By: HomeTeam Inspection Service of Austin
The walk-through with the builder is simply not enough. You need a licensed professional looking out for your best interests. Here’s why…
Building a new home is a complex synchronization involving a myriad of timelines, materials, sub-contractors and employees – each working on a different system of the house and commonly without regard to other house systems. While there are certainly a good number of very talented and reputable home builders throughout Greater Austin, the simple fact is that the skilled labor force is stressed in this unprecedented season of construction. Talented as they may be, it is nearly impossible for the builder or his building supervisor(s) to carefully check all phases of construction. Even the best builders will likely miss something.
In the past year, here are a few examples of the issues we have discovered in newly constructed homes:
- Heater vent pipes or fireplace flues that are disconnected or in direct contact with combustible materials.
- Improper installation of Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS) walls
- Damaged or improper installation of roof trusses or rafters
- Missing siding and incomplete walls
- Improper wiring
- Detached or damaged sewer pipes
- Gaps at soffit / roof intersections large enough for birds or squirrels to enter attics
Finding errors or incomplete work in a newly constructed home is the most obvious reason to get a home inspection, but here are several reasons you should consider ordering a home inspection:
- Builder Warranties. Most local builders offer a 1-year warranty on many components throughout your newly constructed home. If you do not find an issue within the first twelve months, repairs will likely come out of your pocket. Most people are simply unaware of code requirements and any changes that occur annually. The benefit of having an inspection report in hand oftentimes provides the added leverage you may need to prompt action by the builder and/or sub-contractors. Put the ball in the builder’s court; you do not want to own their mistakes or oversights.
- City Inspections. Many buyers are under the impression that the builder and contractors are overseen by state or local government officials and that the local city building inspector thoroughly checks the house out. While this is true to some degree, few, if any municipal inspectors spend anywhere near enough time in the home to fully check out the structural components and the many systems in today’s homes. The job of city inspectors is to check for compliance with applicable building codes. Building codes are minimum standards.
- Identify and Correct the Deficiencies Before Move-in. While there will likely be some minor touch-ups that will need to take place after you move in, you will want the builder to fix significant repairs and especially safety deficiencies – right away. You will not have to deal with the dust and noise from repairs, or the inconvenience of having to stay home from work while workers are in your home.
- Health and Safety Issues. These defects should be can be repaired before they possibly result in serious consequences or costly damages. Items such as gas leaks, fireplace flue clearances in the attic space, any electrical issues, et cetera - should be addressed to protect you and family.
- Your eventual resale. When you ultimately decide to sell your new home, the buyer will likely order a home inspection. Deficiencies that date back to the time of construction will be discovered. At this point, it is likely too late to get the builder involved.
With peace of mind, you can rest assured knowing that your new home has been thoroughly inspected by a licensed Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) home inspector. Happy house hunting!
If you'd like to learn more about home inspections or request an inspection for a newly built or a resale home, call the HomeTeam Inspection Service of Austin at 512.365.8311 or visit their website at www.hometeam.com/northaustin
