You might assume home inspections for new builds are unnecessary, but they can provide key insights into the construction and help prevent costly repairs.

 

New homes might look flawless, but that doesn’t mean they’re exempt from imperfections. A new home inspection is an invaluable service for anyone looking to have a professional opinion regarding the quality of their future home.

 

Some people feel that home inspections for new builds are an extra expense, but we hope to convince you otherwise. Stay tuned to learn more about what to expect from a new construction home inspection.

 

 

A home inspection is a third-party evaluation of the condition of a real estate property. These inspections are usually conducted when a home is on the market. A qualified inspector assesses the property’s condition and delivers a report on their findings. The buyer can then speak with the seller — or in this case, the builder — to fix any issues before closing.

 

In a nutshell, home inspections ensure a property is safe and free from any significant issues before you move in. These evaluations provide helpful insights and save you money on potential costly repairs.

 

 

When you buy a worn-down, older house, a home inspection is a no-brainer, but what about new construction homes?

 

As peculiar as it might seem, you should inspect new construction homes. New homes aren’t always built to code; they can have just as many flaws as a property that’s been around for a while. Rather than trying your luck as a consumer, an experienced home inspector will ensure everything checks out before you settle in.

 

 

Housing violations are more common than you might think. It would seem that brand new homes should be flawless, but they often have hidden issues. These issues mainly arise due to the number of laborers and third-party contractors coming onto the property each day. Moreover, since new construction homes are popping up like daisies lately, there simply aren’t enough construction managers to examine all the home’s parts during the building process.

 

With that said, here are some of the most common problems found during home inspections for new builds:

 

• Inadequate grading and drainage - Proper grading and drainage are responsible for directing water away from a property’s foundation. Without this, water can seep around the foundation and cause harmful water damage. New grading can sometimes settle asymmetrically, causing poor drainage and uneven surfaces.
  
  
• Improper roof installation - Roofs consist of several components that are often installed incorrectly. Whether it’s the flashing, shingles, vents, or tiles, improper roof installation can be incredibly costly down the line.
   
• Shrinkage cracks - Concrete mixed with high water content can develop shrinkage cracks over time. These cracks don’t pose a threat to the home's structure, but they can ruin the aesthetics of driveways and walkways. Shrinkage cracks allow water to seep into the cement, causing expansion as the water freezes and melts.
   
• Improperly laid wood flooring - Wood flooring must acclimate the environment before installation. If not, the floor might move and separate, causing gaps in the flooring material. Large gaps can be challenging to fix and often require reinstallation.
  
  
• Missing insulation - Insulation is one of the last items builders install into a new construction house. Because of this, it’s not uncommon for them to overlook insulation.
   
• Incomplete construction - There’s always a chance that a builder might miss a minor construction item in the building process. Unfinished tiling, missing power outlets, installing fire blocking, or other concerns might arise. It’s essential to address these issues before moving in.
   
• Poor framing - Framing issues commonly arise because of the sheer quantity. It can be challenging to properly inspect framing since there is so much of it. An upstanding home inspector should inspect after the framing process to make sure everything is up to code. 
   
• Overlooked painting - Painting is one of the most common inconsistencies found during home inspections. You might find areas that have been improperly painted or missed altogether. Inspectors will document walls, baseboards, utility closets, and any other areas that need to be touched up.
   
• Hazardous foundations - A damaged foundation is one of the worst problems to uncover because it’s a costly fix. Inspectors will look for exterior cracks, interior sheetrock cracks, tile cracks, expansion, door frame separation, and other indicators of foundation problems.

Most new builds are examined in three-phased inspections:

        

1. Pre-Pour Foundation Inspection - The first phase is before the foundation is poured. In this stage, home inspectors will look for specific items such as moisture barriers, plumbing, footings, foundation, and rebar.

2. Framing Inspection - Once your home’s roofing material, windows, and exterior cladding are installed, it will be ready for a framing inspection. Make sure this occurs before sheetrock and insulation installation begins.

3. Final Inspection - You should schedule the final home inspection a few days before your walk-through. This inspection is the most time-consuming of the three phases because it incorporates all the major systems in the home. A final inspection checklist includes appliances, roof, doors, ventilation, insulation, foundation, windows, plumbing, electrical systems, radon mitigation, and more.

Home inspections for new builds are often overlooked, but we recognize their significance at Safe & Sound Home Inspection. We’re proud to offer professional and reliable services that will give you peace of mind and help you save money down the line. All of our inspectors are AHIT-certified and have a minimum of 10 years of experience in the industry, so you can trust that your new home is in good hands.

We’re located in Sandy, Utah, and serve the surrounding areas, including Salt Lake City, Draper, Herriman, Orem, and more! Reach out today for a free quote and schedule your superior home inspection.