All that glitters is not gold. Many home buyers in Northeast Pennsylvania mistakenly assume that new construction homes are built to better standards and quality than older homes.
Unfortunately, craftsmanship can vary wildly between builders, and new builds have their share of problems that existing homes may not need to worry about.
Unlike older homes with settled foundations and years of stability to boot, it can be difficult to predict what types of problems a new construction home can have.
Contrary to popular belief, you should never skip a home inspection on a new construction home, and most experts recommend getting several inspections to ensure proper quality.
This guide will discuss the various issues that new construction homes may run into and the importance of a home inspection for new builds.
Do I Need an Inspection on a New Construction Home?
Yes, a new construction home inspection is recommended anytime you’re looking to buy a new build. In fact, as we’ll explain below, we recommend getting multiple inspections for the first year of the home to proactively address issues that may form over the home’s life.
It’s a common misconception that new homes don’t need to be inspected because they are built to higher standards and follow local municipal code. However, code enforcement officers only inspect for very specific building requirements and don’t offer much judgment in the way of craftsmanship.
Poor craftsmanship or quality materials can lead to significant issues in just about every part of the home if proper QA or an inspection doesn’t catch these.
A third-party home inspection works in your favor, giving you an unbiased, detailed report of what’s right and wrong with a new build before you finalize the sale or run out of warranty coverage.
New Construction Home Checklist: What Inspectors Look For
A new construction home inspection covers many of the same essentials as an inspection on an older property, but with extra focus on build quality and craftsmanship. Even brand-new homes can have issues that stem from rushed work, subcontractor errors, or overlooked details
Here are the key areas a home inspector will evaluate, along with the types of questions they’ll be asking during a new construction inspection:
- Foundation and Grading: Are there any signs of poor settling, like cracked walls or ceilings? Does the ground slope away from the home? Are downspouts and drainage systems directing water properly?
- Roof and Attic: Are the shingles installed correctly? Are nail pops visible? Is flashing properly sealed? Is the attic well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup or energy loss?
- Insulation: Is insulation installed evenly and according to local energy code standards? Are there gaps, compression, or missing areas that could affect performance?
- HVAC System: Is the HVAC system properly sized for the home? Are ducts sealed and delivering balanced airflow to every room?
- Electrical System: Are GFCI and AFCI outlets installed where required? Are outlets and switches correctly wired? Is the breaker panel clearly labeled and safe?
- Plumbing System: Are there any signs of leaks at fixtures or under sinks? Is the water pressure consistent? Are drains and venting systems functioning properly?
- Windows and Doors: Are all windows and doors square and opening smoothly? Is weather stripping in place to prevent drafts? Are locks and latches secure?
- Floors and Walls: Are floors level and free of creaks or movement? Are there any visible blemishes, nail pops, or cracks in the drywall?
- Appliances and Fixtures: Are all installed appliances functioning correctly? Have they been installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications?
- Code Compliance: Are all permits on file and up to date? Does the home meet current building codes and include a valid certificate of occupancy?
Even if everything looks brand new, hidden issues can lurk behind finished walls or under flooring that can be difficult and expensive to repair later. Getting a new home inspection allows these issues to be rectified before your warranty expires and ensures your home is actually built to modern standards.
Common Issues Found in New Construction Homes
Based on our prior experience of inspecting both newer and older homes in NEPA, we’ve learned what issues commonly plague new homes and where exactly to look to find these issues that other inspectors might miss. That said, here are five common issues we find with new construction homes in the area.
1. Improper Foundation Settlement
It can be difficult to tell how a new foundation will settle with time and affect the home’s overall structure. However, many key signs, such as stair-step cracks and cracked drywall, may point to potential settlement issues.
Foundations are among the most expensive repairs to make, so identifying these issues early, before you are liable for their repairs, is critical.
2. Plumbing Leaks or Poor Drainage
While builders are responsible for the house’s main structure, much of the “guts” of the home will be outsourced to contractors. Unfortunately, one of the most common flaws we find with substandard contractor work is plumbing errors, such as leaks, improperly caulked fixtures, and cheap materials.
3. HVAC Imbalances
HVAC systems are among the most costly systems to repair and maintain, so it’s important that any new systems are installed properly and free of error. Some common issues we see with shoddy HVAC work include improper ductwork, which can lead to leaks in the system and imbalances that damage the system over time and impact your energy efficiency.
4. Poorly Installed Roofs
Even new roofs can suffer from common issues associated with old roofs, including popped nails, missing flashing, or inadequate attic ventilation. While you may not notice leaks or damage right away, this will quickly accelerate your roof’s aging and poor condition. This is also one of the most difficult flaws to identify without a proper home inspection, which is why a roof inspection on new builds is so critical.
5. Cosmetic Flaws and Incomplete Work
Finally, it’s not uncommon to see poor quality craftsmanship that can lead to cosmetic flaws on exceptionally poor builds. For example, we often find rushed work in uneven cabinets, doors that don’t close properly, or even windows that condense due to a poor seal. These flaws will be especially irritating to homeowners.
When to Get a New Construction Home Inspected
Ideally, a new construction home should be inspected multiple times during construction and post-construction.
1. Pre-Drywall Inspection
This inspection should occur before any insulation and drywall are installed. This allows the inspector to see behind the walls and check the framing, plumbing, wiring, and HVAC layout. If there’s a problem, it will be much easier to correct now than after finishes are applied.
2. Final Walkthrough Inspection (Before Closing)
A comprehensive inspection should be done just before you move in to inspect all visible systems and finishes to ensure they were completed correctly and meet safety and performance standards.
These inspections give you a window of opportunity to request repairs or hold back final payment until issues are corrected, so don’t skip them.
3. Post-Purchase: A 1-Year Inspection
Unfortunately, many issues with new construction homes may not manifest themselves until after the homeowner has occupied the house for a few months. Since most new construction homes come with a builder’s warranty that covers workmanship and materials for one year, it’s essential to get an inspection done before your warranty expires to address any issues and save money.
If you want to build a new home or purchase a new construction home, don’t wait for a proper home inspection. Mountain to Valley’s home inspections can help you proactively address repairs before purchasing a new build or your warranty expires, so you save money and have peace of mind.
FAQs
Do I really need an inspection for a brand-new home?
Yes. While new homes must pass municipal code inspections, those are limited in scope. A third-party inspection offers a more thorough evaluation of craftsmanship, installation quality, and potential defects before you close.
What’s the best time to schedule an inspection on a new construction home?
There are typically three key times: pre-drywall (before insulation and drywall go in), right before closing (final walkthrough inspection), and around the 11-month mark (before your builder’s warranty expires).