Do You Need an Inspection on a New Home Build?

August 2nd, 2022 | by Tim Rawlings

When you are having a new home built, it is important to make sure that everything is up to code. Many people wonder if they should have a home inspection done on their new home construction, but this really comes down to a personal choice. 

In this blog, we will talk about what your expectations should be if you decide to get a home inspection and how you can find the right contractor to build your dream home. We will also discuss Build On Your Land and how we can help you get the most out of your new construction project.

What is a Home Inspection?

For new home construction, a home inspection is an optional service provided by a third party. The new homeowner contracts with a home inspector to evaluate the condition of the new home once it is complete. 

During the process of a home inspection, the inspector will go through the new home and look for any defects in workmanship or materials. They will examine the structure of the home, as well as the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. Once the inspection is complete, the inspector will provide a report to the new homeowner detailing any defects that were found.

The Right Expectations

One of the biggest mistakes the homeowner makes when it comes to home inspections is having the wrong expectations of what the inspections means. When a house is built, it goes through several government inspections. These inspections are not looking at cosmetic or workmanship issues, they are looking solely that the house is built in code.

When you hire a home inspector, they look for code issues that are visible and cosmetic things they see. The main problem with the cosmetic things they identify is that, depending on the inspector, the items can be very opinion-driven to sometimes fill up the report. There is also a big misunderstanding on what has to be fixed on a report.

It is rare that something that goes against code is found. If so, the builder will have no problem fixing it, but if it is not code-driven and the verbiage used to identify the issue uses phrases like “recommend,” “should,” or “in the future,” the builder is going to apply code to the situation and may or may not address it, nor be required to. Keep in mind that in most states it is much harder to become a licensed contractor than a home inspector.

Do You Need a Home Inspection on Your New Home Construction?

The answer to this question depends on the situation. There are good and bad home inspectors out there just like there are builders. It really comes down to your comfort level.  If you are having a new home built, a far better thing to do would be to make sure that you have a qualified contractor. The contractor will be familiar with the building code and will make sure that your home is up to code. They will also be able to spot any defects in workmanship or materials. 

Good contractors will also offer a warranty on their workmanship. Many people struggle to find the right contractor. Here are a few tips on how to find the best one for your new home:

  • Get recommendations from friends, family, and neighbors
  • Check out online reviews
  • Ask the contractor for references
  • Make sure the contractor is licensed and insured in your state

As you can see, if you want to move into your new home confident that it is safe and up to code, there are ways that can give you peace of mind. Finding a good contractor and builder that you trust is perhaps the most important step in making sure your new home is exactly what you want it to be. 

How Build on Your Land Can Help

If you’re in the market for a new home, be sure to give Build On Your Land a call. We specialize in new home construction and can help you every step of the way, from finding the perfect lot to building your dream home. Our contractors are properly licensed and experienced, so you never have to worry about a poorly constructed home.

Contact us today to learn more about our new home construction services.