Many buyers question the need for a home inspection on a newly constructed home. They often claim: "Everything is new and was signed off by the municipal inspectors. What could go wrong?"
It doesn't help that site agents and builders reinforce that kind of thinking, and point to warranties instead. The problem is that there may be many issues that, if undetected, could damage the home many years down the road, or affect the home owners' comfort and utility bills.
I just represented buyers on a new home purchase where the home inspector found the following deficiencies among a list of minor defects:
1. The dryer vent terminated in the attic with no dedicated vent to the outside
The moist and warm air from the dryer could create mold and mildew issues in the attic.
2. No insulation underneath the front portion of the home.
This will certainly result in higher heating costs and less comfort, as well as the possibility of the water line freezing and bursting in cold temperatures.
3. The furnace duct was disconnected from the roof vent
4. The attic light switch was installed over 8 feet away from the attic access hatch.
The light switch should be right at the attic entrance.
This home has received its occupancy certificate from the city inspection department, which goes to show how much that line of defense can be relied upon by the consumers.
The reality is that nobody is perfect, things can get overlooked, and mistakes are made. In my clients' case the home builder immediately corrected all the deficiencies and apologized for all the issues. My clients have peace of mind that the home was checked from top to bottom. The fee for the home inspection was well worth it.
Sandy Nelson
Olympia Realtor®, GRI, ASP, SRES, SFR, VAMRES
360-789-7505
www.SandyNelsonRealEstate.com
All the real estate information on the Internet can not compare to the real time, on-the-ground expertise of a local, skilled Realtor ®. Among all the South Sound real estate resources available, the most powerful tool is my phone number.
Planning a home purchase or the sale of your home will be much more enjoyable when you work with a friendly and knowledgeable professional. I'm dedicated to helping you make informed decisions and providing you with exceptional skill and service.
Comments(2)