There are at least 5 reasons to get a new construction inspection. And to have the inspection performed by your own certified inspector from the Wildcat Inspections Team. Let’s say you just got a call from your construction manager. He informs you that it’s time for your final walk-through on your new home. One of the most well-respected construction firms in the area built it. You’ve been waiting over 7 months for its completion. That’s the average construction time from the start to completion of new privately owned residential buildings. At least according to the 2021 data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction estimates.
By the way, that number rises to over 14 months for owner-built houses according to Realtor.com. You drove by the home a few days before the walk-through and met a neighbor who asked you “Did you get the home inspected by your own inspector?” They then commence to tell you about the issues that their home inspector found. Now you’re worried because you didn’t get your own inspector. Here are some things to consider before it goes that far.
1. The People Building New Home Construction Are Not Perfect
You don’t have to be a Rhodes Scholar to realize people working on your new home are not perfect. Because no one is. However, the sheer number of people involved in the process multiplies that fact when it comes to new home construction. It’s highly probable that as many as 100 people or more will have worked on your house by the time it’s all said and done. That includes about 20 different contractors and sub-contractors with 3 to 5 employees each. Now, combine all those people with over 3,000 components necessary to build an average house. The result is a recipe for oversight without a new home inspection.
2. Some Construction Managers Have Little New Construction Experience
Another of the 5 reasons to get a new home inspection is that the person you meet on the job is not the builder. The person in charge of the job site while the home is under construction is typically the homebuilder’s construction manager. Different homebuilders have varying requirements to fill these positions. Some managers might have many years of construction experience while others might have limited experience and a four-year degree.
The problem with that is that the degree might be in urban planning and not construction practices. That means the person overseeing your construction might be getting on-the-job training. For instance, information from US Licenses in an article titled How To Become a Construction Manager: “To be successful as a construction manager, there are many qualities and skills you need to possess. Many of these skills are developed while gaining experience in the construction industry. But the motivation to fine-tune and sharpen these skills is crucial to the success of a construction manager.”
3. Building Codes For New Home Construction Are Not All Inclusive
It might surprise many new homebuyers that building codes are not all inclusive. Building codes do not specifically address many components of new home construction. That includes windows, doors, siding, roofing, air-conditioning systems and others. The codes simply defer installation to the manufacturer’s specifications. Most of the builder’s reps don’t look at a host of things that your independent inspector will likely do on your behalf. Including the construction manager and even the builder’s third-party inspector. For instance, their new construction inspection might not include
- opening every window and door,
- checking all electrical outlets,
- checking temperature at HVAC registers,
- checking temperature at ovens,
- checking temperature at water heaters,
- running all appliances,
- inspecting from the rooftop,
- entering attics and crawlspaces,
- and many others.
4. Building Officials Have Time Constraints For New Construction Inspections
Here is a fact. Building departments are typically understaffed. That’s true regardless of the economy at the time. Simply put, building officials have time constraints when it comes to new construction inspections for code compliance. That’s because they have the task of looking at multiple properties on any given day. It is impossible for them to perform a thorough, perfect on-site inspection of every system of a newly constructed home. I have personally witnessed a building official perform a new home move-in inspection in fifteen minutes. That does not diminish their value. Local building codes and local code enforcement do help with the overall results of new houses.
5. Some New Construction Does Not Have Any Inspections At All
You should especially not waive a new home inspection if you are buying outside the city limits. The reason for that is new homes outside municipal jurisdictions do not have any inspections by building officials at all. There is no code enforcement out in the county and some counties have not even adopted a building code. Those homes typically have the greatest numbers of deficiencies when it comes to safety and structural concerns. One reason is that it is a long way to go back to the shop or hardware store. So, they substitute what they have on the truck instead of the part they needed to do the job right.
Closing Thoughts About Getting A New Construction Inspection
In conclusion, investing in a New Construction Inspection is a crucial step for any buyer. While new homes often appear perfect, hidden issues can arise during construction. A thorough inspection ensures all major systems are functioning properly. It also gives buyers the opportunity to address any necessary repairs or adjustments with the builder before finalizing the purchase. This proactive approach not only safeguards you from potential costly repairs in the future but also provides the invaluable benefit of peace of mind. Though it may add a small expense and slightly extend the timeline, a professional inspection is well worth the effort. By hiring a certified home inspector, you’re making a wise decision to protect your investment and ensure the long-term value of your new home.
Still on the Fence? Here is a short video we recorded during an inspection of a new home. The customer was not going to have a home inspection. After all it was a new home, right? Luckily, they called us the day before their final walkthrough and we were able to assist them. We found several issues in and around the home, but the attic was the kicker. We were able to provide building codes to get the builder’s attention. Click the image to watch on the Wildcat Inspections Youtube Channel.
