More and more people waive their rights to home inspections, but this can be one of the most dangerous mistakes you make. This doesn’t just apply to old properties but new construction buildings as well. When building a new property, most people question the need for an inspection report because it’s brand new and has never been occupied.
However, you’d be surprised to know that you can find many and major defects in a new building. Why would you need an inspection on a newly built property? Read on to find out what kinds of defects you could be dealing with to understand the importance of an inspection report.
The Importance of a Post Construction Building Inspection
Whether a residential house, commercial building, condo, or even apartment, constructing a property is a huge project. As the project's financier, this is one of the bigger investments you’ll make in your life. You can’t risk any problems that could cost you much more when you start discovering defects sooner or later.
It’s understandable that you have developed a good relationship with your builder and feel that you can trust them. It’s also understandable that you feel like you would be ruining that relationship by asking for a building inspection.
However, any professional in the construction industry will understand the need for an inspection report. Hiring a building inspector is vital for your handover inspection report.
Building Codes Are Minimal Construction Standards
You may feel the need to overlook your building inspection because the builders adhere to the local building codes. What could be wrong when they have met all the standards? The thing is, building codes don’t necessarily mean what most people think they mean.
Building codes are minimum building practices the builders have to meet for the property to qualify for occupation. These codes can be very subjective and don’t mean they’ll live up to your standards. Besides, building code inspectors are people too, and given the sheer number of properties they have to inspect, they may overlook issues you would disapprove of.
What You May Find in a Building Inspection Report
Now that you know the importance of a building inspection report, you need to know what kind of defects to look for. Here is a list of all the things that should be included in your property inspection report.
Improper Drainage and Grading
Improper grading and drainage can be a serious issue because the water may seep around your foundation, causing water damages. Additionally, it could worsen if this water froze during the winter season because it could crack the foundation. Grading in newly constructed buildings tends to settle and may not do so uniformly, causing uneven surfaces and negative draining.
Concrete Shrinkage
As much as you trust your builder, they worked with subcontractors, and you need to assure quality. If the concrete was improperly mixed with too much water content, it’d develop shrinkage cracks. They may be apparent during the inspection, and they may not be structural but could serve as an entry point for water.
If the water freezes in the cement, it will widen the cracks to gaps. This will lead to heaving and sagging and major repair issues. These concrete cracks should be sealed, especially on walkways and driveways.
Incomplete Construction
Incomplete construction is one of the most vital reasons to get an inspection report. There’s a chance that the builder overlooked something, regardless of how small it is. This is more important if you had the building customized, meaning you want everything done the way you asked. Whether it’s missing insulation, incomplete tiling, or incomplete caulking, it needs to be addressed before you accept the project.
Separated Wood Floors
One major cause of floor separation is improper installation. However, it could also be moisture fluctuations, and if left unchecked, they could be difficult and expensive to fix later on. Flooring gaps are more common in dryer areas with high humidity fluctuations.
Professional builders will ensure that the wood flooring is assimilated into the environment before installation. On the other hand, a professional property inspector will ensure that you’re not left with a potential major issue on your hands.
Dirty Duct Systems
You read that right, dirty duct systems. You see, during construction, there’s bound to be huge amounts of dust and debris, which could build up in your duct system. It could damage your HVAC system if not removed before moving in.
It’s important that the floor registers be covered during the construction process, but you’ll find that the covers are damaged in some projects. This often results in sawdust and other types of debris in the registers. The inspection report will show whether you need to get a professional duct cleaner.
Improper Plumbing Issues
If the builder did not use a professional plumber by any chance, you could have serious issues on your hands. Improperly fixed plumbing fixtures and pipes could cause major water damage issues. The inspection report should show that everything is in order.
Doors and Windows That Don’t Shut Properly
Even in new properties, doors and windows may not shut properly. In most cases, these issues can be expensive to fix, so you need to be sure that you won’t be going at a loss for an issue you have already paid for. A building inspection report will ensure these problems are fixed before the builder hands over the property.
Why You Need an Inspection Report
Even though a building inspection report may seem like an added expense, it’ll be well worth it. As you can see, you could face many issues if you waive your right to an inspection. A property inspection report will show you what areas the builder needs to revisit to ensure that you receive a well-constructed property.
Did you find this post informative? Do you understand why you need a building inspection report? For more valuable and informative content, please check out the rest of our blog.
