Home inspection on a new construction, worth it? (Dallas, Plano: how much, first time home buyer)

[mahmoud_mtk]

Hi All,

Considering to buy a new construction ready to move in house, should I do home inspection on it first, as I wasn't there when it was built?

If anyone has experience how much home inspection costs and if you can recommend some inspection companies or professionals around Allen/Plano area.

Thanks

[jacobr]

Mahmoud, a home inspection is always recommended even if its a new build. The inspection officer can always do a walk around and can bring to attention anything the builder may have setup/fixed incorrectly. I would strong recommend. I do not have any recommendations for inspection companies but I am sure you will get plenty of references from this forum.

Congrats and enjoy your new home!!

[TurtleCreek80]

YES, absolutely! And use an inspector YOU hire, not someone recommended by your builder. It's your one chance to make sure the home was built correctly & everything is working before you take possession.

[dallas_cowboy]

Originally Posted by mahmoud_mtk

Hi All,

Considering to buy a new construction ready to move in house, should I do home inspection on it first, as I wasn't there when it was built?

If anyone has experience how much home inspection costs and if you can recommend some inspection companies or professionals around Allen/Plano area.

Thanks

Absolutely worth it.

I was a first time home buyer and bought a new construction home recently. I hired a home inspector to do a thorough inspection. Since it's the biggest investment for your family, so I would absolutely recommend you to do it.

Do yourself a favor and buy Angie's List subscription (if you have not done already) and search for 3rd party home inspectors in a specific area. You will get real reviews. Make sure you try to reach out to the inspector at least 7 to 10 days in advance as highly rated inspectors get their schedule fixed well in advance.

Congrats on your new home!

[mahmoud_mtk]

Thanks you guys, as usual very helpful feedback! I will take home inspection seriously then.

[cowboyqb]

I'd say a MUST, considering how big of a purchase a house is and how low it is to get it inspected. Especially since you were not there when they built it. Only a trained eye can tell if everything was built to standards. PM me if you need an inspector and I can send you one. Congrats on your new home.

[mikestrong]

In my opinion, with a builder with good rep, then doing before is not as critical. Doing it at 11 months on a new build is very critical. Many things dont show up for awhile. Doing it at 11 months then turning over the list to the warranty will make the most of that one year warranty(which is like a bumper to bumper for a car).

FYI. It doesnt take much to become a inspector.

[nsumner]

It's such a small amount to pay considering the big investment. Another inspection I would recommend is one after you have lived in the home for 11 months. Since the builder will cover everything for the first year, get an inspection after you have had a chance to run all the systems before the year is up. There will be things only a trained professional will be able to identify and will save you lots of headaches in the future. Just give the report to the builder, they should be able to address everything except normal wear and tear.

Naima

[emm74]

Yes! Not in Dallas but I closed on my new build 2 months ago. The builder took care of every single item on my inspector's list prior to closing. I could have pointed out some (but not all) of them myself, but I think the fact that it was in a formal inspection report helped get them to just accept all the items without question. I plan to have an anniversary inspection prior to my 1 year warranty expiration.

[FalconheadWest]

Originally Posted by mikestrong

In my opinion, with a builder with good rep, then doing before is not as critical. Doing it at 11 months on a new build is very critical. Many things dont show up for awhile. Doing it at 11 months then turning over the list to the warranty will make the most of that one year warranty(which is like a bumper to bumper for a car).

FYI. It doesnt take much to become a inspector.

This is actually what I recommend to my buyers. The reason for this is that the systems haven't had a chance to run nor has the place been lived in. Once all the seasons go by, you know if the AC or heater are working properly or if a part of the property isn't getting cooled off enough. After you've lived in the house, you know if the toilets back up every time it's been flushed 10 times. After you've lived in the house, you know if drainage is an issue. Many things aren't going to come up as the systems haven't run, does that make sense?

Most people only want to spend the money once, and more than likely, if you do it before you buy, you probably won't do another one during the warranty. I much rather them do an inspection during the warranty period than only at the beginning.