Should You Get a New Construction Home Inspection?
When buying a new construction home, many people assume that a home inspection is unnecessary. After all, everything in the house is brand new and built to your specifications, so should you get a home inspection on a new build? What are the possibilities of things going wrong? However, experts strongly advise that you should still get a new construction home inspection. Here are the reasons behind this recommendation and answer the question: do you need a realtor to buy a house?
Why Get a New Construction Home Inspection?
Even though a new home is built from scratch, it can still have problems. Sometimes, these issues are directly related to the fact that the house is newly constructed. Contractors may work too quickly, build to the bare minimum code requirements, or subcontract work to vendors with varying levels of competence and diligence. Additionally, mistakes can happen during the construction process.
As a buyer, you should not assume that your new home will be flawless simply because it is new. A new homes inspection can help identify any potential problems before you commit to purchasing the property.
Common Issues in New Construction Homes
New construction homes can face a variety of issues, both indoors and outdoors. Some common outdoor problems include incorrectly applied siding, gaps and cracks in decks and patios, driveway and sidewalk cracks, and grading and drainage issues.
Inside the home, you might find cracks in drywall, nail pops, truss rise, humidity problems, water issues, flooring concerns, doors sticking shut, and improperly installed appliances. While city engineers and inspectors approve new construction projects, they often focus on ensuring that wiring is done properly and the home is safe, rather than examining the smaller details.
The Importance of a Home Inspection
Of course, you might be wondering, do you need a realtor to buy a house? Your realtor can help you with every single step of this process and has the right connections for your inspection, too. Don’t go through this process without one. Skipping a home inspection to save money or expedite the homebuying process can lead to significant problems down the line. Even if the builder offers a warranty, you’ll want to know about any issues before you move in to avoid the hassle of constant repairs and the potential exposure to health or safety hazards.
The cost of a home inspection is relatively small compared to the overall investment in a new property. Spending a few hundred dollars on an inspection can provide peace of mind and serve as a valuable insurance policy.
Timing Your New Construction Home Inspection
You can arrange for a home inspection at any point during the construction process. Some buyers choose to have two inspections: one before the drywall is installed to examine the electrical, plumbing, and framing, and another after the construction is nearly complete.
It’s generally recommended to schedule the inspection as late as possible without causing delays in closing. This allows the inspector to assess the home when it’s closest to its finished state, but still gives the builder time to address any issues that may arise.
If a builder is reluctant to allow an independent inspector to examine their work, it should raise red flags. Reputable builders welcome home inspectors and stand by the quality of their products. Your realtor can also help you through this process.
Contact Kim Kaplan if You Need a Realtor to Buy a House in North Carolina
If you’re considering buying a new construction home in North Carolina, it’s important to work with an experienced and knowledgeable realtor. Kim Kaplan has extensive experience helping buyers navigate the new construction process and can guide you through every step of the homebuying journey.
With my expertise, you can feel confident that you’re making an informed decision when purchasing your new home.
To learn more about how I, Kim Kaplan can assist you in buying a new construction home in North Carolina, and if you do need a realtor to buy a house, please don’t hesitate to contact me today.