Why Your New Construction Home Still Needs A Home Inspection
When purchasing a newly built home, it’s common to assume that it’s in pristine condition. After all, municipal code inspectors have approved it, so it should be ready to live in without issues, right? Not quite. While municipal inspections are a critical part of the construction process, they are not the same as a private home inspection. Understanding the difference between these two roles can help you protect your investment and ensure your new home is truly safe and sound.
Municipal Code Inspector vs. Private Home Inspector: Understanding the Difference
A municipal code inspector is a government-employed official responsible for ensuring that construction work meets minimum building codes and local regulations. Their job is to check for code compliance at various stages of construction, and to work alongside the builder to ensure public safety via those standards. Municipal inspections can be thought of as inspections of form rather than function. Municipal inspectors are not responsible for ensuring installed systems are operating properly, such as plumbing fixtures, electrical fixtures, HVAC equipment, or built-in appliances. Finally, it’s important to understand the time constraints impacting the municipal inspector. It is not uncommon for an inspector to have 20+ inspections to perform in a single day at different projects across their jurisdiction. With such a short amount of time on site, municipal inspections are often hyper-focused on the particular system or component they have been called out for. This, of course, is not meant to be an excuse for missed building violations, however, is the reality of the profession. Ultimately, it is the partnership between builders and inspectors that should help to improve public safety.
A private home inspector, on the other hand, works directly for the buyer. They perform a comprehensive inspection of the entire property, typically after construction is complete, covering all systems of the home. A typical home inspection can take up to 4 hours to complete for a single property, free from the time constraints of a municipal inspector. The focus of a home inspection is not compliance with local codes (although, most inspectors will be familiar with them), rather the overall quality of work, functionality of systems, and occupant safety. Unlike the municipal inspector, the home inspector will operate equipment, run water, and test appliances. As a representative of the buyer, the home inspector may also comment on items relating to the specific needs of their client. Home inspections can be thought of as inspections of form and function, however, once a home is complete, many components of a building are now concealed from observation.
Why New Construction Still Needs a Private Inspection
- Code Compliance vs. Quality Assurance: Municipal inspectors are focused on whether the house meets basic code requirements, which represent minimum standards. A private home inspector, however, goes beyond the code standards to assess the functionality of systems and the issues that often only arise after those systems are in use.
- Limited Time and Resources: Municipal inspectors are often juggling multiple projects. They typically visit the property only a few times during the entire construction process. Their time on each site can be limited, meaning they might miss smaller issues that could still impact the overall functionality and safety of your home. A private home inspector, on the other hand, is hired to focus solely on your property and provide a thorough examination, typically spending up to 4 hours on site.
- Comprehensive System Checks: Municipal inspections don’t cover everything in your home. They focus on critical safety concerns but may skip over “minor” details. A private home inspection provides a top-to-bottom assessment, including systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical connections. Issues like improper installation, system functionality, or future maintenance concerns are often missed in municipal inspections but can be found and addressed with a private inspection.
- Uncovering Hidden Defects: Even with the best contractors, mistakes can happen. Mold growth, plumbing leaks, and other issues may go unnoticed during construction, especially issues that don’t necessarily affect code compliance. A private home inspector can catch these and more, ensuring the finishing work meets your standards.
- Peace of Mind: For most people, a new home is the largest investment they’ll ever make. A private inspection gives you peace of mind, knowing that every detail has been thoroughly checked. It also provides a detailed report that can be used to request repairs from the builder before you close on the home.
Common Issues Found in New Construction Inspections
A private home inspector can identify various issues in new builds that wouldn’t necessarily be noticed earlier, including but not limited to:
- Plumbing Leaks
- Improperly Wired Receptacles
- Inoperable Equipment/Appliances
- Mold Growth in Attics/Crawlspaces
- Gas Leaks
These problems may not prevent the home from passing a code inspection but could still lead to costly repairs, safety hazards and inconveniences down the road.
Wrapping Up
A private home inspection on a new construction home is essential to protect your investment and ensure you’re moving into a safe, high-quality residence. While municipal inspectors play an important role in verifying code compliance, a private home inspector is a vital partner in the buying process, providing a detailed assessment tailored to your needs. Don’t overlook the benefits of a private inspection—it’s a small investment that can save you from significant issues and expenses in the future.