Should I Get a Home Inspection on a New Construction Home?

Do I Really Need One?

Buying a new construction home is an exciting milestone. Everything looks fresh, modern, and perfect. However, it's a common misconception that new homes are free from defects. Skipping an inspection can lead to costly surprises down the road.

In fact, many new construction inspections reveal conditions that need attention. For example, one client discovered that the deck on their brand-new home wasn’t properly bolted to the wall. Another found that the exterior downspouts weren't directing water away from the foundation, which could have caused future drainage issues.

Here’s why a thorough home inspection for new construction is essential before you finalize your purchase.

New Construction Does Not Mean Flawless

A newly built home has gone through multiple construction phases and involved numerous trades. While the materials may be new, the installation process can still result in defects, incomplete work, or coordination issues between systems. A home inspection helps identify observable conditions that may not be apparent during a standard walkthrough.

What Is the Purpose of a Home Inspection on New Construction?

A home inspection evaluates the observable condition of a property at the time of inspection. This applies to homes of any age, including new construction.

If the Home Passed Municipal Inspections, Why Inspect It?

Municipal inspections are required during construction and prior to occupancy, but their purpose is to verify code compliance. They are not intended to evaluate overall workmanship, system operation, or finish quality from a buyer’s perspective.

Municipal inspectors typically perform inspections within limited timeframes and focus on general compliance items required at each inspection stage. These inspections are not designed to include detailed testing of individual appliances, fixtures, or all accessible components and systems.

A private home inspection has a different scope. It involves a more detailed evaluation of accessible components and systems and documents their observable condition based on what is visible and operable at the time of inspection.

Can Conditions Still Be Present in a Brand-New Home?

Yes. New construction inspections commonly identify conditions such as:

• Roofing or flashing installation deficiencies

• Electrical wiring that is not properly secured or protected

• Plumbing connections that show leakage or improper materials

• HVAC components that are incomplete or not operating as intended

Some of these conditions may not be readily visible without a closer evaluation.

How Do Builder Warranties Factor In?

Most new construction homes include a builder warranty. These warranties typically contain coverage limits, exclusions, and specific requirements for claims.

Conditions documented prior to closing may be easier to address while the builder is still responsible for the property. A pre-closing inspection provides written documentation of the home’s observable condition before ownership transfers.

When Can a New Construction Home Be Inspected?

Depending on the construction timeline, inspections may be performed at different stages, including:

• Pre-drywall inspections, when framing and mechanical systems are visible

• Final inspections, prior to closing

• 11-month warranty inspections, before the builder warranty period expires

Each inspection stage allows for evaluation of components that are accessible at that time.

Conclusion

New construction homes may be brand new, but they are still the result of a construction process. A professional home inspection provides an independent evaluation of the property’s observable condition prior to closing and documents conditions present at the time of inspection.

For reference, you can view an example of a new construction inspection report from an actual home inspection. This sample reflects a real inspection performed on a newly constructed home and includes multiple conditions identified at the time of inspection. It demonstrates that even new construction homes can contain installation defects, incomplete work, or items requiring further attention.

New construction does not eliminate the value of a home inspection—it changes the timing and focus of the inspection.

Questions about new construction inspections? You’re welcome to reach out or send a message anytime. Ready to schedule? Contact us today to ensure your new home is in top shape from the start.

Quick FAQs

Q: How long does a new construction home inspection take?

A: Typically, it takes about 2-3 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the home.

Q: What should I expect during the inspection?

A: During the inspection, we thoroughly examine all accessible areas of the home. We recommend being present to ask questions and gain a better understanding of your new home.