There is, periodically, a discussion about whether or not there is a point in having a home inspection at a brand new home. My experience has shown me that the answer is a resounding "yes." The most serious problem I have found at new homes involves significant standing water in the crawl space and the builder is not telling about that. In the wet northwest, if you buy a house located on the downside of a hill, it might look crispy inside, but be soggy down below. Over the years that can lead to rot and mold, and the mold might be up where you live.

Most of the issues that I find in new houses are not that difficult to deal with, nor expensive, but they are things that a buyer should know and includes: failure to ground or bond the electric system, GFCI receptacles that do not operate, heat ducts that are not connected, dishwashers and gas fireplaces not hooked into the system. The list is too long to put here, but the photo below was an interesting one. The contractor does a great job. I have inspected many of his houses. In this case there were multiple attic accesses and the people who install the insulation forgot to insulate the area over the kitchen and utility room. Huge problem? No, but one the homeowner would never find and one that should be dealt with by the builder pre-closing.

Steven L. Smith

Bellingham Home Inspector