New Construction
inspection services
Because it’s always best to start at Square 1!
New construction homes
Typically have 3 inspection Phases:
WHAT IS PRE-DRYWALL INSPECTION?
Pre-drywall inspections are one way to make sure that a house was built in accordance with the plans. During the construction of a home, a pre-drywall inspection is completed immediately after the installation of the doors, windows, foundation, flooring, wall framing, roof, plumbing, and electrical rough-in, but before the drywall is hung. This construction-phase inspection is essential because once the new home is finished, drywall can cover up structural issues and wrong interior features, making detecting or addressing issues both challenging and expensive.
This is an in-depth inspection which will require substantially more time than a typical home inspection.
WHAT AREAS OF THE HOME ARE INSPECTED
IN THE PRE-DRYWALL INSPECTION?
The inspector can assess the following parts of the home during a Pre-Drywall Inspection:
Why should I get a New Construction
Home Inspection?
Building a home is like putting together a giant puzzle, but instead of one person doing it all, there’s a whole crew involved. Approximately 20 different subcontractors which are likely to have 4 to 5 employees per crew. This adds up to more than 100 individuals all working together during the construction process. Even with all those skilled hands at work, no house is flawless.
This inspection is preformed prior to the final walk through and allows time for the builder to correct any defects.
What a home inspector looks for
A professional home inspector will conduct a thorough visual examination of your new home, both inside and out. These inspectors typically possess extensive experience in home construction and are trained to identify issues that an average person might overlook. Using a comprehensive home inspection checklist, the inspector assesses everything from the foundation to the roof and everything in between. Specifically, you can rely on your home inspector to follow a standard of practice that involves a thorough review of the following areas:
Structural Components: This includes evaluating the foundation, framing walls, floors, and ceilings.
Exterior Components: The inspector examines siding, flashing, trim, decks, railing, and nearby hardscaping and landscaping.
Interior Components: Stairs, railings, cabinetry, windows, doors, and installed appliances are thoroughly checked.
Roofing Systems: Shingles, drainage systems, skylights, and related elements are assessed.
Electrical Systems: The service panel, grounding, wiring, switches, fixtures, and more are reviewed.
Plumbing Systems: Water supply, drains, sewer lines, pipes, and venting systems are inspected.
HVAC Systems: Furnaces, air conditioners, ductwork, exhaust systems, fireplaces, and chimneys are examined.
The inspector documents any identified problems and creates a comprehensive report detailing these issues. This report serves several valuable purposes for you: Discussion with the Builder: You can use the report to discuss problems with the builder and add items to the punch list for completion or repair during the final walkthrough. No Pressure to Sign Off: You should never feel pressured to approve the builder’s work until you are satisfied. The inspector’s report provides backup as you approach the end of the process. Negotiating Tool: If you’re working with a real estate agent to purchase a completed new home, the inspection report becomes an essential negotiating tool. You can request the builder to address any identified issues before finalizing the sale.
Builders Warranty, what’s included?
Experienced builders understand that a house truly becomes complete only after enduring a full year of seasonal changes. Why? Because weather fluctuations can unveil or even trigger various issues that might not have been evident during the initial handover. This is why most builders provide a one-year warranty for their newly constructed homes. They aim to ensure the structural integrity of the houses they build, recognizing that they might need to address any issues within that critical first year.
Every warranty differs, so it pays to read the fine print. A good warranty will cover both materials and workmanship and will include the following items:
- Carpentry
- Doors
- Drywall (including “nail pops”)
- Electrical
- Exterior siding
- Floors
- Foundations
- Garage doors
- HVAC systems
- Insulation
- Landscaping
- Paint
- Plumbing
- Roofing
- Septic system
- Thermal and moisture issues
- Waterproofing
- Windows and Glass
It’s just as important to know what’s not covered. There are several areas and conditions that builders often explicitly exclude from their warranties. Common exclusions are:
Neglect-Related Damage: Homeowners must remain vigilant about performing adequate maintenance, even for new constructions. Tasks such as clearing gutters, eradicating pests, maintaining ventilation, and trimming foundation plants are crucial to preserving the home’s condition. Some builders may provide a list of expectations for homeowners.
Damage from External Forces: This category includes damage caused by animals, people, or events considered “acts of God,” such as wind damage or flooding. It also encompasses damage resulting from contractors hired to work on the home after construction is completed.
Deterioration of Building Materials: Normal wear and tear that falls within industry standards won’t be covered. This could include shrinkage or other changes due to settling and soil movement.
Home Appliances: Consumer products like appliances or other equipment generally aren’t covered under the builder’s warranty. However, these items often come with their own warranties, which the builder should provide upon the sale of the house.