Inspections on New Construction

We’ve had many potential clients opt out of an inspection because their building is so new. Here’s why getting new buildings inspected is so important:

• Anything in a building can be installed incorrectly (which is often the case), such as retrofit windows, insulation, floor and roof truss systems, and the list goes on. If it is part of the building, and it’s not installed per manufacturer recommendations, it can void the warranty. Not following manufacturer recommendations is also a code violation.
• With new technology comes more complex systems and a greater need for knowledge and experience when installing HVACs, water heaters, roofs, et cetera to comply with manufacturer installation instructions. Too often, contractors do not stay current and are not aware of new requirements. For example, when installing a remote thermostat on a tankless water heater, most manufacturers recommend they be located inside the building (they are not waterproof). Yet most tankless water heater thermostats are found outside, exposed to the elements.
• If the building is occupied but is newer and still under the builder’s warranty, it should be inspected before the one-year warranty expires so that the owner has the opportunity to have any issues addressed. The inspector is also handy to flag any non-optimum conditions (that may have been in excellent condition when new, but now aren’t), such as systems that haven’t been maintained. For example, many people don’t know that a tankless water heater can require filter replacement or cleaning.
• We’ve often been told that the cost for an inspection should be less because the building would, in theory, need less time and attention. But this is not the case. On a brand new, never-used building, or even a building less than a year old, an inspector would spend more time on minor issues to be fixed by the builder and make notes on as many imperfections as can be found.

If your client is buying a brand-new building, everything should be perfect. In our experience, 100% of the time, this is not the case. If your client is buying a brand-new building, they are probably paying a premium. Let us help your client get what they are paying for!