When building a new home or buying a pre-built one, having a home inspection checklist for new construction is necessary. A thorough new home inspection is one of the most important steps and can help ensure you don’t have any unwanted surprises.
Even though you are buying your perfect home from a builder’s agent or general contractor, it’s still wise to have a home inspection.
Home Inspection Checklist for New Construction
A home inspection is one of the most important steps for building a new home. This inspection is essential to ensure that the construction process has gone smoothly and that the finished product will be up to code and safe.
Regarding ensuring your new home’s construction goes as planned, here’s a home inspection checklist for new construction, including what to look for and potential red flags in the inspection process.
Foundation and Structure
The foundation of your house provides support and stability. During this home inspection step, certified home inspectors should note any visible damage or cracks that may have occurred during construction.
Foundation and structure issues can be common new home construction defects. Modern construction practices use pre-fabricated trusses, which can cause increased shifting and settlement within the first year.
Most drywall cracks are harmless, but watching closely for separation and shifting is important. Additionally, they should monitor any settling or shift over time which can affect the property if it isn’t addressed quickly.
Electrical System
The electrical system provides power around the entire home and must always be inspected carefully. When examining the electrical in a new construction home inspection checklist, look for the following:
- Properly installed junction boxes and wiring.
- Properly installed electrical outlets and switches.
- Properly sized and placed circuit breakers.
- Adequate grounding systems.
- No exposed wires or junction boxes.
- Smoke detectors are properly installed and operational.
- Arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) protection in all dwelling rooms.
- Ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection in all wet areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and outdoors.
- The amperage rating of all circuit breakers is sufficient for the devices they power.
Plumbing System
The plumbing system ensures water flows correctly from pipes throughout your new construction property’s walls, fixtures, and appliances.
During this step, inspectors must look for signs of leaks or rusting caused by poor installation or corrosion, which could be dangerous if not addressed promptly.
Furthermore, they must check each fixture and vent to ensure they are installed appropriately according to safety regulations, international codes, and standards.
A home inspection checklist for new construction plumbing should include the following:
- Check for any visible leaks or damage in the pipes and fixtures.
- Testing operational functions for all plumbing fixtures, including sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets.
- Inspecting the water pressure throughout the house to ensure it is adequate and functioning properly.
- Ensuring the water heater is installed according to local building codes and regulations.
- Inspect all sewer lines, including any sewage removal systems, to ensure they are properly installed and in working order.
HVAC System
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems which keep indoor temperatures comfortable regardless of outdoor weather conditions. Inspectors will usually test each component individually when evaluating this system to ensure proper working conditions without any signs of damage due to faulty installation or lack of maintenance over time.
When testing the HVAC system as part of a home inspection checklist for new construction, it is important to look for proper operation of all components, including the furnace or air handler, air conditioning unit, thermostat, ductwork, and registers.
Look for signs of leaks and improper airflow in the ducts. Check that the temperature and humidity readings on the thermostat are accurate and consistent with other readings made during the inspection.
Ensure all mechanicals are installed properly; check for any unusual noises or odors from the furnace or air conditioner; and ensure all safety switches function correctly.
Most modern new homes require an energy efficiency test (blower door test) to check for insulation and be sure the building envelope is airtight.
Roofing
A well-installed roof prevents weather elements from entering the interior space while protecting insulation materials from direct contact with outdoor temperatures, which can lead to energy losses over time if not properly taken care of daily.
When looking at a home inspection checklist for new construction for roofing, look for the following:
- Properly install roofing materials and waterproofing systems (free of gaps or exposed nails).
- No sagging areas or sections that appear weakened.
- Flashings around all penetrations, skylights, and chimneys are secure.
- Proper ventilation of the attic space to prevent moisture from building up.
- Inspect shingles for damage, including curling, missing or broken segments, and warping due to age.
- Installation of rain gutters and downspouts, if applicable by local building codes.
Interior Components
There are many aspects to consider in the interior of a home. When examining the interior of a home during a new construction inspection, look for the following:
- Proper installation of drywall and the overall quality of the paint job.
- Appliances are properly installed and functioning correctly.
- All light fixtures are installed and operational.
- The plumbing is connected and operational with no leaks or other damage.
- Interior doors and stairs are properly attached and functioning correctly.
- Windows are operational with screens installed.
- The flooring is level with no visible defects or water damage.
- Cabinets and countertops are properly installed with no visible defects.
- The ceilings are smooth and free of any cracks or stains.
Exterior Systems
- Windows and exterior doors – Check for proper installation, alignment, and operation.
- Exterior siding – Check for proper installation, alignment, and color consistency; inspect caulking around windows and doors; evaluate the quality of siding materials used.
- Patios, porches, and decks – Inspect handrails and steps for safety; check staining/sealing needs and condition of wood surfaces.
- Landscaping – Check grading to ensure proper drainage away from the home’s foundation; inspect trees for dead limbs or potential issues with growth hindering the new house structure or landscaping bedding areas; look for overgrown grass or weeds in the sidings or walkways.
- Exterior lighting – Test all exterior lights to ensure they function properly.
- garage door and door opener – Ensure garage door openers function correctly and the door and bottom seal are in good condition.
Builder Warranty
Remember the builder’s warranties when considering a home inspection checklist for new construction. Many builders offer a
Generally, a builder warranty covers any items that arise within 1 year of the home being built. Most warranties will cover any structural defects in the materials and workmanship that are part of the building contract.
Beyond this, some builder warranties may also cover roofing, siding, and windows for two years and the structure for ten years. It is also important to look into what is covered under warranty regarding labor costs and materials used.
Additionally, some warranties may have time limits or geographic restrictions. Review all aspects of the warranty before signing off on anything, as this could significantly impact what repairs will be necessary.
Builder warranties don’t cover natural disasters covered by homeowners insurance. Depending on where one resides, it is also important to consider any additional coverage necessary, such as earthquakes, floods, or hurricanes.
Mechanical Warranties and Manuals
Regarding a home inspection checklist for new construction, one of the most important items to consider is warranties and owner manuals. The homeowner must know what mechanical warranties they can expect from their builder and who is responsible for upkeep and repairs if something goes wrong with any aspect of the home’s mechanical system.
Additionally, all owner’s manuals should be provided for homeowners to properly understand how to care for their systems and appliances. Owners will need to complete and file warranty cards for appliances and mechanicals. Many companies now offer this step online.
For mechanicals like water heaters and HVAC equipment, the warranty is typically 6 years or longer. The appliance warranty is often 1 to 3 years or longer, depending on the manufacturer.
Punchlist Repairs
A punch list is a short list of items that need completion before closing. Sometimes these items can prevent clearing a building permit from city inspectors.
A builder blue tape walkthrough with the buyer is important during new construction. Most reputable builders allow buyers to mark cosmetic issues with blue painter’s tape and create a punch list of repairs involving checking the quality of workmanship and any incomplete tasks that need to be addressed before closing.
The builder’s final new home walkthrough checklist verifies that all items in the original contract have been satisfactorily completed. This is done by reviewing each item on the contract, verifying its completion, and noting any deficiencies or areas needing improvement.
Why You Should Hire a Professional Home Inspector
While you may be tempted to save money and do the inspection yourself, hiring a professional home inspector is always best. When your real estate agent makes your purchase agreement, your due diligence period allows you 10 to 14 days to hire a licensed home inspector.
A professional home inspector is a licensed and certified expert who knows what to look for and can objectively assess the home’s condition. They can identify potential issues you may not have noticed and provide a professional home inspection report outlining necessary repairs or maintenance.
Types of Inspections
There are several types of inspections that you may want to consider when purchasing a new construction home.
The first series of inspections are typically in the pre-drywall phase inspections, which occur during the building process. The interim inspection allows the professional inspector to identify potential issues before they become major problems.
During the final home inspection, the inspector will look for necessary repairs as part of the punch list. However, most inspectors do not identify cosmetic flaws.
After purchase, having a builders warranty inspection is held during the eleventh month and can help document conditions before the 1-year warranty expiration.
Conclusion
The home inspection checklist for new construction is an important tool that lets buyers know exactly what they are getting before committing to a purchase.
It helps them identify potential problems and any necessary repairs that may be needed before completing the deal. This checklist also serves as a great way to protect buyers from potential issues arising after the purchase.
By properly utilizing this new home final inspection checklist, buyers can be assured of making wise and informed decisions when purchasing their dream home.
