A new home inspections is a great way to make sure that your home is being constructed properly. By bringing in an inspector at various stages of the build, you can ensure that major issues are identified and resolved before you move in.

You can then use the findings of your inspection to negotiate with builders for repair credits or reductions in price. The following tips can help you find a qualified home inspector for your newconstruction inspection.

Pre-Inspection Checklist

In this hot seller’s market, smart real estate agents know that a pre-listing home inspection can be a valuable selling point for their clients. It’s also a great way to prevent last-minute discoveries that slow down the sale process and cost sellers money.

During a pre-inspection, it’s important to check every aspect of the property, starting with the structure itself. Look for standing water, missing shingles, and cracks in the foundation, basement, or crawl space. Make sure the gutters are clean, and that the splashguards are in place to divert water away from the foundation. Also, be sure to inspect the doorknobs and locks for functionality and to caulk around the doors and windows to reduce moisture intrusion. Finally, test the garage door opener auto-reverse sensitivity by placing a paint can or similar object in front of the door; the opener should reverse when it hits the object. If not, adjust the sensitivity screw until it does.

Pre-Construction Walkthrough

It’s not practical or safe for homeowners to walk the construction site, so builders arrange guided tours at certain times during the building process. This allows the homeowner to address any concerns early on.

This is a common time to discover cosmetic issues, such as sloppy grout work or paint touch-ups. But it’s also important to look at things that could affect safety, such as blocking off under stairs access or extending a dividing wall a little too far into the front yard.

During this inspection, the homeowner and builder go room by room to inspect everything from floors to mirrors, walls, appliances, and cabinets to ensure that it meets the standards set out in the contract and the buyer’s expectations. The items that are tagged during this process become what’s known as the “punch list.” Those issues need to be addressed before closing and moving in. Buyers will also discuss maintenance and warranty coverage.

Post-Construction Walkthrough

During construction, minor issues, known as punch list items, can arise. During this walkthrough, these issues can be identified and addressed. This helps ensure that the building is ready to be turned over to the client.

Once the construction process has been completed, a final full inspection is conducted. This is a critical step in ensuring that all specifications are completed and the building is functioning properly. This also allows the team to verify that the building complies with local government permits and regulations.

After the final inspection, it’s time to clean up! This involves vacuuming, mopping floors, wiping down surfaces, cleaning windows, and more. A good tool for this is an app like Route, which allows you to take notes on the spot and provide accurate post construction cleanup bids. This is especially important since the 12-month warranty period will be over soon, transferring ownership of any build or workmanship issues to the new facility owner.

Final Inspection

This final inspection usually takes place shortly before a new homeowner moves in and is often tied to closing work permits. This stage of the process is a chance to ensure that all issues have been resolved, including ensuring that GFCI outlets (which protect against electrocution, electric shock, and electrical fires) are working properly throughout the building.

The final inspection also helps ensure that construction has complied with all local regulations and codes, protecting homeowners or tenants from potential legal difficulties down the road. A record of successful inspections can also raise a building’s resale value in the future.

While most checklist items are relatively minor, a home inspector should always be prepared to explain or demonstrate how any problems might be fixed. A well-defined purchase contract should outline a clear process and timeline for resolving any issues that arise during the home’s warranty period. Without this clarity, homeowners could be left with unforeseen expenses and limited recourse.