Do I Need a Home Inspection for My New Home?

“I’m buying a newly built home, and everything seems to be perfectly in order; I don’t think I need a home inspection now.”

You’re clearly mistaken if these are your thoughts when buying your new house. Yes, when you buy a house, you must perform due diligence more thoroughly, which marks the need for a home inspection. However, buying a brand new house doesn’t mean there is no chance of hidden issues, and you don’t need to perform due diligence. The possibility of finding hidden issues might be comparatively low but not zero.

In this blog, we will discuss why getting a home inspection for your new home is important.

Newly Built Home Doesn’t Mean a Perfect Home

As per the National Association of Home Builders, 3000+ components are used in building a house, which is a huge number. Plus, this doesn’t include the fine detail about how critical components like screws, adhesives, nails, and sealants are selected and, later, installed.

If we do our math, then a rough estimate of 20 different sub-contractors install these 3,000 components, and every sub-contractor might employ around 4 to 5 employees to work on the house. So, when the house is completed, it could have seen more than 100 different workers for these 3,000 components, including sub-contractors for things like the following:

• Roofing
• Painting
• Drywall
• Electrical
• Flooring
• Appliances
• Insulation
• Framing

When so many people are working on the final product and numerous components are added, there is a fair chance for mistakes. This is why “newly built homes are perfect” is just a misconception. It’s important to acknowledge the true condition of every part and aspect of a home, and this can only be done with a home inspection in place.

Reasons to Get a Home Inspection for Your New Home

The one and main purpose of getting a home inspection is to find out the components that need to be repaired and identify the red flags that could be deal breakers. However, there are many different reasons why you should get a home inspection for a new home, and some of those are discussed here:

Identify Potential Issues

Even newly built homes can have issues; this is very obvious now, and a home inspection can help identify those. During the inspection, the inspector will thoroughly examine the property, uncovering the hidden problems that might be there, such as:

• Structural weaknesses
• Faulty wiring
• Plumbing leaks
• Roofing issues
• Signs of pest infestations

Detecting these issues early on lets you address them before they escalate into more significant and costly ones. For example, a small leak in the roof might not seem like a big deal initially, but if left unattended, it can lead to extensive water damage and mold growth. Therefore, by identifying these potential problems upfront, you can make informed decisions, negotiate necessary repairs with the seller, or reconsider the purchase, ensuring your investment is sound and secure.

Ensure Safety

Buying a new home doesn’t equate to buying a safe home. However, you can always ensure safety through new construction home inspections. Even though the new homes are built to meet current building codes, construction errors, oversight, or the use of substandard materials can still pose major safety hazards. With the help of a home inspector, you can identify major issues like faulty wiring that might lead to electrical fires or improper ventilation that can cause harmful indoor air quality. Additionally, inspectors can check for radon, mold, or other environmental hazards that might not be evident during a walkthrough. By uncovering these potential dangers early, a home inspection ensures that once you buy a newly built home, you’re offered a safe living environment,

Negotiate Repairs or Price

Newly constructed homes come at a high price, and as a homebuyer, you search for any opportunity to get the property at a lower price or negotiate the price with the seller. A home inspection of a newly built home can help you in this regard. Despite being new, construction errors or overlooked issues can still occur, such as:

• Improper installation of systems
• Minor structural flaws
• Cosmetic defects

A thorough home inspection provides a detailed report of these findings, providing you with the necessary information to request repairs from the builder or home seller before finalizing the purchase. If the inspectors find significant issues, you have a greater chance to negotiate a price reduction to account for future repair costs.

Meet Insurance Requirements

When buying a new home, you need to meet insurance requirements, and most insurance companies require a comprehensive home inspection before issuing a policy. Yes, even for new builds. With the inspection in place, the insurance company gains confidence in the property, acknowledging that it meets safety standards and is free from significant defects that might lead to claims. It also helps identify potential hazards, such as fire risks from faulty electrical systems or water damage from plumbing leaks, which must be handled beforehand to qualify for coverage. Ensuring the home passes this inspection not only facilitates obtaining the necessary insurance but also provides peace of mind that the property is insurable and compliant with safety regulations. This step protects you and the insurer from future liabilities and unexpected repair costs.

Ensure Compliance with Building Codes

Although new homes are designed to meet current building standards, mistakes, and oversights can still happen during construction. A home inspection conducted by a professional inspector verifies that the property adheres to all local building codes and regulations. This thorough review includes checking structural integrity, electrical systems, plumbing, and other critical components to ensure they meet the required standards. Identifying any discrepancies early allows the builder to address them before the home is bought and you start living there. This prevents future safety issues and costly repairs. By confirming that the new home complies with all building codes, you can have confidence in the quality and safety of your investment, ensuring it is legally sound and ready for occupancy.

Conclusion

If you are buying a house that is currently under construction, then it is recommended that you get the home inspection twice. The inspector can first look over the home before the walls are closed. This way, the inspector can inspect the framing and installation of the systems. If any issues appear, these could be fixed immediately, preventing future hassle and nuisance. The next inspection you can get is once your home is completed. This will be like the usual home inspection that will check every nook and cranny of the home – looking for any possible issues.

Getting the home inspection twice does seem like an additional expense, but if you think of it as a benefit, then it will be all worth it. See it this way: if you get a pre-drywall inspection, the inspector will ensure that everything has been installed properly. This is one major sneak peek that the home inspector missed when conducting the final inspection, as nothing could be done then.

Ensure your new home is safe, sound, and up to code with Advantage Inspection Service! Our certified inspectors provide comprehensive home inspections, identifying potential issues and verifying compliance with building codes. Make informed decisions and protect your investment. Schedule your home inspection with Advantage Inspection Service today! Contact us now to book an appointment.