Should I Hire a Home Inspector for a Newly Constructed Home?

It is customary for homebuyers to have their prospective home purchase inspected by a licensed home inspector. A home inspection is most commonly performed on what real estate brokers call a “re-sale home”, meaning, a home that is one year and older. It is far less common for home buyers to have a home inspection performed on a newly constructed home.

What kind of problems can a new home have that may warrant hiring a home inspector? Ideally, a new home shouldn’t have any problems associated with it since it is new. When you consider the fact that a house is built by humans, who may, unintentionally, make a mistake creating a concerning item in some measure. Yet, new homes can have different problems associated with them from time to time which differ from problems typically discovered in an existing or older houses.

What does a home inspector examine?

Let’s create a differentiation between what a home inspector would be examining in an existing home or a “re-sale” home and what a home inspector would be inspecting a new home during the period of construction.

Common Issues in Older Homes

Roofs nearing the end of their useful life
Foundation cracks or bowing foundation walls
Improperly wired GFCI outlets
Inadequate drainage matters
Mold, particularly in attic spaces where bathroom and kitchen fans are often exhausted (always exhaust fans to the exterior of the home)
Wood destroying organism/pests
Elevated radon gas levels
Furnace, hot water tank age related or lack of maintenance issues

How does a home inspection relate to a new home warranty?

To create a distinction between a new home inspection and a NYS new home warranty, you should understand that every new home in NYS will come with a “Housing merchant implied warranty”. A new home in NYS is warranted to insure the following three areas:

One year from, and after the warranty date, the home will be free from defects due to a failure to have been constructed in a skillful manner.
Two years from, and after the warranty date, the plumbing, electrical, heating, cooling and ventilation systems of the home will be free from defects due to a failure by the builder to have installed such systems in a skillful manner; and
Six years from, and after the warranty date, the home will be free from material defects.

Basically, it's an insurance policy.

A new home builder may self-insure against the three warranted conditions or may present a new home buyer with a home warranty provided by a third-party home warranty company. Basically, this is an insurance company which warrants the major systems of a house.

A new home warranty may limit the financial exposure to the builder. For example, excluding the cost of the building lot or homesite. This limit of liability is found on the first page of the home warranty.

A new home inspector inspects the quality and integrity of the workmanship of the home while under construction.

Potential Concerns for New Homes

To a reasonable degree, buying a new home means a new homeowner will be “testing out” all the major systems of a newly constructed home including the HVAC system, plumbing, electrical, roof covering, water and sewer system, among others.

Some real estate professionals recommend hiring a home inspector to inspect a new home twice while a home is under construction. A best convention relating to new home construction is to retain a home inspector for three inspections. If possible, the first inspection being a foundation inspection; before and after the footing and foundation has been poured. The “pre-pour” inspection is to inspect that all the anchors and footings are spaced appropriately. The “post-pour” foundation inspection examines the back-fill of the foundation to make certain the foundation has not been compromised during the back-fill process. This inspection also allows a home inspector to examine the rough grade of the homesite to insure the grade promotes drainage away from the foundation.

The Second and Third Inspection

framing of the structure is complete, yet, before the sheetrock or drywall is hung. An inspection at this time allows the home inspector to inspect the framing, electrical wiring and plumbing before those items are covered behind insulation and sheetrock.

The third and final inspection should occur a day or two prior to the final walk-through scheduled with either the builder or the new construction site coordinator and your buyer agent. The home inspector will likely examine:

Roof, chimney, flashing and rain gutter systems
Doors & windows
Kitchen appliances
Wiring and GFCI outlets
Furnace, HVAC and hot water tank or tankless systems
Household plumbing including sump pumps
Insulation in the attic area
Venting of bathroom, kitchen exhaust fans, radon gas mitigation system
Final grade of the homesite

An experienced home inspector will also provide you with beneficial information how to properly maintain your new home.

Timely Communication

Any concerning items revealed during the final home inspection should be timely communicated to the builder or the new construction site coordinator through your buyer agent so that they may addressed and corrected as soon as possible.

During the pre-closing walk through, there may be items which are noted as part of a “punch list” (a paint smudge or a small-scale cosmetic imperfection in a wall, etc.). These items are typically minor, yet important. Secure a written commitment from the builder as to when those items will be resolved.

Will the builder be offended...?

Will the builder be offended if you hire a new home inspector to examine the home?

They shouldn’t be. Every reputable new home builder I have had the privilege of representing welcomed it. A reputable builder is intent to deliver a quality home constructed with great care and stewardship. After all, their name is on the home.

How much would a new home inspection cost?

$500.00 to $750.00, depending upon the size and location of your newly constructed home.

In Summary

A new home inspection allows the identification of any issues at critical points during construction that the builder may be unaware of. The fee you will pay a home inspector to examine your new home is well invested money when compared with the total cost of constructing a new home.

I've also written an FAQ "What is a Home Inspection?" if you would like to read more on this topic.

If you have questions or would like a trusted referral for a home inspector, please click the “Contact Me” button.

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