Is a home inspector a must? (how much, new home, buying)

[NYtoNC07]

Has anyone purchased a new home without a home inspector? I have my pre-drywall inspection coming up, do you think it's a necessity? Also, how much would one run for this type of inspection?

Thanks!

[south.charlotte&union]

As a realtor, I STRONGLY recommend a home inspection, even for new construction. Inspectors can find things that you or I won't. If you consider how much you are spending on a home, the cost of the inspection is money well spent, in my opinion. Home inspection companies fees are usually based on the square footage, whether home is on slab or crawl and how many HVAC zones there are. Best of luck to you!

[BronxMomNY]

Originally Posted by NYtoNC07

Has anyone purchased a new home without a home inspector? I have my pre-drywall inspection coming up, do you think it's a necessity? Also, how much would one run for this type of inspection?

Thanks!

I had my pre-drywall on Monday and for the most part everything looked ok, but they found a small leak and a loose metal thingy on the roof (sorry not good with this stuff!) and small minor things. Nonetheless, I probably would not have been able to identify this on my own, except for the leak. Having the inspector as a resource was crucial, especially since I'm in NY having to travel back and forth. I went in there with a list of questions for the inspector as well as the builders. I also received a report of the inspection with the necessary corrections from the inspector. Total price was $125. It was reasonable compared to others who priced at $250 or better. It's money well spent...

[sche012]

Originally Posted by BronxMomNY

I had my pre-drywall on Monday and for the most part everything looked ok, but they found a small leak and a loose metal thingy on the roof (sorry not good with this stuff!) and small minor things. Nonetheless, I probably would not have been able to identify this on my own, except for the leak. Having the inspector as a resource was crucial, especially since I'm in NY having to travel back and forth. I went in there with a list of questions for the inspector as well as the builders. I also received a report of the inspection with the necessary corrections from the inspector. Total price was $125. It was reasonable compared to others who priced at $250 or better. It's money well spent...

I am looking for home inspector as well. Could you please give me your inspector's contact information? Thank you!

[lovinthelake]

Absolutely, although it is new constructions does not mean there can not be issues. It is a small price to pay for peace of mind in the largest personal investment you make. I also always recommend doing inspections to my clients as well.

[neoflex]

Originally Posted by ny-dc-nc

Absolutely, although it is new constructions does not mean there can not be issues. It is a small price to pay for peace of mind in the largest personal investment you make. I also always recommend doing inspections to my clients as well.

Couldn't agree more. I too am using an inspector of my own for pre-drywall and for final inspection. It's a small price to pay to have your own guy go in and look at everything. My realtor has already told me not to freak out when the inspector comes back with a laundry list of things to fix. She said it's just his job and he will cover everything so it's to be expected. I would rather deal with these issues before my wife and I move in and the papers are signed. At least if you do it before you sign on the dotted line you have some leverage where after your in and it's yours they can drag their feet and really make your life misrable.

[mike1027]

Originally Posted by south.charlotte&union

As a realtor, I STRONGLY recommend a home inspection, even for new construction. Inspectors can find things that you or I won't. If you consider how much you are spending on a home, the cost of the inspection is money well spent, in my opinion. Home inspection companies fees are usually based on the square footage, whether home is on slab or crawl and how many HVAC zones there are. Best of luck to you!

IS IT WORTH GETTING AN INSPECTOR IF YOUR BUYING A NEW HOME THAT IS ALREADY BUILT

[BronxMomNY]

Originally Posted by sche012

I am looking for home inspector as well. Could you please give me your inspector's contact information? Thank you!

I used Home Examiners. My inspector was Marc Barnes. It was recommended to me by a realtor. Their number is (704) 542-7900. I think it's a great way to get answers that you may not fully get from your builder.

[BronxMomNY]

Originally Posted by mike1027

IS IT WORTH GETTING AN INSPECTOR IF YOUR BUYING A NEW HOME THAT IS ALREADY BUILT

If you know about construction, plumbing and electrical stuff, then take your chances. But inspectors have knowledge about codes and a good eye for structural deficiencies and potential hazards that most folks don't have. I would recommend it, even if it's a new home. Once those walls go up, you don't see what's behind there, that's why I got an inspector for my pre-dry wall inspection. Good thing I did!

[CharlotteAgent]

$300 is cheap compared to the $200K your about to spend. If you can get the seller to pay for some closing it might not even be your bill.