Home > Blogs > Jim Watzlawick > Jim Watzlawick's (watzhomeinspections) Blog

Does New Construction need a Home Inspection?

By Jim Watzlawick

Home Inspector with Watz Home Inspections

May 08, 2007 01:13 PM

In my opinion I'd say indeed. I'd like to know your thoughts. I have inspected many new homes and some have had major issues, like cracked heat exchangers in the furnace, 1/2 of the insulation missing from the attic, foundation leaks, etc. I know the builder warranties the homes for a period of time, but how would one expect the builder to fix something if they have no idea it is wrong?

Comments(6)

Comment

Show All Comments

Sort:

Keith Pate

Keller Williams Preferred Realty - Raleigh, NC

You better believe it. Especially in areas where new construction is booming. Some builders go as cheap as they can and the quality shows.

May 08, 2007 01:18 PM

No name No name

Whitby, ON

Seven years ago, I had a Home Inspection on my home, and it turn out that it was very worth while. The home inspector saw a slight (1/8 to 1/4) inch buldge in the hardwood. This was caused because the Bolts for the intersecting I-Beam were never tightened, and the In I-Beam was not level with the other. This caused an unlevel floor, very noticable on the hardwood. Not being an Inspector back then, I would have never know. Builder tightened the bolts, and relayed section of hard wood to remove the visible hump.

I say YES....

May 08, 2007 01:28 PM

Vicki Watzlawick

CORE Realty (The Watz Team) - Algonquin, IL

Illinois Foreclosure Expert, The Watz Team

It's a small price to pay for the biggest investment of your life! And Keith has a good point, the way these builders are cutting corners to increase sales, you never know what they might overlook.

May 08, 2007 01:34 PM

Marchel Peterson

Results Realty - Spring, TX

Spring TX Real Estate E-Pro

It is so hard to convince my clients that they need a home inspection on a new home but I am a HUGE proponent of having your new home inspected. We don't have zoning in Houston and it is a real free for all so especially important living here.

May 08, 2007 02:17 PM

Beth Bastian

Rosemont Financial Inc - Simi Valley, CA

Simi Valley Real Estate

YES, you must have a home inspection regardless of the property age. I have heard of more horror stories about new builds.

May 08, 2007 04:24 PM

Donald Sutherland

Marathon Constructors Inspection Services - Seward, AK

Inspector-Seward, Alaska

Jim,

I've discovered many code violations in addition to shoddy construction practices. Must be drive by municipal inspectors.

Alaska Don