Buying New Construction Homes – Tips from a Home Inspector

new construction homes

Buying a new construction home is a great opportunity for buyers who seek clean, low maintenance, and modern living with fewer surprises.  Some buyers will have an opportunity to select finishes and other features of the home before it is complete.  Even new construction homes have issues which is why buyers should always do their due diligence when buying a new home by ordering a home inspection before purchasing and another one at 11 months before the 1 year Builder Warranty ends.

Advantages of Buying a New Construction Home

  • Typically there is little to repair or replace the first 12 years- low maintenance.
  • All systems are constructed to current code, technology and safety standards
  • All new appliances, fixtures and finishes (not dated)
  • Typically clean, dry, bright and relatively without surprises
  • No history of maintenance neglect or repair issues
  • No history of un-permitted work such as additions or renovations

Typical Defects for New Construction Homes

With new construction homes we don’t have to worry about aging components, maintenance/repair issues or un-permitted work.  The issues that we find in new construction work are installation defects.  Generally new construction inspections are much easier than older homes however we as home inspectors we have to stay vigilant as almost anything could be installed incorrectly– sometimes incorrect installation could cause injury/death or catastrophic damages.

Installation Defects

The most common issues that we find in new construction homes are:

  • #1 DEFECT:  Inadequate grading and drainage which will cause water damage to the home over the long-term
  • Missing or inadequate roof/gutter flashing
  • Missing or inadequate siding flashing or clearances
  • Missing or inadequate deck flashing, bolts or hardware
  • Inadequate retaining walls or erosion prevention
  • Minor electrical issues: hot/neutral reversed wiring, GFCI outlets not working, etc…
  • Minor plumbing issues: missing or loose components that could cause leaks
  • Punch List Items: Incomplete, dis-connected or un-finished items
  • Cosmetic Defects – Popped drywall screws/nails, missing paint/caulk, etc…

New homes should have 2 inspections done the first year- one before purchasing and another ’11 month Home Inspection’ performed before the Builder Warranty ends.

But New Construction homes should be flawless, right?

In a perfect world, yes new construction homes should be flawless–  state licensed inspectors, general contractors and sub-contractors work together to build homes with new materials according to the latest residential construction code.  Unfortunately construction is a chaotic process.  Mistakes are made, items are missed, corners are cut, and important details are not communicated.   We’ve found many leaking gas connections and electrical hazards during new construction inspections.  We’ve found large unsealed openings in roofs, catastrophic plumbing leaks, unsupported/cut joists/beams, exhaust vents that exit into attics and much more.  I have not inspected the perfect new construction house during my career and I don’t expect I ever will.

Most defects can take time to manifest themselves

I would say about 90% of the defects reported in a new construction home inspection report do not appear to be a big deal at the time of inspection but will become more obvious to all parties after 5 or more years.  It is common to find the ’cause’ of potential problems during new construction but it is too early to see the ‘effect’- this is especially true when it comes to water related damages.  Sometimes water needs time before the issues really manifest themselves.  It takes an experienced home inspector to know what a house will look like in 5 years.

Types of New Construction

For more information about the different types of new construction such as the advantages and disadvantages of Tract Homes, Manufactured Homes, Spec Homes, and Custom Homes read more here.

Should a new house be inspected?

Although new homes undergo an inspection process with the city or county many items are overlooked and best construction practices may not have been followed.  Buyers of new homes should always hire an independent licensed Home Inspector because they will provide a thorough evaluation and full report of the completed home which the buyer can then use to negotiate repairs or price reductions.  The first year after construction is the best time to negotiate for repairs because typically the house is still under the 1 year Builder Warranty.  When homebuyers waive the inspection process during new construction they are foregoing an excellent opportunity to have defects discovered and repaired before they become expensive issues.

A Builder’s Warranty is only good if the issues are discovered within a year

Just because a year goes by without a catastrophe doesn’t mean that defects are not present.  Some defects are explosive and make themselves known immediately but most defects are subtle, hidden to the inexperienced, and continue to get worse over time.   Most of these defects can only be found in areas where most people do not go –crawlspaces/attics/basements/utility closets.  A professional is needed that knows how to find, recognize and report these defects and bring them to light for all parties to see.

What is an 11 month Inspection?

Because new construction homes are typically under a one year Builder Warranty, homeowners should have the house inspected again 11 months after purchasing (which gives them an additional month to communicate with the builder/seller after findings).  Defects may not be found during the initial inspection because the house is not under regular use (water related issues, especially can be missed because, as mentioned before, water takes time to become visible).  Home Inspectors may call out ‘potential issues’ during the initial inspection that have become real issues after just 11 months- providing more weight to negotiating/repair items.

Conclusion

Buyers of new construction homes have a unique opportunity to have defects repaired by the original builder.  Because the general contractor and sub-contractors are still involved, mobilized and in many cases are still working on the same street or development it is relatively easy and inexpensive to negotiate for repair work.  Homebuyers also have a 1 year opportunity to discover and negotiate for repairs during their Builder Warranty.  The home inspector is the homeowners best resource and ally when it comes to new construction homes and taking advantage of the due diligence period and the 1 year Builder Warranty.

Asheville Home Inspectors

Builder Buddy is your resource for New Construction Home Inspections in the Asheville area.  We also provide Pre-Drywall Home Inspections, 11 Month Inspections, Annual Home Inspections, Newer Home Inspections, Radon testing, Mold testing, Water testing, Well Inspections, and Septic Inspections.  Schedule online or call with questions.

For information about Buying Homes 15 Years or Newer
For Information about Buying Homes 25 Years or Older
For Information about Buying Homes Pre-1960
Share This:
Facebook
Twitter
Reddit
Pinterest
Email
Print
Builder Buddy Inspections & Testing

CALL 828 484 6494
OR E-MAIL
Builder Buddy LLC