When you buy a new home, it can be tempting to skip the inspection. After all, your contractor has everything under control, right? But before you sign off on that final inspection date, consider these pros and cons of skipping an inspection:
Hire a qualified home inspector.
You’ll want to hire a home inspector with experience and certification from the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI). The NAHI has strict standards for its inspectors and an extensive list of training requirements. It’s also worth noting that most states require that all home inspectors be licensed through the state’s property management department or insurance. Do some research on what kind of licensing requirements apply where you live.
Home inspectors require insurance like any other professional service provider in your community, including plumbers and electricians. They enter people’s homes and work in potentially hazardous environments there. It’s essential for consumers who hire these professionals to know what kind of liability coverage each one carries and how much money it costs per year!
Get an unbiased third-party opinion on an exterior inspection.
Before moving in, you should always get an unbiased opinion of your new home’s exterior. This is important for several reasons:
- Ensure the structure meets code requirements and has no significant issues that could lead to costly repairs later.
- Ensure that you’re getting a good deal on your new home. Not one that will leave you with significant headaches or financial repercussions later in life.
- For settlement talks with your lender or loan servicer, ensure any damages brought on by subpar construction will not be used against you.
Make sure that the house is complete.
A good inspection will include a walk-through of the house from top to bottom, checking all the rooms with their contents and fixtures.
- Check for any potential hazards or problems in each room by looking at the craft, materials used, and location of utilities (gas lines). If areas need attention or repairs, make notes on these issues.
- Install all appliances correctly and adequately (e.g., refrigerator/freezer; stove/oven; dishwasher). Inspectors must fix things before they become serious problems later on down the line.
Check the water pressure on all of your plumbing fixtures.
Check the water pressure in your sinks, showers, and toilets. If you have low pressure, it could be a sign of a plumbing problem that needs to be addressed. On the other hand, high water pressure can cause damage to pipes and fixtures over time. It’s crucial to ensure everything is working at its maximum capacity before moving forward with renovations or repairs on your home.
Make sure that your heating system has been properly installed and set up.
Check for leaks in the ductwork. If you see any signs of a leak, such as air blowing out from under a door or around the edges of your house and windows, then it’s time to call an experienced home inspector.
Make sure that your heating system has been properly installed and set up. Your new furnace’s HVAC installers will tell you exactly where they placed it and what they did to ensure it functioned properly for its lifetime (at least once during each heating season). But if there are any problems with these installations—such as improper positioning or inadequate insulation—then now would be a good time for an inspection by someone who knows what they’re doing!
Use an infrared camera to check for heat loss.
You can use an infrared camera to check for heat loss. This is a great way to see where the heat is escaping from your home, and it’s also an excellent way to check for mold or other moisture problems in the walls.
Using a thermal imaging camera, you can check whether your electrical system has any serious issues. Exposed wires or wiring inside your home could be a fire hazard.
Attention to odd odors; they can be signs of mold or gas leaks.
You should always pay attention to anything that smells odd in a new home. If you sense something unusual, call a professional immediately. The smell could be harmful and caused by mold or gas leaks. Mold is unsightly and can cause respiratory issues if inhaled long-term. It’s best to contact a professional immediately if you notice any odor coming from anywhere inside your building. Gas leaks are also dangerous because they can seep into your home and cause structural damage.
Be aware of potential red flags in the attic.
When inspecting the attic, look for potential red flags in the roof. Roof vents should be installed at the top of the ridge and open into a gable end or other approved opening. Ventilation is essential to prevent moisture buildup and potential mold problems. Open spaces between the roof sheathing and rafters can lead to water damage, which inspectors must repair before you move on with the inspection process.
Your new home is a dream come true, not a money pit.
A new home building inspection is an integral part of the process that you should take into account. One of the most important and common reasons is that it can save your family from making a costly mistake.
The first step in any new home construction project is to hire an accredited inspector for a thorough inspection. New home inspections in Philadelphia PA will ensure that all aspects of your new home are up to code and safe for occupancy by its residents. And it will also help prevent problems down the road!
Inspectors make sure everything is in good shape: electrical wiring, plumbing, heating/cooling systems, structural integrity (make particular walls aren’t crooked), fire suppression systems/sprinkler systems, etc. Inspectors also monitor any changes made after completed construction. Expect no unwanted surprises.
