Importance of a New Construction Home Inspection

 Are you building a house or purchasing a new build? You may think you don’t need a home inspection since it’s new, but we would advise otherwise. Just because it’s new construction, doesn’t mean it will be a flawless home.

Contractors work fast, sometimes too fast, and things can be missed. Many projects are subcontracted out to various vendors whose competence and diligence might range significantly. Some builders do the bare minimum when it comes to code. In addition, mistakes happen and things get overlooked even by the general contractor.

So, even though you expect your new home to be perfect, it’s much more realistic that there will be some issues. Even though new construction goes through its own inspection process, having a third party home inspector look over the house can let you know if things were missed or done incorrectly.

Here are some common things that might be wrong:

•   Gaps or cracks in decks and patios
•    Incorrectly applied siding
•   Appliances improperly installed Doors sticking shut
•  Humidity in home
•  Cracks in drywall
•  Flooring issues
•   Nail pops

By having a home inspector go through the home, you can find any of these issues (or others) and hopefully get them fixed before moving in. Some issues might fall under the warranty from the builder, so the builder can get them remedied before they cause major problems in the future.

Radon Testing & Mitigation

Another important aspect of buying a new home includes radon testing and mitigation. Most new homes in Minnesota are built with a passive radon mitigation system. A passive system uses natural pressure differentials and air currents to remove radon from the house. If the radon levels in the home are low, this should be fine. However, it’s a good idea to test the home for radon to see if you need to switch to an active radon mitigation system. An active system uses an electric fan to actively push radon out of the house. It’s much more effective at removing harmful radon gas if levels are high.

To make sure you and your family are safe before moving into your new home, have it tested for radon and adjust the mitigation system accordingly. At AmeriSpec, we are licensed to perform electronic radon testing in Minnesota. We can let you know how much radon is in the home and what steps need to be taken to eliminate the risk.

Moving into a new construction home is exciting! Just make sure everything is good to go before you settle in by having AmeriSpec perform a new construction home inspection. If you have questions or are ready to schedule an inspection, give us a call at 952-854-5110 or contact us.