Do you need a home inspection for new construction?

New home construction is booming in the greater Cincinnati and Dayton areas. Whether you are buying a completed home from Ryan or Drees or Fisher, or managing a custom-build, you are making a huge investment in a complex construction project.

The builder wants to deliver a great product, but the builder is ultimately concerned about their bottom line. Aren’t we all? Your bottom line is wanting a home that is worth every dollar you’re spending. Similarly, I’m motivated to deliver an independent home inspection that knocks your socks off. In the home-building process, I work for you and that works for me!

Here’s the ideal set of inspections on new construction:
Phase 1 Inspections – Foundation
This inspection happens when the concrete forms are in place, but before the builder pours the concrete for the footers, foundation walls or slabs. This stage is critical. Depending on the project, I’ll check for proper placement and conditions of reinforcing materials, plumbing configuration, blinding, vapor barriers, form bracing, form conditions, compaction issues, proper drainage and general site preparation. This stage can involve several short visits before and after the pour.
Phase 2 Inspection – Pre-Drywall
Just like it sounds, this inspection occurs prior to drywall being hung. Why is this important? At this point, all of the framing, roofing, windows, ductwork are installed, electrical and plumbing are roughed in. Everything is visible. Once the drywall goes up, you can’t see any of this. Crews are on a tight timetable and under pressure to get their jobs done. The builder has to manage all of these crews flawlessly and watch them like a hawk at every step. You can imagine that – despite their best efforts – things get missed. I’ll come in and spend a few hours climbing and crawling around and give you a full report on what I find.
Phase 3 Inspection – Pre-Closing
This inspection is nearly identical to a traditional home inspection and follows the same standards of practice. We check all of the home’s major systems, with special emphasis on everything that’s been done since the pre-drywall inspection – finished surface integrity, cabinets, test plumbing and electrical fixtures, doors, insulation and much more. At this point, the grading at the exterior of the home should be complete and we evaluate that, as well.
11th Month Warranty Inspection
Most builders offer a one-year warranty on interior surfaces and systems. You’ll have one chance to have the builder come in and repair any items that need attention. Have a professional guide you through this process and do the legwork for you! We’ll do a thorough check of all the home’s major systems after they’ve been used for a year.

Benefits of New Construction Phased Inspections

• Save Money! Using our findings during phased new construction inspections, most of our clients are able to have the builder repair or replace items that cost many mutiples of the inspection price.
• Better communication with your builder. Using our report, you’ll be asking your builder specific and informed questions, which will signal to them that you are engaged and aware of what’s going on. A good builder will welcome this and will often perform even better.
• Peace of Mind – knowing that an experienced homeowner and home inspector has spent numerous hours in your newly constructed home.
• A better building. Even small problems we find during inspections can shorten the lifespan of major components or waste energy if not caught and corrected before the home is complete.