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Should I Hire an Inspection Company if I Am Buying a New Home? Houston, TX

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Elite Properties; Serving Cypress, Spring, Tomball, NW Houston 0260862

 

Should I Hire an Inspection Company if I Am Buying a New Home?

The answer is, "Yes." 

New Home Being Framed - Dreamstime"Should I hire an inspection company if I am buying a new home,is a common question that comes up repeatedly.  If you are buying a new home, you would expect everything to be perfect, right?  Well, that's not normally the case.  As a matter of fact, I have yet to see that inspection report that indicated a perfect property.  Some may come close, but I've never seen an inspection report that didn't uncover something.  And it's much easier to come to agreement about things that may need to be corrected BEFORE closing than after.

Although builders have their own inspections done, it is recommended that you hire an inspection company of your own who will be working strictly for you.

Of course, when you are buying your new home, 

you probably aren't thinking about the inspection report of the person who will be buying it from you at sometime in the future.  But if there was something done during construction that needs to be corrected, it could go unnoticed until you sell the property and then show up on YOUR buyer's inspection report.

Dollar Sign in Green Oval

If it is an important issue to the next buyer, guess who will likely have to pay for it to be corrected.   At that time, it's possible you could still get the builder to correct it, but it's also possible that it will be something you may NOT be able to get the builder to correct.  If it is brought to the builder's attention before you close, the builder will be able to go back to the subcontractor who made the error and have them correct it.

 

Another reason to have inspections done is for someone (your inspection company) to double check on safety items.

Even though your builder is probably very reputable, neither he nor his superintendents can be in all places at all times.  Even if nothing shows  up on the inspection report that needs to be corrected, it should be worth the peace of mind to know that you did your due diligence.

 

Again, the answer to the question, "Should I Hire an Inspection Company if I Am Buying a New Home," is:  "Yes, you should!"

 

Need help locating new homes as well as resales?  Want to compare the two?  Feel free to call me at (281) 381-0846 or email me at joycegodwin@remax.net or visit my website: www.GreatHoustonHomes.com.  

 

Photos courtesy of Dreamstime.

Comments(6)

Barbara Altieri
Better Homes and Gardens RE Shore and Country Properties - Shelton, CT
REALTOR-Fairfield County CT Homes/Condos For Sale

Absolutely, positively inspect that new construction. Good point on something coming up when the buyer sells the house in the future.  Here in CT, we have to worry about radon also. No home is exempt from that.  That's an absolute must have test also.

Jan 08, 2011 02:22 PM
Nor Yeretsian
Envoy Capitol Realty Inc. - Toronto, ON
Envoy Capitol Realty Inc., Brokerage Toronto

Yes... always use a professional that is insured - your life will have less things to worry about.

cheers

Nor Yeretsian

Jan 08, 2011 02:26 PM
Dale Baker
Baker Energy Audits and Commercial Properties Inspections - Claremont, NH
New Hampshire Relocation Real Estate Information

Howdy and evening to you Joyce

Joyce, you sure right, no matter if its an older or brand new home. A Home Buyers sure does want to have a Home Inspector that is only working for them, do an inspection of the home. And when folks are having a home built for them, they sure do want to have a Inspector working for them do a phase inspection done as the home is being built.

Have a good one
Dale in New Hampshire

Jan 08, 2011 02:51 PM
Joyce Godwin, Realtor, CRS
RE/MAX Elite Properties; Serving Cypress, Spring, Tomball, NW Houston - Houston, TX
RE/MAX Elite Properties

 

Barbara, Fortunately, I've never heard of a home here having radon, but I see it mentioned on relo forms and some foreclosure contract forms.

Nor, And I need less things to worry about!

Dale, I agree totally.

 

Jan 08, 2011 04:48 PM
Joshua Zargari
MJ Decorators Workshop LI staging and home decorating - Lynbrook, NY
MJ Decorators Workshop

Good morning Joyce, you should always use a reputable inspection company to inspect the home that you buy.

Jan 08, 2011 10:30 PM
Joyce Godwin, Realtor, CRS
RE/MAX Elite Properties; Serving Cypress, Spring, Tomball, NW Houston - Houston, TX
RE/MAX Elite Properties

Joshua,

I agree.  Since we (in the Houston area) are discouraged from recommending inspection companies, I give out an inspector list (HAREI.com).  To become members, they have to adhere to certain standards, including additional educational classes above and beyond what is required by the state.  There are about 30 inspection companies and six termite companies on the list.  I always suggest also that they may want to consider inspection companies that their friends or relatives have been satisfied with.

Jan 09, 2011 02:03 AM