Many people wrongly assume that new homes don’t need home inspections, because, well, they’re new.
However, that’s not the case! Even the most qualified builders make small mistakes, and city inspectors are only checking that local building codes meet the minimum safety standards—they’re not looking at the quality of construction nor do they care about any cosmetic flaws.
After enduring the long process of finding a home wouldn’t you want to pay a little extra for a private inspection to ensure your new place is in the best condition possible?
Although brand new, here is a list of some common issues in new homes.
1. Foundation
The soil level around the house should be a minimum of 6” below the brick and 8” below siding or stucco.
2. Attic Ventilation
To extend the life of your roof covering and guard against mold and moisture build-up, your attic should be properly ventilated. However, attic insulation is usually installed incorrectly.
3. Misplaced Anchor Bolts
These bolts secure the bottom of the frame walls to the concrete slab or stem walls and are only visible if your home has a crawl space. Often they are placed in wet cement without regard to the placement of doors or windows.
4. Gutter and Downspout Placement
Upper roof downspouts should not drain to lower roofs as excessive water can destroy the lower roof. Downspouts should extend at least 6’ away from the house’s foundation, or you’ll find yourself with a flooded basement.
5. Problems with Stairs
Most common in exterior stairs are the issues with correct measurements and proper run. Additionally, problems can be found with the handrail, which should always be between 30-34 inches.
6. Botched Plumbing Installation
Unfortunately, some plumbers will do anything to get the pipes installed—even compromise the structure of the home to do so. Cuts are made in joists, stud walls and even the foundation; and cannot be seen once the house is completed.
7. HVAC Installation
Whether it was poor planning on the part of the builder or a design flaw made by the architect, improper HVAC installation can have a huge impact on the house’s structure. Structural joists should never be touched unless a licensed structural engineer has assessed it.
8. Electrical Defects
Thanks to the growing size of new homes, miscalculations and confusion can be made when it comes to planning the electrical aspects of the home. New, large homes have special requirements.
9. Bad Luck
Unfortunately, even with the best building and design team, things get confused, and plans don’t match. Home inspections can help you from dealing with the headache of a toilet too close to a door, an electrical outlet near the floor or lights placed too close to the ceiling. These are all cosmetic flaws as well as potential safety hazards.
We Can help
If you just bought a house or are about to buy, save yourself stress and money by scheduling a professional home inspection with us today! Leverage our decades of experience to put your mind at ease when it comes to finding a great and safe home for your family.
