Should You Hire a Home Inspector for a New House?

If you’re buying a new construction home

When buying a new construction home, You might assume that a home inspection isn’t necessary. After all, you had the house built from scratch and customized to your exact needs. Wouldn’t a home inspection waste your limited time and money?

That depends on how you look at it. For many, a home inspection can provide valuable insights into their property’s construction, as well as the chance to prevent costly repairs on the home later on down the line—after all, new houses aren't always without flaws. For others, a new home inspection may seem like just an extra cost in an already very expensive time.

Common Issues Found in New Homes

Though it would seem that new homes should be relatively error-free, according to many inspectors, they often have underlying issues at work.

Some common issues found during new construction home inspections include:

• Structural defects, like foundation cracks, improper grading, and poor framing

• Drainage and grading issues, which could cause water and structural damage later on

• Window leaks

• HVAC issues, including malfunctioning thermostats and loose connections

• Electrical problems, such as improperly wired outlets, open grounds, and missing switch plates

• Plumbing issues, including reversed hot/cold in faucets, improper piping, leaks, and more

​

Inspectors say they also often find incomplete projects. This could include insufficient insulation, half-installed handrails or fixtures, or missing pieces of hardware.

​How Many Inspections Do You Need?

With a new construction home, it's wise to have two or three inspections on the property.

The FIRST INSPECTION is called a foundation or “pre-pour” inspection and occurs just before the foundation is poured on the home. This one ensures the site has been excavated and graded properly, that anchors and footing are adequately spaced and in place, and that the stage is set for a strong and long-lasting home. In the event the inspector finds issues on this go-around, it allows the builder to make adjustments before pouring the foundation (when there’s generally no going back).

The SECOND INSPECTION you might consider is a framing or “pre-drywall/sheetrock” inspection. This one happens after the entire frame has been built, the roof is on and the windows are installed, but before the sheetrock and walls are put up. It allows the inspector to make sure the beams, posts, studs, and other structural components are installed properly, as well as check things like the wiring, plumbing, window flashing, and other elements that are generally hidden behind the wall. If any problems crop up, your builder can repair them after the inspection before going further with the project.

The THIRD & FINAL INSPECTION is the one you would have on any resale property—the one that ensures the home is safe for occupancy and has been finished per local code and building standards.2 Anything your inspector finds on this inspection should be remedied by your builder before closing.

The Bottom Line

New construction home inspections allow you to be proactive about your home purchase. On a resale property, you can only inspect the home after the fact—meaning all you can do is repair an issue or cover it up. With a well-timed inspection in your construction process, your builder can actually get to the root of the problem and remedy it entirely before the build goes further.

Remember, don’t judge a book by its cover. Just because a new home may look flawless to the naked eye doesn’t mean it’s perfect below the surface. Calling in a qualified home inspector can ensure you’re making the best decision for your family and your finances.