If you are a home buyer that is having a new home built you might want to consider hiring your own inspector to inspect the home. Sometime the builders’ sales personnel will discourage you from hiring your personnel inspector by stating the builder has several inspections during the building cycle. This is true, but these inspectors may be more willing to give the builder a favorable report. A home buyer who hires an independent inspector to do phase inspections has a better chance of solving problems earlier. Recommend the buyer do the following 3 inspections: just prior pouring the foundation, just prior to enclosing the walls and a final inspection. Doing these inspections offers extra assurance the home has been built correctly. Also gives the buyer extra time to pinpoint any potential problems and requests the builder to fix the problem. Common problems found through the phase inspection process include Foundation – This is the only time inspectors can evaluate surface preparation, view sewer and drain lines prior to being covered by cement. Pre-drywall – This is the last time an inspector can completely see and review the plumbing pipes, electrical wiring, duct installation and structural frame. After this point the insulation and drywall will be installed which closes these views. Final inspection prior to closing - Inspectors check the homes plumbing, electrical, home systems, roof, doors, and windows. Inspectors’ report only evaluates what they can see. They do not go behind walls or take out pieces of flooring.
Home buyers may want to consider an extra inspection 10 months after they close their new home. Most builders offer to repair problems discovered during the first year. Many buyers will discover problems with the home during the first year, therefore it is necessary for the homeowner to make a list of needed repairs during the first year and provide this list to the builder just prior to the end of the first year.
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