There are three types of home inspections that you should consider when buying a home built from scratch. Timing is a key factor in each home inspection. I will highlight the differences between them.
Pre-Drywall Inspection
You may be able to get a Pre Drywall Inspection if you are involved in the purchase or construction of a home. As the name suggests, this inspection is done before the drywall goes up. This inspection is sometimes called a framing inspection. However, it does more than inspecting the framing.
The home inspector in saint albert provides a list of pre-drywall inspection guidelines that home inspectors can follow. It outlines exactly what is covered. The following components should be installed after these inspections are performed:
- Foundation
- Floor, wall and roof structural components
- Rough-in, plumbing, and electrical components
- Exterior doors and windows
This is not a strict rule. Pre-drywall inspections can take as little as an hour. A full home inspection takes several hours. We spend a lot of time researching after an inspection, which is a departure from traditional home inspections. We see many new construction methods and products on the market every day.
We inspect the framing, as well as the exterior envelope, electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems. Pre-drywall inspections often reveal defects that are not found after drywall is installed. Pre-drywall inspections are usually much cheaper than if the home was completed. There is also less disruption for the buyer.
Final Home Inspection
Most of our new construction inspections are conducted on fully built homes. These homes have been thoroughly inspected by The City, also known as the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Except for final cleaning, the home should be ready for occupancy. This is the only type of inspection you will get on a home built from new materials.
It’s better to make repairs than wait for the list to be completed. Repairs that are done in an occupied house can be disruptive for everyone. It’s easier to do work in an unoccupied house. Some builders are more responsive before the sale but not as responsive once the new owners move in. While most builders are excellent, the unresponsive ones can make homeowners angry. Their stories are what I remember.
After the closing: 11-Month Inspection/One-Year Inspection
If you were unable to have a complete home inspection done before closing, it is advisable to do one before your builder’s one-year warranty expires. The homeowners are intimately familiar with the house and can perform the same inspection as a full inspection. They are familiar with the drying time in the dryer, the cold winter room, and the drafty window.
These inspections always begin with a home tour with the occupants leading us. We ask them questions and point out any concerns. Then we inspect the house with our clients. Most builders are open to our findings, and homeowners share their reports with them.
Neighbors often notice when builders return to their sites to fix things. Do you know what your neighbors do? They speak. As word spreads, a single inspection lasting 11 months can often lead to dozens of inspections in the same area.
Conclusion
If possible, get a pre-drywall inspection. You can opt for an 11-month warranty inspection if you have already closed on your home. It’s something that no one regrets.
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