A thorough home inspection is critical to making sure the home you buy is in good condition. If the house is being newly built, home inspection services are even more important than ever. Instead of assessing a home that has been modified over its lifetime to meet evolving state and local codes, a professional home inspector must ensure that all a new home’s materials and systems are up-to-the-minute and capable of keeping inhabitants safe and comfortable, and often follow well developed checklists to do just that.
If you’re about to build or buy a brand-new home, get acquainted with the three types of inspections required and what to expect from the professional home inspector doing the work.
Three kinds of new construction inspections:
1. Phase inspections: Phase inspections are conducted during the construction process, and may be contracted with either the builder or homebuyer. They coincide with four or five defined stages of the building process: 1) underground and foundation prior to concrete pour; 2) rough framing, electrical, plumbing and HVAC; 3) insulation (which is optional); 4) building wrap prior to concrete pour; and 5) a final home inspection including the roof.
2. End-of-construction inspection: This one-time home inspection is also known as a walk-through inspection. This home inspection is done on the homebuyer’s behalf when the finished home is delivered. An end-of-construction home inspection covers all the home’s major systems from roof to foundation, including HVAC, interior plumbing, electrical, attic and insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, foundation, basement, and all components of the visual structure.
3. Warranty inspection: The warranty inspection is performed one year after delivery of the home, and is almost always contracted with the homebuyer. It covers most of the same things as the end-of-construction inspection, with the inspector examining quality of materials and installation as well as performance against codes and manufacturer specs.
What to look for in a new construction home inspector
- Professional certifications and credentials, which may be confirmed through an inspector’s membership in the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).
- Clear communication of which inspections will be done (some professionals may specialize in one of the above-mentioned inspections, while others can handle all three), and what each inspection will entail.
- If possible, code certification that confirms a home inspector is familiar with building codes and their regional or local interpretations.
- Skill with the basics of home construction, either through direct experience or formal training.
- Documented proof of insurance (often required by builders before an inspector enters a property under construction).
- Organization and preparedness for every inspection situation, including an up-to-date compilation of code information for easy on-site reference and orderly, current inspection paperwork.
- An organized and professional home inspection checklist or narrative inspection report.
When buying either a brand new or resale home, a thorough professional home inspection is your key to making sure the property you buy doesn’t turn out to be a real life money pit.
hello i was just wondering why in my brand new home construction i am about to close on does not have mirrors or medicine cabinets,shower doors,towel racks,toilet paper holders or soap dishes in any of the bathrooms? do you know if these items are mandatory for a builder to provide in such a sale? oh yeah and garage door openers also i almost forgot sorry.