Uncovering Hidden Risks: Why Every New Home Needs an Inspection

The Expert Podcast

Home inspections are often associated with purchasing resale or pre-owned homes, but they can be just as important for new builds.

• When contracting with a builder for a new home, consider having an inspector visit the build site multiple times throughout the construction process:
  • Once when the foundation is poured (concrete stage)
  • After the framing is completed
  • After roughing is done (electrical, plumbing, and insulation)
  • Once the finishing work starts (drywall, roofing, soffits, and eaves)
• Defects and substandard work may be hidden behind drywall and other finishes; having an inspector present during construction ensures quality and proper execution.
• While government inspectors will check for permits and approvals, they may miss issues that could be addressed in your contract, such as:
  • The correct number of stud bays or the size of headers above windows.
  • Best practices for building quality and techniques that may not align with the builder’s county standards.
• Inspectors can document construction behind the walls, helping with future projects like hanging cabinets or building custom furniture.
• The inspector can also provide active suggestions for improving the build, such as adding mounting brackets or horizontal boards behind walls for future modifications.
• If issues are caught early by your private inspector, it can avoid delays and costly fixes later:
  • Example: Plumbing violations detected early can prevent delays in government inspections.
• The cost of an inspector’s visits (usually a few hundred dollars per visit) may seem high but is a worthwhile investment for peace of mind and long-term home quality.
• Inspections help ensure better build quality, safety, usability, and adherence to best practices, making your home a more valuable investment.

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