Why a New Construction Home Still Needs an Independent Inspection

A brand-new home feels like it should be problem free. Everything is clean, the paint is fresh, and the builder had it inspected. So why spend money on your own inspection?

Because the people looking at the house are not working for the same person, and new homes are built by people working quickly, with many trades on site. Mistakes happen.

The city inspector is not your inspector

New homes are checked by the local building department for compliance with the building code at specific stages. That is an important safeguard, but it is a code check, not a buyer's evaluation. It is not meant to catch everything a buyer would care about, and it does not review the home for your benefit.

What we commonly find in new homes

• Plumbing and drainage items, such as loose fittings, slow drains or missing components

• Electrical details, such as missing cover plates, wiring that was not finished, or reversed or ungrounded outlets

• Grading and drainage that sends water toward the foundation instead of away from it

• Insulation gaps and air sealing issues in the attic or walls

• HVAC items, such as disconnected or poorly supported ducts, or missing filters

• Cosmetic and finish items the builder can easily fix once they are on a list

Every home is different, and some are cleaner than others. The point is that these items are much easier to fix before you move in, and before your warranty clock starts running.

Phase inspections

For homes still under construction, inspections at key stages let us look at work that will be covered up later. A typical approach is a pre-pour or foundation check, a pre-drywall or framing check while the wiring, plumbing and structure are still exposed, and a final inspection before closing. Ask us about the stages that make sense for your build.

Before your builder's warranty runs out

Many builders offer a one-year warranty, and an inspection near the end of that period can document items to bring to the builder while they are still responsible. Check your own warranty paperwork for the exact terms.

Home Inspection Associates has served Northern Nevada since 2007, with more than 9,000 inspections. Our reports are photo-documented, and we are glad to talk through the findings with you.

Buying or building new? Visit nvinspectors.com to get in touch.