New Construction Inspection

I'm buying a new home – I don't need a home inspection – or do I?

While residential homes and other buildings must be constructed according to local, state and federal code requirements, a buyer should understand that these codes are only the minimum acceptable standards required by law for the health and safety of future occupants. Meeting the minimum standards does not necessarily ensure quality, because workmanship is not a factor in code inspections.

Although an assumption of quality can be generally based on the builder's reputation, quality is largely dependent on the professionalism of the construction crews that work on the home or building on any given day. It is often too late to discover latent problems once the framing has been covered over with insulation and drywall. This is why you need an independent inspector.

What can we do for you?

Four phases of new construction inspections are available from Prime Property Inspectors – foundation, framing, final and warranty. You may choose to perform any single phase or combination of phases which best suits your individual needs. These phased inspections are designed to provide documentation on the condition of the home from the ground up and to ensure quality workmanship throughout the construction process without significantly impacting the builder's completion schedule. Our documentation is especially useful in establishing a timeline for any construction deficiencies that may have occurred prior to settlement. The detailed inspection reports are also an excellent sales tool that serve to reinforce the value of your property during resale, thus facilitating a more timely sale.

PHASE 1 - Foundation Inspection

This first inspection is usually performed just prior to backfilling of soil against the foundation walls, after the forms have been removed from the concrete. The inspector should be able to see the sewer and drain lines. Areas covered include:

Footings
Foundation walls
Surface preparation
Exterior waterproofing of the foundation walls
Drain tiles
Perimeter footing drains
Under drain system installation
Lot contour and grading

PHASE 2 - Framing Inspection (Pre-Drywall)

The framing inspection, also referred to as the pre-drywall inspection, is performed prior to the builder installing insulation and drywall. In this inspection, we examine the plumbing, electrical wiring and duct installations, the roof structure and roof surface. We look at the structural frame, inspecting each member for a variety of framing errors, such as:

Unbolted sill plates
Overspanned structural members
Inadequate purlins (roof supports)
Underbuilt bearing walls
Improper notching and boring
Severed plates and interrupted joists
Improper fire stops

PHASE 3 - Final Inspection

Before the buyer accepts the home from the builder, we perform a thorough visual examination of the exterior and interior of the property just as we would for any full home inspection including all of the major systems, appliances, and surfaces.

The final inspection report serves as a "deficiency list" of items to be completed or corrected by the builder prior to final settlement. Recommendations for energy conservation and general home maintenance information are included at this time as well.

PHASE 4 - One Year Warranty Inspection

The final phase of new construction inspection may be performed at anytime during the first 8-12 months of property ownership. This inspection determines and prioritizes any problems requiring attention as covered in the builder's 12-month warranty. The scope of this inspection typically covers all items listed in Phase 3 above. However, if a full inspection is not desired, the Phase 4 inspection may be requested as a problem evaluation to address specific areas of concern such as a wet basement or leaking roof.

The warranty inspection is also a good opportunity to perform a radon test which will establish a baseline reading for your new property. If your home already contains a radon remediation system, a test at this time will verify that radon levels are within the appropriate limits as established by the EPA. Future tests performed at regular intervals will then ensure the system remains in good working order, and will provide a valuable tool for marketing the property at the time of resale.

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Click here for information on radon testing

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