There’s nothing quite like buying a newly constructed home. Because everything seems so pristine, you may wonder, should I get a home inspection on a new build? The answer is yes. Just because a house is newly constructed does not mean it’s free of defects. It could have issues that aren’t apparent to the untrained eye.
Why should I get a home inspection for a new building?
Protecting your newly built home is important. You can do this through home insurance and home inspections.
Even on newly built homes, there can be oversights, mistakes or shortcuts during the construction process. Failure to identify these issues right away can lead to costly problems in the future. That’s where an independent home inspector can help.
Home inspectors can help uncover any structural or underlying construction issues in your new home before you close on the sale. If you don’t catch these things ahead of time, you may be left with the bill or be stuck waiting for warranty repairs.
Even if your property is mostly issue free, a new build home inspection will give you peace of mind knowing that your home’s construction is safe and sound.
What does a home inspection cover in a new build?
Ideally, your new home should be inspected multiple times throughout the construction process. These new build inspections will help verify that the structure and systems of your home are built and installed correctly. Typically, there are three different types of new build inspections:
| Inspection Type | What’s Inspected (Partial List) |
| Pre-drywall | Framing, electrical wiring, insulation, ducts |
| Post-construction | Walls, cabinets, floor, roof |
| Builder’s warranty | Plumbing, HVAC, heating system, electrical system, appliances |
Pre-Drywall Inspection
This type of inspection happens before the drywall is installed. In a pre-drywall inspection, an inspector examines things like the property’s wooden frame, electrical wiring, insulation and ducts before they are concealed by the drywall. If anything needs to be repaired, ask the builder to address it before they proceed with construction.
Post-Construction Inspection
You should always get a post-construction inspection before your final walkthrough. This can help catch any last-minute issues and ensure you’re satisfied with the construction. A post-construction inspection will typically examine things like the walls, cabinets, floors and, most importantly, the roof.
Builder’s Warranty Inspection
New homes typically come with builder warranties that begin as soon as you close. Typically, this warranty covers materials and workmanship for permanent parts of your home like the plumbing, concrete, electrical work and HVAC, among other things.
It’s a good idea to get a builder’s warranty inspection before your warranty period ends. This is the best way to make sure that these key structural areas of your home are still in excellent condition. Any damage that is the result of faulty construction should be repaired by the builder during the warranty period. If problems occur after the warranty period ends, you will have to pay the construction repair costs out of your own pocket.
Main areas covered in a new build home inspection
So much goes into constructing a home that it’s nearly impossible for it to be completely perfect. That’s why you want your home inspector to be as comprehensive as possible. During a new build home inspection, an inspector will look at things like the foundation, roof, insulation, plumbing, HVAC and other essential areas of your home.
- Foundation
- Framing
- Electrical wiring
- Plumbing
- HVAC system
- Ducting
- Roofing
- Siding
- Gutters
- Drywall
- Cabinets
- Appliances
- Insulation
- Windows and doors
Home inspection tips
A new build home inspection can uncover important construction defects that may be hidden to the untrained eye. This information will allow you to go back to the builder and have the problems repaired before you close. To make the most of your new home inspection, try following these tips:
What happens if I skip a home inspection for a new home?
It’s never a good idea to skip a home inspection by a licensed inspector if you’re buying a new home. If you skip an inspection, any damage to your home can easily go unnoticed until it becomes a larger—and more costly—problem in the future.
Furthermore, if you skip an inspection, it can be difficult to prove that the damage was the result of faulty construction. It’s best to have these issues addressed before you close so you can hold the builder accountable for any potential oversights and then move into a safe home.
