home construction inspections. Once the foundation is ready for concrete, you can call the home inspector out for a pre-concrete pour inspection. The two other times you may want to call out the inspector are pre-drywall and a final walk-through before the close of escrow. Here are six reasons why you should have a home inspection on new construction.
1. To See The Work Inside The Walls
Have the home inspector out before the drywall installation to look for any issues before they are covered up. The inspector can check to see that wiring goes to each outlet box and that plumbing vents and studs are intact and not compromised.
The inspector can also check the floor joists, and before the drywall installation, look for fire stops. Fire stops are in place to prevent a fire from spreading to other areas, such as from the garage to the home or into a second story.
2. Home Inspection On New Construction And Landscaping
Having a home inspection during new construction also allows the inspector to check on the grading. The earth around the building should force the water to drain away and not pool near the walls and foundation. Water collecting around the house can lead to foundation issues, dry rot, and termites.
3. Checking The Trusses
Manufacturers engineer roof trusses, so there is no need to alter or change them. The home inspector can look for damaged trusses that were defective or haphazardly repaired on the construction site.
4. Testing Appliances
With a new home, you would think that all the appliances would operate perfectly. Often they do, but another reason to call for a home inspection on new construction is to make sure things like the dishwasher and garbage disposal are correctly connected and drain out.
Other things the inspector will check are the microwave and range ventilation. The vent pipes should be tightly fastened to the appliances and the ventilation pipes with no gaps. Brackets should hold the stove against the wall so it cannot fall forward. Other items up for inspection are the smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, and radon sensor if applicable.
5. Checking The Plumbing
Buyers have asked what type of plumbing issues can come up during new construction. The inspector can find unset toilets, or water heater safety issues. While inspecting the plumbing, there may be things to note such as ungrouted tile or GFCI outlets not installed by sinks.
6. The Exterior
A final reason to have new construction inspected is to make sure the exterior seals up and protects the house. Contractors should paint or seal all exterior surfaces and caulk windows and doorways. Any decks, porches, or patios should slope away from the building and have the appropriate stairs and railings.
As you can see, there are several reasons why buyers should get a home inspection on new construction. It allows them to get someone qualified to see inside the walls and identify and prevent future problems. The home inspector is trained to spot small things that the contractor may have forgotten or missed.
CV Inspections serves Clark County, Nevada with home inspection services including new construction inspections. to book your appointment.