New Home Inspection

On the surface, getting a new home inspection can at first appear like a waste of money. But look a little deeper and the benefits become abundantly clear. For existing homes, a home inspector acts like a detective identifying problems that could have been occurring over many years. For new homes, he can serve as a guide by discovering potential issues such as construction mistakes, inadequate HVAC equipment, plumbing errors or even drainage problems. Diagnosing these kinds of problems before purchasing a home can be an invaluable investment.

Why Purchase a New Home Inspection

Buyers of used homes purchase a home inspection for protection against problems unknown to the seller or issues they choose not to disclose. Likewise, a new home inspection is purchased for the same reason. However, the one key difference is that a new home inspection also protects the builder. Most home builders provide a limited home warranty, but correcting mistakes in advance reduces homeowner claims that drain valuable resources, time and money. In this situation, the home inspector becomes an independent third party agent for both the buyer and builder. Be aware that a home inspection is not an appraisal but in most cases, it is a prerequisite for purchase.

What does a home inspector look for?

A home inspector is trained to know your state, county and city housing codes. All major areas of a house, inside, under and outside, including the yard, are a part of a new home inspection. This process typically takes only a few hours to complete. Afterwards, a detailed report is produced showing any safety concerns, defective items and required repairs. In addition, a home inspection report will often include optional items that need mentioning but are not be required for the purchase to go forward.

On a new home inspection, all electrical outlets are checked for proper grounding, coverage and spacing. Electrical mistakes by the builder could lead to devastating damage and major safety concerns. All HVAC equipment is inspected for properly rating based on the size of the house. Unbalanced air flow can occur if a unit is unable to supply enough air conditioning or heat to all areas of the home. The foundation of a home is examined for structural integrity. A house incurs some settling over its lifetime but too much and floors will buckle and separate leading to thousands of dollars for repair. If a home was built with a crawlspace, proper ventilation and ground covering are required to keep mold from forming. A new home inspection will make an assessment of the plumbing to locate any leaks, improper fittings, seals or caulking. A leak around a tub, for example, could cause extensive unseen water damage over a number of months or years. A thorough check of the attic and roof is also performed. An inspection of the attic could reveal venting problems and insulation issues such as incorrect R values. While not a safety concern, these mistakes lead to abnormally high energy bills. For the roof, incorrect shingle placement could cause significant leaks and water damage. Lastly, a home inspector will review the ground area near the home for proper slope and drainage. Water from heavy rains should not pool against the house. Additional items such as fences, sidewalks, driveways, windows and doors are also examined. Essentially, a home inspector is looking for anything that could cause problems for the homeowner later in the life of the home.

For an existing home, the same major areas as that of a new home inspection are scrutinized. However, it is often the small details that an inspector must look for in a used home. With many years of experience, a home inspector can spot problems such as damage from mold or termites where others may see nothing.

A used home inspection will typically start with the crawlspace and foundation. An inspector may see where water had previously pooled or the tell-tale signs of mold. Cracks in a foundation or splits in floor joists may reveal structural problems that would preclude a buyer from completing a purchase. A probe of the flooring and walls will be made to look for weak areas caused by termites or other insect infestations. The HVAC equipment is examined for wear and tear and other required repairs. This is a major area for an inspector and could be an expensive repair item. Similarly, the home's plumbing, such as sinks, faucets and garbage disposals are examined for leaks. Next, the electrical outlets are inspected for improper grounding. Circuit panels, exhaust fans and ceiling fans are also included in this area of the examination. An inspector will also perform a full review of the roof and shingling. Older homes could have enough wear that requires either spot replacement or a full roofing update. In addition, overhanging trees could cause damage to the roof, eaves or gutters. Similar to a new home inspection, the garage door should function properly along with safety switches and sensors. An inspector will also examine and report on the condition of the home's oven, dishwasher and built-in microwave. The fireplace and chimney in an existing home must be inspected for potential fire hazards, especially one that has not been maintained. As with new homes, the landscaping for used homes should be examined for proper drainage. Water flow could have been altered after initial construction that could cause damage to the foundation. Downspout diverters should be installed to take water away from the house to prevent it from collecting in the crawlspace. Lastly, some home additions may no longer adhere to local housing codes. A home inspector will spend significant time scrutinizing these areas to ensure they adhere to current building codes.

New Home Inspections are Important

Buying a home can be the most important purchase of your life. Why not protect that investment with a new home inspection? Insist on having a qualified home inspector validate a home. A lot of money can be saved compared to the minimal cost of the inspection.