St. Louis Real Estate - Building Inspection - New Construction

NEW CONSTRUCTION INSPECTIONS by Harry Morrell ASHI Certified Inspector, Allied Building Inspection

For those buyers that are considering a new home purchase and believe the home inspection should be waived just because it is a new home, BEWARE. There are many circumstances to consider when buying a new home relating to the inspection process in general that buyers should know.

If you are buying a home close in to the metropolitan area from a well known and reputable general contractor chances are that the home will be well built and up to code. However, consider that this well known builder uses many sub contractors who can always have that one bad day or are in a rush to get to that next job. Short cuts occur all the time even in those multi-million dollar homes. In the world of construction speed is everything and sometimes digs right into the heart of the quality and craftsmanship that all home buyers want. Your home inspector will go back over all the important and significant structural and mechanical components to make sure you are getting the quality that you are paying for. Remember code inspectors do not do a top to bottom inspection. If you are buying a home out in rural areas from a weekend/amateur home builder, I have four words for you, GET A HOME INSPECTION!

New construction inspections can be grouped into three major categories:

1. Phase Inspections
2. End of Construction Inspections
3. Warranty Inspections

Phase inspections are recommended for the buyer that is purchasing a new home in a rural area with no or little code enforcement to ensure good building quality and safety and usually includes the initial foundation pour, framing, mechanicals, and roofing.

End of construction inspections are the most common and usually are more than adequate for any purchase close in the metro area.

Warranty inspections are a great idea for builders who offer a one year top to bottom warranty.

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