New Construction & Why An Independent Home Inspection is Important
Posted 07-09-2019 at 02:55 PM by Sunshine Rules
You're having a new home built and your agent suggests having your own, independent home inspection completed pre-drywall.
What?
A pre-drywall inspection occurs after the entire frame has been built, the roof is on and the windows are installed, but before the sheet rock is installed. This allows your home inspector access to make sure the beams, posts, studs, and other structural components are installed properly, to check things like the wiring, plumbing, window flashing, AC duct work and other elements that are generally hidden behind the wall.
If any problems are found at this inspection, your builder can fix them before going further with the construction process.
So why is this inspection so important?
I have had inspectors find things such as cracked trusses, kinked duct work, incorrect wiring, foundation grading issues, cracked roof tiles, etc.
Builder representatives will tell you that the local municipality will complete various building code inspections throughout the construction process, which is true. However, the building codes cover the MINIMUM standards required. A code inspector will typically spend just a few minutes at the job site on each visit. That is not the same as having a private home inspector spend an hour or two going over your new home under construction, looking for workmanship issues.
Having a 2nd home inspection once construction is completed is also a good idea, inspectors will look for things that you as a home buyer may miss. It will give you a punch list of items for the builder to correct. But if you're only going with one inspection, do the pre-drywall inspection.
Before scheduling any inspections, carefully read your contract as it will explain what insurance requirements your home inspector must meet and how much notice you must give the builder in order to do your independent home inspection. Most builders are cooperative as long as you follow the terms of your contract.
My personal opinion is that having an independent home inspection by a qualified home inspector is well worth the money spent.
What?
A pre-drywall inspection occurs after the entire frame has been built, the roof is on and the windows are installed, but before the sheet rock is installed. This allows your home inspector access to make sure the beams, posts, studs, and other structural components are installed properly, to check things like the wiring, plumbing, window flashing, AC duct work and other elements that are generally hidden behind the wall.
If any problems are found at this inspection, your builder can fix them before going further with the construction process.
So why is this inspection so important?
I have had inspectors find things such as cracked trusses, kinked duct work, incorrect wiring, foundation grading issues, cracked roof tiles, etc.
Builder representatives will tell you that the local municipality will complete various building code inspections throughout the construction process, which is true. However, the building codes cover the MINIMUM standards required. A code inspector will typically spend just a few minutes at the job site on each visit. That is not the same as having a private home inspector spend an hour or two going over your new home under construction, looking for workmanship issues.
Having a 2nd home inspection once construction is completed is also a good idea, inspectors will look for things that you as a home buyer may miss. It will give you a punch list of items for the builder to correct. But if you're only going with one inspection, do the pre-drywall inspection.
Before scheduling any inspections, carefully read your contract as it will explain what insurance requirements your home inspector must meet and how much notice you must give the builder in order to do your independent home inspection. Most builders are cooperative as long as you follow the terms of your contract.
My personal opinion is that having an independent home inspection by a qualified home inspector is well worth the money spent.
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