When to Schedule Home Inspection for New Construction?
Buying a newly constructed home is an exciting investment, but it’s still important to have it thoroughly inspected.
A home inspection ensures everything is built to code and functions properly.
In this article, we’ll explore the best time to schedule an inspection for new construction, the types of inspections to consider, and why they’re essential for protecting your investment.
When to schedule a home inspection for new construction?
Schedule a home inspection for new construction during key milestones—foundation, framing, and final walk-through. This ensures everything is built up to code and free of defects before you move in.
Key Takeaways
A home inspection for new construction is crucial for ensuring the home is built to code and free from defects.
Scheduling multiple inspections during the building process can identify issues early.
It’s important to work with a qualified, independent inspector to ensure the home is up to standards.
Why Is a Home Inspection Important for New Construction?
It may seem unnecessary to schedule a home inspection for a new construction, as the home is brand new.
Buying a newly constructed home is an exciting and significant investment. However, even though the home is brand new, it is still important to have it inspected thoroughly.
A home inspection for new construction ensures that everything is built to code and functions as it should.
We’ll explore the best time to schedule a home inspection for new construction, the types of inspections you should consider, and why they are crucial for protecting your investment.
However, there are several reasons why an inspection is vital, even in new builds.
Identifying Defects: New construction doesn’t guarantee perfection. Even if a builder is reputable, mistakes can happen during construction.
An inspector can catch issues that may not be visible to the untrained eye.
Ensuring Code Compliance: Building codes are in place to ensure the safety and quality of homes.
An inspector can verify that all the necessary permits were obtained, and the construction meets local regulations.
Protecting Your Investment: A home inspection helps you avoid costly repairs in the future.
Identifying problems early can give you the opportunity to have the builder address them before you move in.
When Should You Schedule a Home Inspection for New Construction?
The timing of a home inspection during the construction process is critical.
A new build will go through several stages, and inspections should be scheduled at key points to ensure everything is progressing correctly. Below are the ideal times to schedule inspections.
Pre-Construction Inspection
Before construction begins, consider scheduling a pre-construction inspection.
This type of inspection ensures that the site preparation is done correctly and the foundation is suitable for the planned structure.
Why It’s Important: This early inspection focuses on the lot grading, foundation preparation, and any potential site issues.
It can catch issues before the foundation is laid, which may prevent costly repairs down the line.
Foundation Inspection
The foundation is one of the most crucial aspects of any home. It supports the entire structure, so ensuring it’s laid properly is essential.
Why It’s Important: A foundation inspection is typically done once the foundation is poured but before any framing or other structural elements are added.
The inspector will ensure that the foundation is level, correctly aligned, and free of any issues that could affect the home’s stability.
Framing Inspection
Once the framing of the home is completed but before drywall is installed, it’s important to schedule a framing inspection.
This inspection examines the structural integrity of the framing and ensures that everything is square, plumb, and level.
Why It’s Important: This is the time to check the alignment of walls, beams, and other structural components.
It’s also a good opportunity to inspect the wiring, plumbing, and insulation that may be hidden once drywall is installed.
Any mistakes made during this phase can lead to costly issues later on.
Rough-In Inspection
Before the walls are covered, you should schedule a rough-in inspection.
This inspection focuses on the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, ensuring they’re correctly installed and up to code.
Why It’s Important: The rough-in inspection verifies that all systems are installed according to safety standards.
It ensures that the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems will function correctly and pass the final inspection without issues.
Final Inspection
The final inspection takes place after construction is completed, just before you move in.
The inspector will evaluate the overall quality of the construction and ensure everything is functioning as it should.
Why It’s Important: This is the last chance to catch any issues before moving in.
The inspector will check things like doors, windows, floors, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems to ensure everything is in good working order and up to code.
Types of Inspections You Should Consider
Beyond the standard construction inspections, there are a few other specific types of inspections that could be beneficial for a new construction home.
Environmental or Radon Inspection
Some areas may be prone to environmental hazards, such as radon or soil contamination.
Scheduling an environmental inspection can ensure that the home is safe from any environmental risks.
Why It’s Important: Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can cause serious health issues if present in high levels.
An inspection can detect the presence of radon and help you take the necessary steps to mitigate it.
Energy Efficiency Inspection
If you’re interested in making your home as energy-efficient as possible, consider scheduling an energy efficiency inspection.
This inspection can identify areas where the home’s energy performance can be improved, such as insulation, windows, and heating/cooling systems.
Why It’s Important: Energy efficiency inspections help reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills.
They ensure that the home is well-insulated and that the systems are functioning optimally to save energy.
Septic System Inspection (If Applicable)
For homes that use a septic system instead of a public sewer, a septic system inspection is a must.
This ensures that the septic system is installed correctly and will function properly for years to come.
Why It’s Important: A malfunctioning septic system can lead to serious problems, including sewage backup and costly repairs.
A thorough inspection ensures that the system is functioning properly from the start.
How to Choose an Inspector for Your New Construction Home
Choosing the right inspector for your new construction is just as important as scheduling the inspections themselves. Here are some tips for finding a qualified inspector:
Look for Experience
Choose an inspector with extensive experience in new construction inspections. They should be familiar with local building codes and construction practices to identify potential issues.
Check for Certifications
Ensure that the inspector is certified by a recognised organisation, such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI).
Ask for References
Request references from previous clients to get a sense of the inspector’s work quality and professionalism. You can also check online reviews for feedback.
Inquire About Insurance
A qualified inspector should have liability insurance and errors and omissions insurance to protect both themselves and you in case issues arise.
Benefits of Scheduling Multiple Inspections
Scheduling multiple inspections during the construction process provides several benefits, including:
Identifying Issues Early: Early inspections allow you to catch issues before they become bigger problems. This can save you time and money in the long run.
Ensuring Compliance with Codes: Inspections help ensure the home is built to code and meets all safety and building regulations.
Peace of Mind: Knowing that professionals have checked your new home at each stage of construction can give you confidence in the quality of the build.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many inspections are required for new construction?
At a minimum, you should schedule four key inspections: foundation, framing, rough-in, and final inspection. Additional inspections may be needed based on your location or specific needs, such as environmental or energy efficiency checks.
2. Can I schedule a home inspection after construction is complete?
Yes, a final inspection can be scheduled after construction is complete. However, it’s ideal to have multiple inspections throughout the construction process to catch issues early.
3. How much does a home inspection for new construction cost?
The cost of a home inspection for new construction can range from $300 to $500, depending on the size of the home, the location, and the inspector’s fees. Additional inspections, like environmental or septic, may incur extra costs.
Conclusion
Scheduling a home inspection for new construction is essential for ensuring that your new home is safe, durable, and built to code.
By having inspections at key stages of the construction process, you can identify potential issues early and address them before they become costly problems.
Whether you choose to handle the inspections yourself or hire a professional, taking the time to schedule these important checks will help ensure that your new home is everything you expect it to be.
