Older Homes:
The same major systems are inspected on both new and older homes. Older homes will almost always have more defects, because of their age, and the fact that the home’s structural system will generally last longer than the functional systems. The most common problem with older homes generally occurs in the plumbing and electrical systems. A SUPERIOR inspector will tell you up front if an older home is going to meet the requirements of modern family living.

Newer Homes:
With the demand placed on most city inspectors and the rate in which homes are being constructed, it is more important than ever to have a new home inspected. City home inspectors are required to inspect 25 to 40 homes daily. That allows these inspectors approximately 10 minutes to inspect each home. These workloads and stringent schedules vastly increase the chances of poor building practices passing the city building inspection. Many new home buyers have a false sense of security that their newly constructed home will be everything they expected it to be because the city and its inspectors requires that the job be done properly. In some instance, this may be true.

It has been our experience that it is well worth the cost of an inspection to have your newly constructed home inspected. Some defects found in new homes aren’t necessarily neglect on behalf of the builder, but is more or less a result of tight deadlines and production quotas.

For newly constructed homes, it is also important to have the major workmanship inspected as the home is built. There are three important times to have the home inspected:

Foundation:
A home is only as good as what it’s standing on. If you’re purchasing a newly constructed home, try to have the foundation inspected before the cement is poured. The inspector can determine if the foundation is the right depth, if the vapor barrier has been installed or is damaged, if all necessary plumbing is in place. If the foundation is not laid correctly, problems from settling, cracks, or improper drainage can appear during the life of the home.

Pre-Sheetrock:
The electrical, heating and air conditioning, and plumbing are put in place before any walls go up. This is the most important inspection for a home under construction. It allows the inspector to see how the building is put together before any major problems are hidden from view.

Final Walk-Through:
This inspection is done with new and existing homes. If you had the first two inspections for your newly constructed home, your inspector can check that previously flagged problems have been repaired. For all homes, the major systems are evaluated, including the heating, central air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical systems; roof, attic, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, and doors. Cosmetic imperfections are also noted for new homes.