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NEW

CONSTRUCTION

INSPECTIONS

So you have decided to build a new home. Many people think that a new home will be free from defects. This just isn't true. Constructions workers have time constraints, make mistakes or cut corners, and sometimes deliberately cover up defects rather than correct them. Builders build according to what they get caught at. If you don't catch it, they won't fix it. I was told by a new home owner that "If I ever build again, I will definitely take a more active roll in the building process." In most cases, when a contractor knows the buyer hired an inspector, the quality of workmanship greatly improves.

Most new home buyers don't have the knowledge or the time to look for the defects in new construction. HomeFront Inspection can be your eyes. We have had additional training in this field. We are knowledgeable in construction, electrical, plumbing and HVAC. We can report on the defects before the house is completed. This makes correcting the defects much easier.

Our new construction inspections under go a thorough inspection. Each inspection may take 2 to 4 hours to complete. City building inspectors can only allow a few minutes for each inspection before they have to be at the next site.

Not convinced you need an inspection for a new home? CLICK HERE for list of Complaints new home buyers commonly have.

Four Phase Inspection:

This inspection monitors the complete building process. Each phase builds on the previous phases.

It covers the following:

Phase 1:
Phase 2: 

Phase 3:

Final:

 

Phase 1

Phase 2

Foundation/Slab and rough Framing

Phase 3

Exterior and Interior

Phase 4

Final

Elevation
Grade and Drainage
Footings Prep
Slab Prep

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Re-inspect previous Phase(s)
Foundation walls and drainage
Slab surface and workmanship
Water Proofing of foundation below grade
Walls (structural)
Columns and piers
Floors  (structural)
Ceilings  (structural)
Roof Structural and attic
Roofing
  Covering
  Flashing
  Skylight, chimneys, vents
  Roof drainage system

Re-inspect previous Phase(s)
Wall Cladding
Doors
Windows
Garage Door openers
Deck, steps, railings
Vegetation, Grading drainage, driveway
Eaves

Interior
Ceilings
Walls
Floors
Stairs, Railings
Counters and cabinets
Doors
Windows

 

Re-inspect previous Phase(s)
Plumbing system
Electrical system
Heating systems
Air Conditioning
Insulation and Ventilation- attic, and foundation
Built-in Kitchen appliances

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-Insulation - 4-Way Inspection

Pre-Insulation Inspection: This inspection is performed before the walls have been covered up.  This serves quite useful to both the consumer and the builder.   Some builders welcome an inspector. Sometimes builders are too close to the problems to see them. Having an independent inspector have a look around  can point out areas that need attention.  Finding problems at this stage will allow a builder to correct the problems prior to them being covered up.   

This inspection includes:

Exterior Garage Attic HVAC/Water Heater Electrical
Stairs Basement Structural Plumbing Framing
All Rooms Kitchen Laundry Bathrooms Interior

 

Final Inspection:

A final inspection is done on the home when everything is completed.( Just before closing.) This inspection is very simular to a regular home inspection with the exception that new home inspections have higher expectation. This gives you the knowledge of what has been fixed and what hasn't. This information can be quite valuable in the re-sale of the home.  Make sure that those repairs were done; and  don't close on the property until all repairs are made!

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Some New Construction Complaints

Our clients are usually shocked at the kind of problems; both structural and otherwise that we find; and the blatant disregard for professional building practices.  Even on brand new houses.  Remember, Builders build according to what they get caught at..  If you don't hire an experienced  inspector, someday you will have to sell your home and make all the repairs yourself instead of letting the builder do the repairs for you before you purchase your home!

Here's some common complaints found in new construction.

Wood Framing

Draft Stops Missing Hold downs/Clips missing Anchor bolts not alternated No 1st story /2nd story hold downs  
Plywood grade doesn't match plans Overdriven plywood/sheeting nailing Doors not painted on top and bottom edges Threshold not caulked  

Roofing

Inadequate shingle lap Flashing not intact Shingles extend over edge of roof No cricket above skylight or chimney  

Siding

Siding too close to ground Not primed on back No closed cell backer insulation Inadequately caulked No metal drip flashing

Drywall

Broken paper skin at nail heads Inadequate depth of drywall nails Non-kiln-dried blocking used for drywall Green board use as backing for tile in shower Quickset used on corner bead

Insulation

Inadequate fill in wall Inadequate fill in ceiling No baffles between trusses Inadequate air gap in vaulted ceiling Insulation touching recessed lights

Wall coverings

Tape not removed Paint on glass Exterior doors not painted    

Flooring

No moisture barrier Unacceptable joint stagger Poor layout Exposed fasteners Too many carpet seams

Finish Carpentry

Gaps in trim Nail holes Hammer marks Doors don't operate properly Out of level countertop

Ceramic Tile

Poor grouting Shower pan not tested No slip sheet under tile    

Windows

Not caulked Weep holes plugged with stucco Screens missing Windows in wrong  

Plumbing

Poor slope in drain pipe Less than 1/4 pitch in drain line No cast iron drain at toilet Not insulated hot water supply lines Undersized pipe

Heating A/C

Ducts not properly supported Insufficient air flow Undersized exhaust fan in shower Inadequate working space at water heater or furnace Condensate drain does not drain

Electrical

Insufficient receptacles GFCI's missing Kitchen not 12 gauge wire Electrical within 6' of attic access No label in panel