I get this question all the time. People figure if the house is brand new then everything must be fine. The builder just finished it, right? So why spend money on a home inspection. The truth is I have inspected a lot of new construction homes in New Jersey and I can tell you new does not mean perfect. Not even close.
Why a new house still needs an inspection
Even though nobody has lived in the house yet, it has still been built by a long line of tradesmen. Framers, roofers, plumbers, electricians, HVAC installers, masons, painters — all working on the same job. Sometimes they do not communicate. Sometimes they are rushing to finish. Sometimes they just miss things. A home inspection makes sure those mistakes do not become your problem after closing.
As an NJ home inspector I see issues in new homes more than most people would believe.
The kinds of problems I keep finding
Here are some of the things I have personally seen in brand new houses:
Roof flashing wrong or missing. I have found leaks in roofs that were only weeks old.
Insulation skipped or missing. Whole sections of attics with bare spots.
Grading sloped the wrong way. Water headed right back to the house instead of away.
Wiring issues. Outlets reversed, breakers tripping, missing GFCIs.
Plumbing leaks. Brand new water heaters dripping. Supply lines not tightened.
HVAC problems. Ducts not connected, no airflow, units oversized or too small.
Framing shortcuts. Cut trusses, posts not bearing properly.
These are not rare problems. I see them all the time.
Poor workmanship happens a lot
Another reason I find so much in new construction is because homes today go up fast and cheap. Builders want them done quickly so they can sell and move on. Quality takes a back seat.
I find overdriven nails in shingles, sloppy drywall seams, plumbing pipes left unsecured, ducts hanging loose. On the inside I see sloppy and inconsistent finishes. Crooked trim, paint overspray, uneven floors. I have even seen new windows that do not open right. These things show me one thing — new does not mean well built.
Why it is better to catch things now
If you skip the inspection, these problems fall on you. The builder’s warranty might cover some of it, but only if you find it in time. A NJ home inspection before closing gives you leverage. The builder has to fix it on their dime. Once you sign the closing papers, that leverage is gone.
It is always easier to get things corrected before you move in than after.
Remember who the inspection is for
When I do a new construction inspection, I work only for you, the buyer. I do not work for the builder. My job is to look closely at every major system and give you a detailed report with photos. If there are issues, you have it in writing and you can hand it to the builder.
Do not rely on the builder’s walkthrough or their own inspector. They are not independent. They are looking out for themselves.
Bottom line
Yes, you still need a home inspection for a new construction home in New Jersey. Brand new does not mean perfect. An inspection can save you thousands and a lot of stress.
If you are buying new construction, schedule the inspection before the final walkthrough. That way anything I find can go right on the builder’s punch list.
My name is John Martino, owner of LookSmart Home Inspections. I am a Board-Certified Master Inspector with over 24 years of experience and more than 6,000 inspections completed across New Jersey. I work directly for buyers, not agents or builders, and I deliver detailed reports with photos, thermal imaging, and clear explanations. Learn more at LookSmart Home Inspections
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