Buying a New Home – Revisit 2019

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]It’s been a while since I posted about buying a new home and I think it is good to remind readers, both realtors and buyers about the reasons you want a new home inspection.

What? You say. It’s a new house nothing can be broken yet or worn out yet. All systems go, right!?

Well, yes and no.

Yes, you have a high possibility that nothing will be broken and / or wore out yet.  But, no, there are still big things to be concerned with …even with new homes.

First, let’s step back and understand that a new home is built by a builder who did not have to be licensed to build a house. The tradespeople involved with building the house should have a license but even that is not a given. Especially in large scale developments. More apprentices and junior workers are going to do more of the work. This means there will be more chances that a mistake has been made or something was not constructed correctly.

But the builder has a QA team that will catch stuff, right?

Well, maybe some of the stuff. Like trim missing or weatherstripping not in place yet.

I have inspected new homes from Sun City to San Marcos and I can assure you the biggest and most established builders QA team still miss stuff. So what do you think the smaller custom builders might miss.

Glad you ask. The biggest builders in our area and smallest build quick and have a minimum number of touches on the build. Some areas like installing gas lines, like CSST pipe (Go to CSST to learn more), have the plumbing element (piping) and the electrical part (bonding). It’s easy for the installation team to not have someone check the electrical part. I have seen CSST unbonded in the most respected builders.

Or how about insulation properly installed. I have seen entire panels missing…in a closed roof. oops.

And the last example, poor workmanship. that was not noticed. I was called in at the 11-month warranty and found the mortar between bricks was too thin and already had holes along entire walls with bricks loose.

People make mistakes. New homes are wonderful and it is so exciting. Don’t make it frustrating. Have an inspector take a look to ensure it is built as well as it looks.
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