Check Your Locks

When buying a home on the re-sale market buyers almost always have a professional home inspection done, but if they buy a new home from a builder this aspect of the home buying process is typically ignored, after all the builder knows what they are doing and everything should be perfect, right? I wish that this was a true statement. The home builders sales agents represent the builder not the buyer and on the final walk through with the superintendent you get to go through the home and stick little pieces of tape on the walls to indicate where the paint or dry wall need cosmetic attention, but what about the stuff that really matters? It is overwhelming the number of times I go to a home inspection with my buyers on homes constructed this century and end up with a long list of issues that should have been correct before the home owner ever moved in. The builders warranty has expired and the seller is left with the bill to correct these issues. But my home seems fine, what kind of things do you find I hear you ask. Firstly check your locks. A deadbolt has to engage properly to make your home secure. With the door open, engage the dead bolt and listen for a click as the bolt locks into place. Now shut the door and try to engage the dead bolt. If you do not hear that same click the chances are the bolt is not locked securely in place and can easily be opened by those who know what they are doing, typically the bad guys. Most new homes have low E windows which have a special coating designed to reflect UV rays out of the home. If the window is installed the wrong way around you end up absorbing the UV rays into the home and end up paying SRP more each month you use your air conditioning as a result. The list of issues goes on including dishwasher drains incorrectly installed and anti tip devices missing from the range oven.  My advise is to always have a home inspection performed by a professional, especially on a new build. It could save you money on things like utilities and repairs that the builder should correct rather than you when its time to sell.