Many of us choose to buy a new construction home because we think it will save us money on repairs and maintenance in the long run. However, if your home was built by contractors looking to cut corners and save money, you could be liable for massive repair bills.
That’s why it pays to conduct a new construction home inspection to avoid unexpected repairs and construction flaws. While some may be hesitant to shell out the extra costs, the long-term savings and peace of mind of a new home inspection cannot be overlooked.
Should You Do a Home Inspection of a New Construction?
Yes, you should do a home inspection on new construction because new-construction homes are often not free from defects. Unlike older homes, which require owners to disclose any known defects, builders will not market a new construction home with known defects. However, many of these defects will not surface from a poor build until shortly after you’ve moved in.
Many contractors and builders are notorious for cutting corners and sacrificing quality materials and best management practices to pocket the extra cash.
Additionally, municipal codes will not protect you from many defects. Typically, these codes incentivize lazy contractors and builders to do the bare minimum to pass local inspections.
For that reason, we recommend multiple inspections rather than just one quick walk-through inspection of a new construction site.
How Many Times Should a New Construction Home Get Inspected?
Ideally, you should do multiple home inspections on new construction.
- Pre-Construction Inspection:
- The first inspection should ideally be done by your contractor in coordination with a proper quality assurance expert. Your contractor should do this before the concrete is laid to ensure that the foundation is properly leveled and adequate drainage and stormwater management procedures are in place.
- Frame Inspection:
- Inspect the home’s frame before the walls are enclosed. This crucial step allows you to examine the structural components, plumbing, electrical wiring, and insulation. By inspecting the frame, you can identify any potential issues that may be hidden once drywall is installed, such as improperly installed utilities or structural deficiencies.
- Mechanical Systems Inspection:
- Once the major structural components are in place, conduct an inspection of the mechanical systems. This includes checking the functionality of HVAC systems, plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets, and appliances that are being installed. Ensure that all systems are installed correctly and are functioning as intended before proceeding to the next stages of construction.
- Pre-Drywall Inspection:
- Before drywall installation, perform a comprehensive inspection of the home’s interior. Check for proper insulation, soundproofing measures, and the correct placement of electrical outlets and switches. Inspect ceilings, walls, and floors for any signs of damage or defects that may require correction before finishing touches are applied.
- Final Walkthrough Inspection:
- Just before closing on the home, conduct a final walkthrough inspection. This is your last opportunity to verify that all agreed-upon repairs and adjustments have been completed to your satisfaction. Ensure that cosmetic finishes, such as paint, flooring, and trim, meet your expectations and are free of defects.
Fortunately, we’ve provided a new construction home inspection checklist so that you and your inspector know what defects to spot before you make a purchase.
New Construction Home Inspection Checklist
- Has the building passed all required municipal inspections?
- Is the foundation free of cracks, settling, or moisture issues?
- Are floors level and free of squeaks or uneven areas?
- Are exterior structures like decks, patios, or pavers properly installed and level?
- Are roof shingles installed correctly, with no signs of damage or improper alignment?
- Is there adequate insulation in walls, ceilings, and floors, and are there drafts around windows and doors?
- Are electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems functioning properly without leaks, malfunctions, or safety hazards?
- Are stairways, railings, and other safety features securely installed and compliant with building codes?
- Is there proper drainage around the property, with no signs of standing water or potential flooding areas?
- Are there any visible cracks, leaks, or damages in pipes, ductwork, or structural components?
New Construction Home Inspection Cost
If cost is a concern, don’t worry. The average home inspection cost for a single-family home runs between $300-$500. Although this can add up if multiple inspections are done, you could save tons in the long run by spotting structural issues before they manifest.
Besides, if you have hundreds of thousands of dollars tied up in a property, it pays to take extra precautions.
Additional Reasons to Do a Home Inspection of a New Construction
1. Save on Costly Repairs
A simple $300-$500 investment could save you tens of thousands to avoid major structural repairs. For example, the cost to replace a damaged or poorly laid foundation could range from $20,000 on the low-end to $100,000 entirely.
Unfortunately, some major repairs may be harder to spot until after you’ve lived in the home for a few months or years. For example, poorly installed floor joists, support beams, and other framing components could start to present problems months after installation in the form of sinking subfloors that take months to settle in. Additionally, these structural repairs range from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars to replace.
You’ll also be on the hook for patching up any minor repairs, such as sealing vents, blocking drafts around doors/windows, and even just securing railways and trim that are poorly screwed in. Of course, these repairs will quickly add up.
2. Make Your Home Energy Efficient
Another way to save money is by investing in energy-efficient construction.
For example, suppose your builder didn’t partner with a proper energy consultant. In that case, you could consider hiring one to conduct a cost analysis of possible repairs and additions that will make your home more energy-efficient. These repairs could range from small projects like weatherstripping to replacing entire HVAC systems with more energy-efficient units.
3. Bargaining Power
Finally, inspecting a newer home and finding defects gives you more bargaining power over the final price. Contractors will either be forced to eat the cost of conducting repairs or negotiate a lower final price for you to repair the issue. Either way, completing a timely inspection of a new construction home will help you avoid liabilities that are of no fault of your own.
New construction homes arguably require more care and inspection because many issues do not present themselves until years of use and dwelling.
For this reason, we recommend conducting multiple home inspections of new construction homes to protect you from any liabilities.
Additionally, be sure to work with contractors who have worked with qualified consultants to help them follow best management practices when constructing a new home.
FAQs
Can inspections help with energy efficiency in new homes?
Yes, inspections can identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency in new homes. Recommendations may include upgrading insulation, installing energy-efficient windows, or optimizing HVAC systems, leading to lower utility bills and increased comfort.
How can inspections help with negotiation during the home-buying process?
Identifying defects during inspections provides leverage in negotiations. Homebuyers can request that the builder complete repairs or negotiate a reduction in the final sale price to account for any necessary repairs or upgrades.
What happens if defects are found during inspections of a new construction home?
If defects are found, homeowners can work with the builder to address the issues before closing. Depending on the severity of the defects, repairs may be completed by the builder at no additional cost or negotiated as part of the final purchase agreement.