It may seem that a new construction home inspection isn’t needed because everything is freshly build. However, the reality is that home inspectors find issues with new construction homes all over the United States. It’s not just what they find, but how often. The data collected from home buyers following their construction inspections raises enough legitimate points about the need for a home inspection on newly-constructed homes.

The best time to get your newly built home inspected is when all work is finished and soon enough after, so you don’t delay your closing.

A new construction home inspection differs from a standard home inspection which falls under a contingency allowing a buyer to escape the contract if issues are found. Such contingencies are not typical of new construction home sales. However, a final walk through can be included in the contract sales agreement.

Common issues found in new home construction inspections:

• Ducts that are completely unattached
• Siding: Damage on wood siding, cracked siding
• Missing caulking
• Cracking concrete: Happens when it is poorly mixed.
• Electrical problems: Outlets Either loose or without power, missing switch plates, non functioning outlets, loose wiring.
• Plumbing: hot and cold water improperly marked, leaks
• Insulation: Not enough in the attic. Worst case: no insulation at all. (It’s happened!)
• Ducts: Construction debris not cleaned before first use
• HVAC System: Not installed properly. Gas leaks need to be checked for after use.
• Appliances: Hookups not complete or installed incorrectly. Top issue found.
• Doors: Sometime they do not actually close correctly
• Water heater: Needs to be checked to ensure it’s hooked up correctly.

“65% who have had a new construction home inspection have found issues,” according to Realtor Magazine.

Certainly not all issues discovered will be serious, but there are certain problems that are found more often than others. A new construction survey found that the most frustrating factor for 89% of buyers is that they’ve had to do repairs and maintenance or found problems with major systems after moving into their new home.

36% of buyers with new construction have had plumbing issues and another 36% had electrical system issues. It’s important to note here that it was the home inspection that revealed issues for nearly two-thirds of buyers!

Finding issues in a home inspection before you move in and use electrical and plumbing systems will save future headaches and repair costs.

“Buyer beware” should also apply to newly constructed homes with 65% of buyers discovering problems after a home inspection.

A home inspection on new construction matters as much as one on an older home. Data in the study shows that 89% of buyers had problems and repairs after moving in. Premature maintenance issues have increased significantly for newly constructed homes in almost every category in 2022.

Surprisingly, 41% of problems found are electrical systems and 38% are HVAC system issues. Even safety related issues with loose banisters or very poorly attached, balcony railings have been found.

Benefits of New Construction Home Inspection

Suddenly upgrading to all new appliances and major systems comes with a learning curve. The home inspection walk through advises a buyer about the mechanics and functions of the new home. As your inspector guides you through each room, he or she will explain the new appliances and systems and will be able to provide you with information, tips, and answers to all your questions.

The new home construction inspection is a very beneficial experience so you’ll learn about any routine maintenance and the functions of all the new systems. If this is your first time in a new construction home, your not alone in needing some pointers. Most new construction homeowners are leaving older, outdated issues behind and the home inspector answers questions and goes over things that builder’s don’t cover.

What New Home Construction Inspections Look For

Your home inspector is looking at all the areas outlined in the typical problems listed above and then some! They are also actively and thoroughly inspecting and looking at where contractors are known to cut corners, and inspecting the new systems. Despite a house being brand new, that doesn’t mean there won’t be problems. Unfortunately, new houses can have the same problems you think are exclusive to old houses.

Let an experienced home inspector ensure your new construction home in Michigan will be a fresh start. We will make sure your new construction home inspection is free of mistakes. Give us a call to schedule a new home construction inspection with Top Floor Inspections!