New Construction Home Inspection

3 years ago

Need feedback/input on independent home inspections on new construction homes. My real estate agent recommends it and of course the seller has the following in the contract:

"Independent Home Inspection. Buyer is being provided with the Independent Home Inspectors Policy and Procedures for Buyer's review. Buyer may have independent home inspector inspect the Property only upon execution of the Independent Home Inspectors Policy and Procedures by Buyer and Buyer's home inspector and compliance by Buyer and Buyer's home inspector of all requirements and procedures set forth therein. Seller is not required to sign any inspection lists or reports prepared by Buyer or Buyer's independent home inspector and such inspections, reports or lists shall not provide a basis for Buyer to cancel this Purchase Agreement, withhold funds or delay Closing."

Basically, what I get out of it is that the seller will not hold up moving forward with construction based on independent inspector's findings as long as the county provided inspection will be their main guide.

That being said, what's the point?

Thanks in advance, M

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Comments (4)

Bruce in Northern Virginia
3 years ago
It depends on how well you know the expected quality of fit and finish in your home's price range. The county inspector is there to ensure its safe and it meets the code requirements. He/she will not look at the quality of paint, drywall finishing, baseboard caulking, etc., and will not compare the plans to the as-built home unless its a code item.

There are different levels of finish based on the price range of the home. If you are sure you know what you have paid for and can look at it to ensure you are getting that level, then you don't need an outside inspector. In my case, my wife is probably a better judge of acceptable finishing than I am, and may be better than any inspector I could hire. Its also possible that the builder won't fix something if its only a judgement call (what level of finish is that drywall?). YMMV.

Bruce
User
3 years ago
I am in CA, the home inspections I have experienced are based on a check list. The inspector, who is (often) a licensed general contractor who is unable to “swing a hammer” will test “everything” look at what he can see. Before you think an inspection is a shield against problems, please review the scope.

Perhaps, obtain a “home inspectors” check list, determine if you have the: time, equipment, knowledge to perform the task your self.

Maybe, if $1k is causing a problem, you may be underfunded.

Do you feel lucky?

Does your seller offer a warranty?
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PRO
Jeffrey R. Grenz, General Contractor
3 years ago
It is common to inspect new homes.

That clause is a bit suspect. Unless the builder has an impeccable record, make sure you retain some type of ability to cancel. Some production/tract builders are awesome, but some are sloppy and it isn't related to price.

If not tract, the same applies. In CA it could have been built without a licensed GC as "owner builders" have been very active.
tiny spider
3 years ago
We have bought 7 houses over the past 30 years and had them all inspected. The worst one was a new house. It had a laundry list of problems. We would of just backed out but we had already paid 70 thousand in upgrades. The builder grudgingly fixed the issues. The best house inspectors are retired city inspectors. They really know what they are doing and if there is a problem will find it.

New Construction Home Inspection

Comments (4)

Bruce in Northern Virginia

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Jeffrey R. Grenz, General Contractor

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