I've posted about this subject before but I'll keep plugging away until people get it.  I just inspected a new construction home this weekend, this one was the model home, the cream of the crop, right?  Why would someone waste their money and have it inspected?  Here's why:

Weather blocking

The tiles meeting the wall is called a head wall.  You can see a flat piece of metal over the tiles, that called a head wall flashing.  However, there is a gap between the flashing and the curves of the tiles.  There needs to be weather blocking there to keep water on the field tiles.  This was required beginning in 2002 by the Tile Roofing Institute.

 

Tub faucet

This faucet only turns counter-clockwise.  As you can see from the label, it's supposed to go from cold water then to hot water.  However it was reversed.  So what's the problem?  Here are the two examples I use:  A small child can turn the water on and get scalded since hot water emits first.  The other example is the same for an adult.  What if someone is medicated and not paying attention, they too can get scalded.

There was also another bathroom where the tub spout continued to drip even when the faucet was turned off.

 

Furnace flue

This is a furnace flue, where the combustion flows through to exit at the exterior.  This flue gets very hot and therefore it needs a minimum 1-inch clearance to combustibles for safety.  Also, the flue is dented.

 

Loose guard rail

The guard rail was loose and moved excessively when pushed.  It needed to be tightened for safety.

There were also other items that needed attention, but I will stop here.

I hope this gives you a little more information about home inspections and their value... even in new construction homes.  Be safe out there.

 
Post is included in group: Southern California Real Estate Forum
Post is included in group: ABR/REBAC

14 Comments on There's Never Problems with New Construction Homes... Right?

Wow - I never would have noticed.  Once moved into a place then realized the shower door was reversed -- you don't notice those things when you are excited about your new place.  Good to have some expert eyes to check it out. Thanks for the info.  Kim/AAOA

02/26/2008 11:03 AM by American Apartment Owners Association (American Apartment Owners Association)


Some builders are better than others.  Some rush through and do things cheaply and others take great care in making sure things are done correctly.

02/26/2008 11:07 AM by JenRan Realty, LLC


Joseph, How many inspections do you do during construction and what do you charge? The appraiser is also required to inspect during construction. Do you work in conjunction with any appraisers?

Bill Roberts

02/26/2008 11:11 AM by Bill Roberts - "Baby Boomer" Retirement Planning (Brooks and Dunphy Real Estate)


Kim, thanks for stopping by.

Jennifer, yes, without a doubt some builders are better than others.  But another way to rate a home builder is how do they follow up with their clients after they move in.  With so many sub-contractors it is certain that some mistakes will be made.  But how do they take care of the complaints afterward. 

Bill, right now I do not perform phase inspections, I haven't seen the market for it here.  So I inspect after construction is completed.  My rate is based on square footage, age and if there's a pool/spa.  I happened to charge $360 for this particular inspection.  I don't currently work with any appraisers.

02/26/2008 11:17 AM by Joseph Lang - Southern California Home Inspector (Pillar To Post Professional Home Inspection)


Joseph

You have a good point in making sure that you get everything inspected. 

02/26/2008 11:24 AM by Chris Frantz (Hernando County Real Estate - Exit Success Realy)


You have a good eye.  No wonder why your an inspector.

02/26/2008 11:28 AM by Ryan Vivo, Realtor Solano County Gateway Realty (Gateway Realty)


Joseph - I look forward to your posts as I often learn very interesting points of information.  We really only have asphalt roofs here, so I don't know anything about the clay and tile roofs, but enjoy learning.

02/29/2008 09:04 PM by Derek Bauer, Associate Broker - Door To Dreams Team www.DoorToDreams.com (Real Estate One, Inc.)


Joseph, I always recommend a home inspection for my clients even if the home is new construction.

Thanks for sharing this post.

Have a great weekend!

03/01/2008 11:30 AM by Richard Ives (RE/MAX AT HOME)


Derek, thanks!

Richard, it's always a good idea, good to hear you agree.

03/01/2008 03:35 PM by Joseph Lang - Southern California Home Inspector (Pillar To Post Professional Home Inspection)


Hi Joseph - your post is very timely for us. We are working with a builder and have a home under contract. The buyer and their agent had an inspection completed and had a few issues they wanted corrected, including radon remediation. Do you have some information on why an inspection is important for the Seller as well as the buyer? Also, what about having a builder present at the inspection? What are the pros and cons of that when the builder is also the seller? Thank you!

03/06/2008 11:26 AM by Kevin & Monica Ray, Missoula, Superior & Western Montana Real Estate Specialists (Streamside Realty )


Kevin and Monica, Click on these words for a blog about sellers and pre-listing home inspections.  I do not like builders present at the home inspection because they tend to argue everything as I'm going along, which is quite distracting.  They can review my report and then give their opinion.  If my client has questions after talking to the builder, they can consult me.  I hope this helps.

03/06/2008 03:25 PM by Joseph Lang - Southern California Home Inspector (Pillar To Post Professional Home Inspection)


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Inspector: Joseph Lang - Southern California Home Inspector (Pillar To Post Professional Home Inspection)
Joseph Lang - Southern California Home Inspector
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