Scheduling a home inspection and including an inspection contingency in your contract when you're buying a pre-existing home makes sense. You don't want to end up having to pay for extensive and expensive repairs soon after you become a homeowner.
But if you're buying a new, custom home, should you still consider an inspection? All signs point to yes and reputable home builders in Fort Wayne, Indiana are likely to encourage you to get an inspection, even on a brand-new property. Here's what an inspector will look for and how they can help you protect your investment.
What Is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is an observation of a house. During the process, an inspector looks for issues with the house's mechanical system, safety concerns, and potential health issues. They only examine things that are visible to the eye. An inspector might point out that the electrical outlets aren't grounded but they won't peek behind the wall to uncover frayed wires.
Some of the things an inspector will make note of during their inspection include:
● The age and condition of the home's appliances.
● The age and condition of the home's structure (such as the facade and roof).
● Whether the home's systems meet code.
● Potential safety concerns inside the home, such as raised ledges or a floor that slopes.
● Signs of pest damage or infestation.
● Water damage or plumbing issues.
● Electrical issues.
Why Have a Home Inspection in a New Home?
While it's understandable that an older home is likely to have issues, such as potential water damage or an older roof, a new home shouldn't have those problems, right?
Not so fast. While the contractor who built your home put their best effort into it, there is still the chance for things to go wrong. The drywall might not be installed quite right, leading to cracks or structural issues from the start. A poorly installed roof is likely to wear out much more quickly than one that is properly installed.
A home inspection lets you catch, and correct, those problems before you get to closing. You can work with the builder to make sure that any issues are fixed (and paid for) before it's too late.
Consider Two Inspections
If you're building a home from scratch, it can be worthwhile to consider scheduling two home inspections. Have the first take place before the walls of the house are closed off. That way, the inspector will be able to see any potential problems that will lurk behind the walls, such as poorly installed electrical wires or incorrect plumbing pipes.
Then, have an inspection again after the home is complete but before the sale is final. You'll have enough time to negotiate with the contractor to fix any issues that come up.
What to Do if the Inspection Brings Up Issues
What should you do if the home inspector reveals problems with the house? It depends on the severity of the issues. If there's a major problem with the roof, you'll most likely want to have it fixed before you finalize the purchase.
If you're working with a real estate agent, they can provide advice to help you determine what's worth fixing and what's worth letting alone. They can also help you negotiate with the home builder to fix the problems you want to correct.
Your home is a major investment. Scheduling an inspection before you go through with the purchase is a smart move, no matter how new the house is. Lancia Homes has been building homes in Fort Wayne since 1975. To learn more about our building process and to get started on the home of your dreams, contact us today.
