New Construction Inspection

Buyers of re-sale homes almost always have their homes inspected by a professional inspector.

Buyers of new homes, however, often do not take this important step. Schedule your New Construction Inspection in Lafayette Today! There are several reasons for this:

The buyer is getting a new home and thinks the inspection is unnecessary.

The buyer feels they are protected by the one-year builder warranty inspection for workmanship and an extended structural warranty.

In many cases, the home is inspected by city inspectors as a part of the permitting process.

Buyers believe that they can rely on the builder’s reputation.

The builder is resistant to the idea of third-party inspections.

Buyers are not aware that a home inspection is a recommended alternative.

The buyer plans to “keep an eye” on the construction.

A Business Relationship

Home construction is a big project involving many contractors and suppliers. As the buyer and homeowner, you are the financer and recipient of the final product. If you are like most people, this is your biggest investment. Understandably, most people want to establish a good rapport with their builder. They must rely on the builder throughout the job and for warranty and service work after completion. They feel they need the builder’s friendship and goodwill and do not want to risk damaging the relationship. Schedule your New Construction Inspection in Lafayette Today!

You will need to come to terms with this in your mind. Do not allow your anxiety about the construction process to obscure the fact that you have a business relationship with your builder. You are working together under a contract. It is possible to be cordial and respectful while maintaining the right to bring up problems and concerns. Establishing the ground rules for your relationship at the beginning of the project is best. At some point, you may need to tell the builder that something is unacceptable to you.

Schedule Inspections

Let the builder know immediately that you will get a construction inspection. You may hear (from the builder or others) that this is unnecessary, that city inspections will be done, that this is an unusual step, etc. Stand your ground on the inspection decision. After you have let the builder know you will be getting an inspection, send an email or written note clarifying when your inspections will be done. Make it clear that you must have the utilities connected for your final inspection. Allow enough time after the final inspection for corrections before closing. Check with your Lafayette home inspector about which inspections he recommends. The three that come to mind are the foundation, pre-sheetrock, and final inspection.

1-Foundation Inspection

With some complicated foundations, you should have your engineer review the construction as it progresses. Usually, city inspectors do a layout inspection, ensuring the foundation does not overlap building lines.  Ask for a copy of the “forms survey”, if the builder has one. If a forms survey has not been done, carefully measure from the property lines if there is some doubt about whether the structure encroaches over building lines, study before proceeding. In addition to the layout, your engineer should check the steel content, depth of footings, post-tension cables, and other foundation parts.

2-Pre-Sheetrock Inspection

Most builders invite the homeowner to do a walk-through after the framing, HVAC and plumbing rough-in, and electrical wiring are completed. This is a good time to look at your outlet locations and window and door placements. Ensure the subcontractors have picked up and made any changes in the plans.

While you check for layout items, your home inspector can examine the construction closely. His report might include broken plumbing lines, improper flashing, cut or bowed studs, inadequate bracing, beams that overspan their strength, crushed AC ducts, etc. These items are easy to correct before sheetrock and finish materials are installed.

It is not realistic to expect the construction to check out perfectly. Every builder in every price range will have some items from the city and the third-party inspector to correct. Let your builder know that you will provide him with the report immediately so that he can address the items before the walls are closed up.

“Andy was very accommodating and professional. I had lots of questions since this was my first time going thru this process, and he was very patient and reassuring and took the time to make sure I understood everything.” – Eugenia Vincent

3-Final Inspection

You will need to have all the utilities ready to complete this inspection. Normally, the builder requests a “walk-thru” inspection with you when the house is substantially complete. If utilities are on, you could schedule your Lafayette home inspector now. You can focus on paint and touch-up items while your inspector conducts a more thorough inspection, checking for leaks, non-functional outlets, final grading of the lot, flashing problems, appliance operation, voids in the mortar, etc.

The Construction Inspection

Eventually, you will sell your home, and your buyer will likely have it inspected. Some of the items the inspector catches now may seem minor, but if they are not corrected, they will come up later in your buyer’s home inspection. It is in your best interest to have everything nailed down now. If items cannot be fixed before closing and you cannot delay closing, ask the builder to sign a written list of items to be repaired or completed. 

Building a new home can be an exciting and rewarding experience. A new home can deliver the right floor plan and finishes for you. It is a complicated project and a huge investment. The support, advice, and information you will gain from a third-party inspection are invaluable. Do not leave out this important step in the building process. It is well worth the investment.

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