With so many new homes under construction, why inspect one? Pre-owned home issues are mostly based on lack of homeowner maintenance and aging. New home issues are primarily workmanship and ‘start-up’ related. We pay homebuilders to construct the building, but one only has to take a look at the volume and experience level of the superintendents at the jobsites to determine that they need all the quality control help that they can get. Builders use many different sub-contractors they need to supervise. It is true that most builders engage outside inspectors to inspect the property, but these inspectors are engaged and paid by the builder so there are no true third party inspections of the properties. The fees and time at the site of the builder-engaged inspections is also substantially less. Local municipality inspections are also limited.

Buyers have the right to have their homes inspected during the construction process. A builder who tells you otherwise or denies you this right should be looked upon with a degree of suspicion.

NO REQUIREMENTS TO INSPECT

There are no Texas requirements to have your prospective home inspected unless it is required by your lender, relocation company, or insurance carrier.  

But there are many practical things about a home that you may not be considering. You already love the home and can see yourself living there. You’ve considered how your furniture will be arranged. You have envisioned many wonderful family gatherings and friendly parties. You can see your children playing.

If you are concerned that the home you are intending to buy will serve your needs and not dig into your home maintenance budget…YES, you should have an inspection performed.

A home inspection will give you an idea of what it will take to live there. There may be some appliances that you may want to replace. The air conditioning units may need to be replaced soon or may be presently dysfunctional. There may be leakage situations in tubs and showers that could become problems in the future. Electrical systems can pose safety hazards of which you may not be aware. The foundation may show signs of movement that could affect the structure. The structure itself could be showing signs of movement of which you should be aware.

A professional home inspection can inform you of the present condition of the home, give you an idea of some major expenses may arise in the future, and help you know what normal maintenance practices and expenses you should include in the normal course of living in your new home.

"Each one of these new homes has a problem, can you tell what it is?"

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