What should i look for in a walk through (foundation, dishwasher, windows)

[breriley]

I am purchasing a new construction home and this will be my first home in texas what should i look for in the walk through and what things are acceptable to request replaced vs. fixed? First texas is the builder and after purchasing i have heard some not so great things since then. Any and all input will be appreciated.

[cdelena]

It is easy to look for the obvious cosmetic issues but take the time to do a bit more.

Every new home I have purchased has had some plumbing problem. I would flush every commode, check every drain, run the dishwasher briefly, etc. Look for any leak.

Would complete a careful inspection of the exterior as well, making sure windows are flush and sealed, mortar joints are sound, trim is flush, all pieces are painted, water will drain.

Look for construction debris where it should not be; on shelves, in AC returns, garage storage, etc. Check all doors stay open or closed as needed; all clothes hangers are secure, all windows operate properly.

Operate built in appliances, garage door, lights.

A professional inspection can take over three hours and still miss things.

[breriley]

after the inspection will they usually fix the problems before you close or offer a credit

[jhlcomp]

They need to fix the problems. You put together a punch list of items and areas that need to be fixed - trust me you will want to do this and do not accept a credit if that even would be permisible by law. What if there is a foundation problem in the future or some other issue. As annoying and bothersome some of these things can get, it's worth the extra time to get everything just right. Also, it would be well worth your effort to hire a additional inspector to tour the home with you or a friend who is knowledgeable in this area.Good luck in your new home.

[warpedhybrid232]

keep an eye out for cracks that run horizontally (not vertically) can signify pipes moving due to foundation probs. seen it in the katy area since foundations were built upon old rice fields w/ muck that shifts in time...

[domergurl]

At what stage are you in the construction process? Has the sheet rock gone up? My suggestion would be to get a home inspection. New home builders cringe at the thought and will try to talk you out of it, but do it! Especially if you are hearing not so good things about the builders! It will be a few hundy well spent IMHO. Does the county you are living in have regular building inspectors come in? When we built in Lake county, Illinois, they had weekly inspections and that made us feel much better. They were really picky and wouldn't issue an occupation cert. until the builder passed muster with the county.

[Racelady88]

I advise going over every little thing with a fine toothed comb. Check every drawer, hinge, doorknob, floorcovering, handle, faucet, and anything else that moves or should not move. Open the windows & check the screens. Make sure the bars in the closet will hold the weight of your clothes.

My husband used to be the warranty/service guy for a local homebuilder. Anything that was not signed off on prior to closing was usually not fixed until just before the warranty period expired, and many times when he submitted a request for materials a supervisor would go inspect and declare that it was homeowner damage and not subject to warranty repair. Obviously, they handled major issues like leaking plumbing/roofs/ windows or appliances that threw sparks.

Not all builders are like the one that he worked for, but it is better to be sure the house is right before you close.

[breriley]

Originally Posted by domergurl

At what stage are you in the construction process? Has the sheet rock gone up? My suggestion would be to get a home inspection. New home builders cringe at the thought and will try to talk you out of it, but do it! Especially if you are hearing not so good things about the builders! It will be a few hundy well spent IMHO. Does the county you are living in have regular building inspectors come in? When we built in Lake county, Illinois, they had weekly inspections and that made us feel much better. They were really picky and wouldn't issue an occupation cert. until the builder passed muster with the county.

i am in the final stages and have used a inspecor in the earlier phases of construction and plan on using one for the final walk through but with it being a final walk i wanted to make sure of everything and learn what my rights are also i know they will promise to fix certain things after the fact should i accept that if it is in writing

[Cosmic]

Actually if you are having a builder build a new house for you want to do the first inspection at the final point of all the rough in's. This is the point where the shell is up, all the plumbing, wiring, etc is installed ready for insulation.

This allows you to see the major things, like improper structural or potential problems that may require going back into the walls at some point. I would use this point to just take a massive amount of photos of everything, using some type of board / marking system in the photos to tell actually what they are showing. Also at this point you can just use a level to determine level, plumb, etc. Simple things like the main carrying beam is maybe not installed in its foundation pockets correctly, I have seen it. Many things are tough to either detect or correct once past this stage. Most inspections are pretty lacking in many places.

I would pay particular attention in basements and attics.

Then I would personally inspect again after insulation. I would try to do these after working hours and have plently of time available.

Then another inspection after drywall and trim out. And a final one just before passing papers.

I'm sure you can Web search for typical type inspection sheets.

It is tough with new construction to really see the big ticket type problems, not enough time has passed to see settling, or water type problems. You basically need an inspection regime that mirrors the official system.

Taking plenty of Pix's is super to figure out future needs and exactly what is behind walls.

This is the same general idea done in many industrial type projects when something is built or remodeled. Zillions of pix's as field surveys are done, those are used in an office environment as engineering is done to implement future plans. Lots of pix's forms a record for many purposes.

You are sort of screwed if your first inspection is close to final work being done and the builders basically count on it being so.

[domergurl]

Originally Posted by breriley

i am in the final stages and have used a inspecor in the earlier phases of construction and plan on using one for the final walk through but with it being a final walk i wanted to make sure of everything and learn what my rights are also i know they will promise to fix certain things after the fact should i accept that if it is in writing

What did the inspector say during the first inspection? Also, make sure an occupation certificate is issued before you move in. I knew someone who foolishly moved into a house without one being issued an they paid dearly for it because the house should never have been moved into.