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We are currently building a home with Drees. I understand there is a home inspection package that consists of three stages:
1. They inspect the foundation just before it is poured to ensure all of the plumbing, etc is correct ($150)
2. Pre-Drywall walk through where they home is inspected for wiring, lighting, etc before the drywall is up and the interior walls are sealed up ($200?)
3. PrePurchase end of construction walk through for all cosmetic issues ($400)
Two questions:
1. Does anyone have any feedback on whether or not this is worth it, to be double checking your builder on the quality or work. ie, whether it is worth it from the construction angle, and second from the builder/buyer relationship angle (staying friendly and such--does it strain that relationship to be double checking all of their work)
2. Has anyone done this specifically with Drees Homes and was it worth it?
I hired an inspector to evaluate my new construction home a few days prior to the final walk through with the builders. Then I brought those issues to light during the walk through for repair prior to closing. In my case, it was only cosmetic items on the report. This was not with Drees Homes.
Although the inspection was basically clean, I felt the fee was well worth my peace of mind. I believe I paid around $200 or so.
I always recommend getting a home inspection on a new home. Just because they have "code" inspections with the county, they very often miss many things. Inspectors have found many things on new homes, such as HVAC problems (forget to connect the ducts sometimes), sometimes they cut beams to get a pipe to fit (a big no, no there), I've had trusses that were cracked, drainage problems (not good) and so on. Protect yourself.
We had our new home inspected and it was totally worth it. The inspector found mostly cosmetic problems which the builder did fix. A home is typically is your biggest investment. Why cheap out over a few hundred bucks, compared to the thousands you are paying? You are the only one who will be hurt by doing so. Once you sign its all yours, problems and all. Piece of mind for me knowing I wasn't buying a piece of junk was well worth it imo.
New construction should definitely be looked over as there are many hands in the barrel while building your house.
I am off to work, but I will answer your questions in detail this evening.
The flashing that kept the water from the deck from getting into the crawl space had been installed incorrectly. Had the sellers had a home inspection when they purchased the house new, hopefully this would have been corrected.
However, now there is water damage in the crawl space that is going to be a bit pricey to repair.
Also, the builder left wood scapes in the area under the front porch and the termites have been feasting on it for years!
Is this a home inspection package through Drees or through an independent inspector?
We'd go through an independent inspector.
We do intend on doing the final inspection with an inspector prior to closing, but wonder if the 2 previous inspections (pre-foundation and pre-dry wall) are a must.
FWIW, I am going through the build process too, and was told by my buyer's agent that the pre-drywall inspection may be one of the most important (with a structural engineer), and I don't believe this to be a way to squeeze money, because the agent is covering the expense.
An independent inspection is well worth the money paid.
Hubby and I bought new construction in September (our builder is Centex). We felt this was money well spent, even though the corrections were, as others have mentioned, cosmetic. We have the peace of mind knowing that the construction has been reviewed by someone independent of the builder with an unbiased view.
I think Vicki identifies a valid reason for a home inspection with new construction -- to identify NOW something that may be done incorrectly that could be costly to repair a few years down the road.
Again, it is money well spent. I strongly recommend it.
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An independent inspection is well worth the money paid.
