Building your home from the ground up is an exciting process. From the day you start working on the design until the day you move in, there are many choices to make. One of the most important decisions is hiring a home inspector. Many people do not consider scheduling a home inspection on new construction, but here are 5 important reasons why you should.
Pre-Concrete Pour
Your first opportunity to get a home inspection on new construction is before the foundation is poured. There are many details that the inspector will be looking for during this pre-foundation checkup.
The ground around the foundation must be properly graded and sloped so that water does not pool around or under the house. Before a slab is poured, the crew will lay rebar and other anchors that will make sure the foundation is solid for decades to come. Once the concrete is in place, these components can’t be inspected. Having this early-stage home inspection on new construction is an important way to start off the building process.
Pre-Drywall
The next time to call for a home inspection on new construction is before the drywall or any wall coverings go up. The inspector can check the framing and spacing of studs and the trusses. The electrical wiring, plumbing, and HVAC ductwork will also be reviewed. If any deficiencies are spotted, it is much easier to fix them before the drywall goes up.
A Home Inspection on New Construction Checks Workmanship
During various phases of the build, a government official from the building department will come out to sign off on permits. The official is looking to see that a system or project is built to code. Codes set minimal design, structural, and safety standards.
A home inspector looks for far more than a standard code inspection. Home inspectors can comment on workmanship, materials, and other concerns. Sometimes construction meets code, but still is not quality. A home inspection is more thorough and descriptive.
A Home Inspector is a Neutral Party
The home inspector is neutral, and the reports are based solely on unbiased observations. Home buying and building can be an emotional process. Seeing the project from the eyes of an independent party helps you view it from a different perspective. The inspector is not working against the clock and he or she will take time to go through the property and examine everything before providing a detailed inspection report.
The Final Home Inspection on New Construction
Once the home is cleared for occupancy, your home inspector should come out for a final look. This inspection of your new home will be similar to a traditional one. The inspector will turn on lights, run the water, and check out the exterior siding and roofing.
Inside new homes, last-minute problems might be caught, such as an appliance that didn’t get fully hooked up. This gives the contractor time to address any issues and get the property fully operational before you move in. Having a home inspection on new construction gives homeowners peace of mind about their newly built home.
Checkpoint Home Inspections provides new construction phase inspections to Coastal Oregon. Contact us if you are building a new home.