New home inspections are professional inspections that are designed to ensure that a newly constructed dwelling is safe for habitation. Conducted by a certified home inspector, the new home inspection will include the careful scrutiny of all aspects of the building, including the wiring and plumbing. If the dwelling meets all the standards currently set in place by the local jurisdiction, the home is considered safe and can be occupied.
The value of a professional home inspection cannot be underestimated. Many of the basics that make up any new home inspection are intended to make sure that any occupants of the building are not exposed to harmful substances and will not be in danger due to structural issues. From this perspective, a new home inspection should be viewed as a positive event rather than something that must be endured before moving into the home.
In areas where building codes and regulations are less detailed, new homeowners may want to order their own new home inspection from a private service. Many cities and towns have at least a couple of home inspection services that can conduct a thorough inspection of the home and determine if it is safe for occupation. This approach is also helpful to the homeowner is another way. The private inspector can affirm that the construction was done properly before the final payment is made to the construction company. Should the inspector find problems with the structure, wiring, or plumbing, those findings can be presented to the construction company with a request to make repairs before the final payment is rendered.
While housing standards vary from one jurisdiction to another, there are a few core elements that will be found on home inspection forms used by municipal employees as well as private inspectors. Walls, floors, and ceilings must be stable and well constructed. The roof must be properly installed, and the attic must have adequate ventilation. Flashing and gutters must allow for proper drainage. Wiring and plumbing must be secure and fully functional. If there are fireplaces in the structure, the flues must be workable and the chimney unobstructed.
New home inspection is all about making sure people are not in danger of sustaining injury or a long-term health issue as a result of living within the dwelling. Any violations of local codes usually require resolution before the home can be occupied. Once the violations are addressed, a second inspection is conducted and the home is approved. At that point, the owners can move into the home, secure in the knowledge that the house is solid and built to last for many years to come.
