Picture this: You’re about to buy your dream home. It's brand-new construction. Everything is shiny and untouched, from the window panes to the dishwasher. It promises years of hassle-free living without worrying about leaky roofs or replacing the oven. But before you pop the bubbly and move in, there's an essential step—conducting a thorough home inspection.

Why Inspect a New Construction Home?

Since a new construction home is brand-spanking new, it's easy to assume everything is flawless and entirely up to code. However, even reputable builders and their crews are human. The construction process has multiple moving parts, sometimes with different work happening simultaneously. Mistakes can slip by unnoticed, even by local code enforcement. Without a professional inspection, defects of all severity may go undetected.

Does that matter? Yes, it can! Here's why:

Early Detection of Problems

Identifying issues before finalizing your purchase saves you from future headaches and financial strain. Imagine moving in only to discover a problem in the floor joists that could have been resolved before the flooring installation. Now, you're financially on the hook for fixing the joist, subfloor, and your existing flooring. Trust us, that fix won't be cheap. A house inspection is how you find what will become a serious issue down the road so the builder can fix it now.

Quality Assurance

A home inspection ensures the construction meets the agreed-upon standards and specifications. Most home builders strive to deliver quality homes, knowing their reputation and business is on the line. However, discrepancies can still occur during the building process. Maybe a new subcontractor tried to cut corners, or a fix was overlooked. Ensuring quality at the construction stage prevents dissatisfaction and potential disputes later on.

Safety

Your safety at home is paramount. That's why we have building departments, housing codes, and code inspectors. It's to protect you in a space that you should feel safe. Detecting building code violations is critical. An inspection checks that the new construction adheres to the latest safety standards, providing you and your family peace of mind.

Limited Builder Warranty

You may think a builder warranty covers any problems, but once you move in the clock is ticking. Your workmanship and materials warranty expires in one year. That's your siding, doors, drywall, and paintwork. Coverage on essential systems like the HVAC and plumbing expires in about two years. And they typically won't pay for you to live somewhere else while a builder makes any repairs on a claim. Read the warranty policy carefully!

But even better? Nip those issues in the bud before closing with a pre-drywall and pre-close inspection.

Common Issues in New Construction Homes

Even newly constructed homes can have expensive issues. A new construction home inspection might uncover:

Structural Issues

Poorly executed foundation work, framing mistakes, and inadequate support structures put your safety at risk. While some structural defects may be evident, others might not manifest until months or years later—leading to costly repairs. By then, your builder's warranty will have expired. Repairs will come out of your wallet.

Electrical and Plumbing Problems

Incorrect wiring, loose electrical connections, or improperly installed plumbing systems are other safety hazards. These issues hide behind walls but can cause significant unaddressed problems and expenses. Early fixes limit damage and prevent costly repairs.

HVAC System Malfunctions

A poorly installed or malfunctioning HVAC system impacts home comfort and energy efficiency. Home inspections can find issues with ductwork, ventilation, and equipment placement.

Poor Workmanship

Shoddy workmanship can be present in any home. Some issues, like lousy paint jobs, may only be cosmetic, but they could also indicate deeper problems with the construction. After all, if they can't deliver a quality paint job inside, what else did they miss?

Foundation Issues

A strong foundation supports your entire home. One misstep here trickles across your home, impacting the walls, roofing, and home safety. Problems could be pouring the slab at an angle, not correctly directing water run-off around the home, or in joint support.

Hidden Costs of Overlooked Repairs

Some construction blunders may be harder to spot until you've lived in the home for a few months or years. In the excitement of moving in, it's easy to miss small gaps in the siding or poorly installed weather stripping. But then there are the big ticket blunders the average person may not recognize. Poorly installed floor joists and support beams might cause sinking subfloors over time, costing thousands of dollars to fix.

What if your builder didn’t partner with a professional energy consultant? Your HVAC system or insulation may not be as energy-efficient as promised. Think about the cost of energy-efficient repairs and additions to make your home more comfortable. It could run into the thousands if you need a different HVAC system.

Don't let a dream home become a money pit because you assumed all was well, being a brand-new home.

When to Have a New Construction Home Inspection

Pre-Drywall Inspection

Before drywall, inspectors have clear visibility of the home’s structural components. You want a good look at the bones of your home: the framing, plumbing, electrical wiring, and HVAC systems. This early inspection checks that these essential home components are up to code before being concealed. Any identified issues can be addressed with minimal disruption and cost, saving you and the builder potential headaches.

Final Delivery Inspection

Once construction is complete, the final delivery inspection occurs before your closing date. This comprehensive inspection verifies that all home systems function correctly. Their list of items takes them from the attic to the crawlspace. They'll check that any previously noted issues are resolved. At this point, the builder must address discrepancies between the completed home and the original agreement.

Having a professional home inspector check the final product ensures that the home you move into meets your quality standards.

Give Your New Home A Clean Bill of Health

A new construction home inspection is an investment in your peace of mind and financial security. You've already spent a pretty penny building this home or buying it brand-new from the builder. You deserve a newly built home that matches what you're putting into it. Protect yourself from unforeseen expenses and ensure your new house lives up to its promise.

About the Author: Preston Guyton is the founder of ez Home Search. He has been a real estate leader for over 20 years. Starting with a focus in South Carolina, he has helped coach and empower real estate professionals to achieve their full potential by meeting the needs of their local community.