When purchasing a brand-new construction home, it's easy to assume that everything is flawless and in perfect condition. However, the reality is that every home, even new builds can harbor hidden issues that may go unnoticed without a thorough home inspection to provide prospective buyers with the information to make an informed decision and protect their investment.
In this post, we'll explore why Metro Atlanta homebuyers should prioritize getting a home inspection on new construction properties, common issues found during these inspections, and how they differ from inspections on resale homes. Additionally, we'll highlight the distinction between local code inspections and comprehensive home inspections, offering valuable insights for prospective homebuyers.
New Construction vs Resale Homes
Newly constructed homes pose a different set of challenges compared to those found in resale properties. Older homes typically have issues related to wear and tear, aging systems, and deferred maintenance. Whereas new construction homes are more likely to encounter problems arising from incomplete work, damaged systems, missing components, and imperfect workmanship.
Incomplete Work
A common issue found in new construction homes is incomplete work. This typically involves aspects of the property that were not finished properly or entirely overlooked during the construction process. These incomplete tasks can range from minor details like a missed layer of paint on a wall and incomplete tiling or caulking, to more significant elements such as unfinished drywall, installing fire blocking or incomplete electrical work (outlets not wired correctly, loose junction boxes, and branch wiring installed in an unsafe manner). Identifying and addressing these incomplete tasks with a comprehensive home inspection before the homebuyer moves in, can ensure that the property meets expected standards and functions as intended.
Missing Components
Oversights during construction due to human error are more common than many Realtors and homebuyers think. This can range from issues such as missing insulation to rooms lacking essential features like air ducting. Taking a proactive approach to identify issues before moving in can prevent costly problems that could arise in the future.
Damaged Systems and Finishes
Construction sites are prone to various damages caused by weather elements and mishandling. Issues such as compacted ducting under attic insulation and can affect the functionality and aesthetics of the home. Identifying these issues early on can prevent costly repairs down the line.
Imperfect Workmanship
Poor workmanship is a common issue found in new construction homes during inspections, often stemming from rushed or inexperienced labor. Examples may include improperly installed fixtures, windows and appliances, along with gaps in flooring and doors that don’t close properly. Additionally, subpar craftsmanship can manifest in more critical areas such as improper grading and drainage and structural components, where inadequate framing or improperly installed roofing materials may compromise the integrity of the home.
Local Code Inspections vs. Comprehensive Home Inspections
While passing the county code inspection is a crucial step in the new construction process, it's essential to recognize that it is NOT the same as a comprehensive home inspection by a third-party inspector.
Code Inspections:
- Primarily focus on verifying compliance with building codes and regulations, ensuring basic safety standards are met.
- Do not advise homeowners on deficient items in the home.
- Do not reveal if best practices have been applied to the construction of the new home.
Comprehensive home inspections:
- Inspect the roof, enter the crawlspace, and climb into the attic to expose any potential problems.
- Operate and confirm proper operation of all accessible exterior and interior doors and windows, including locks.
- Operate appliances and systems through complete cycles to ensure all function properly.
- Test all accessible lights, receptacles, and outlets to confirm proper operation.
In conclusion, despite being brand new, new construction homes can have hidden issues and understanding those issues is essential for buyers to ensure the quality, safety, and integrity of their investment. By investing in a comprehensive, third-party inspection that is invested in their best interests, homebuyers can gain peace of mind knowing the true condition of the property and address any concerns before finalizing the purchase.
If you're purchasing a new construction home, call AmeriSpec of Loganville at 770-935-4990 to schedule your home inspection, or visit us at our website.