If you’re building a home, you might find yourself wondering if you need a new construction home inspection. 

You’ve gone through all the steps and you’re almost ready to move in. There are undoubtedly a lot of things on your mind. Among them, you’re hoping and trusting that your builder did everything properly. 

Of course your builder will tell you everything is perfect, but problems could be hiding where an untrained eye can’t find them. For example, you could move into your newly built home only to find that the air conditioning unit is too small to keep your house cool. A new construction home inspection can help find these problems before it’s too late. 

What Is a New Construction Home Inspection?

A new construction home inspection is when a licensed home inspector examines a newly built home for any shortcuts or mistakes made by the home builder. The process is similar to a buyer’s inspection on a previously owned house, but the inspector will check for problems specific to new construction homes. 

When you build a home, your builder or contractor will schedule a final walk-through with you to make sure everything is up to par. This is great for catching problems like spots missing paint or crooked cabinet doors, but most home buyers aren’t prepared to examine the major systems in the home to make sure they’re up to par. This is where a home inspection brings value.

Common Issues in New Construction

It’s more common than you might think to find problems in newly constructed homes. In fact, a home inspector in Minnesota once found that a contractor failed to install attic insulation in a newly built home! This error was missed by the code inspectors as well as the contractor himself, and wouldn’t have been caught if not for the home inspection. Here are some of the common issues that home inspectors find in new builds:

  • Siding applied incorrectly
  • Cracks and gaps in cement and decks
  • Problems with grading and drainage
  • Cracks in drywall
  • Nails popping out
  • Issues with the flooring
  • Doors sticking closed 
  • Incorrectly installed appliances

When to Schedule a Home Inspection

A home inspection can be done any time on a new construction home. Many homeowners choose to have two new construction home inspections – one before the drywall is up, and one after. The inspection before the drywall goes up can be useful to look at the framing, electrical, and plumbing. If you choose to only have one home inspection, it’s a good idea to have it done before closing so you can address any issues early on.

Your Home Inspection Pros is Here

A new construction home inspection can make moving into your newly built home an exciting time rather than one full of unexpected issues. Your Home Inspection Pros are here to help make sure your new home is in top shape. Our certified home inspector, Parrish Kunkel, won’t take any shortcuts in checking for any issues your builder may have left behind. We offer commercial and home inspections throughout Salt Lake, Utah, Davis, Wasatch, and Tooele Counties in Utah. Contact us today to schedule your home inspection!