3 Critical Home Inspections for Newly Built Homes

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Many buyers have heard a lot of horror stories when it comes to maintaining an older home. So, when they go to buy a house, they choose to take up residence in a brand-new property thinking it will be hassle free. More often than not, a brand new home will be less prone to issues, but that is not always the case.

Here are some issues that can occur early in the lifespan of a house. As an agent, keep these potential money-pit creators in mind when you are guiding clients.

Roof

The roof is a part of the house that will take a lot of abuse over the years, and it has to be strong enough to withstand season after season of harsh weather. Something as simple as the way the shingles were nailed can result in big problems in a short period of time. Make sure the inspector pulls out the ladder and gets up there to take a close look.

HVAC

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning can be tricky in new builds because all the machinery comes from another manufacturer. Each will come with its own set of installation instructions that builders sometimes choose to overlook. Request all the instructions and owner’s manuals so you can reference them when necessary.

Grading

Since builders need to break earth to build a new home, yards often don’t have enough time to settle by the time the house hits the market. This can lead to terrible flooding, expensive repairs, and a ton of headaches.

Remember, in some states builders aren’t even required to be licensed. When it comes to something as fundamentally important as your home, you want to be as sure as possible that you’re making a wise investment. Unfortunately, especially with first-time buyers, eagerness might result in turning a blind eye to potential flaws. This can set up owners for major setbacks that are detrimental to their personal lives. Make sure you have an inspector you trust so that your client’s dream home can turn into a dream come true.