So you have decided to build a new home. Many people think that a new home will be free from defects. This just isn't true. Constructions workers have time constraints, make mistakes or cut corners, and sometimes deliberately cover up defects rather than correct them. Builders build according to what they get caught at. If you don't catch it, they won't fix it. I was told by a new home owner that "If I ever build again, I will definitely take a more active roll in the building process." In most cases, when a contractor knows the buyer hired an inspector, the quality of workmanship greatly improves.

Most new home buyers don't have the knowledge or the time to look for the defects in new construction. HomeFront Inspection can be your eyes. We have had additional training in this field. We are knowledgeable in construction, electrical, plumbing and HVAC. We can report on the defects before the house is completed. This makes correcting the defects much easier.

Our new construction inspections under go a thorough inspection. Each inspection may take 2 to 4 hours to complete. City building inspectors can only allow a few minutes for each inspection before they have to be at the next site.

Not convinced you need an inspection for a new home? CLICK HERE for list of Complaints new home buyers commonly have.

Four Phase Inspection:

This inspection monitors the complete building process. Each phase builds on the previous phases.

It covers the following:

Phase 1:
Phase 2:

Phase 3:

Final:

Phase 1	Phase 2 Foundation/Slab and rough Framing	Phase 3 Exterior and Interior	Phase 4 Final
Elevation Grade and Drainage Footings Prep Slab Prep	Re-inspect previous Phase(s) Foundation walls and drainage Slab surface and workmanship Water Proofing of foundation below grade Walls (structural) Columns and piers Floors (structural) Ceilings (structural) Roof Structural and attic Roofing Covering Flashing Skylight, chimneys, vents Roof drainage system	Re-inspect previous Phase(s) Wall Cladding Doors Windows Garage Door openers Deck, steps, railings Vegetation, Grading drainage, driveway Eaves Interior Ceilings Walls Floors Stairs, Railings Counters and cabinets Doors Windows	Re-inspect previous Phase(s) Plumbing system Electrical system Heating systems Air Conditioning Insulation and Ventilation- attic, and foundation Built-in Kitchen appliances

Pre-Insulation - 4-Way Inspection

Pre-Insulation Inspection: This inspection is performed before the walls have been covered up. This serves quite useful to both the consumer and the builder. Some builders welcome an inspector. Sometimes builders are too close to the problems to see them. Having an independent inspector have a look around can point out areas that need attention. Finding problems at this stage will allow a builder to correct the problems prior to them being covered up.

This inspection includes:

Exterior	Garage	Attic	HVAC/Water Heater	Electrical
Stairs	Basement	Structural	Plumbing	Framing
All Rooms	Kitchen	Laundry	Bathrooms	Interior

Final Inspection:

A final inspection is done on the home when everything is completed.( Just before closing.) This inspection is very simular to a regular home inspection with the exception that new home inspections have higher expectation. This gives you the knowledge of what has been fixed and what hasn't. This information can be quite valuable in the re-sale of the home. Make sure that those repairs were done; and don't close on the property until all repairs are made!

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Some New Construction Complaints

Our clients are usually shocked at the kind of problems; both structural and otherwise that we find; and the blatant disregard for professional building practices. Even on brand new houses. Remember, Builders build according to what they get caught at.. If you don't hire an experienced inspector, someday you will have to sell your home and make all the repairs yourself instead of letting the builder do the repairs for you before you purchase your home!

Here's some common complaints found in new construction.

Wood Framing

Draft Stops Missing	Hold downs/Clips missing	Anchor bolts not alternated	No 1st story /2nd story hold downs
Plywood grade doesn't match plans	Overdriven plywood/sheeting nailing	Doors not painted on top and bottom edges	Threshold not caulked

Roofing

Inadequate shingle lap

Flashing not intact

Shingles extend over edge of roof

No cricket above skylight or chimney

Siding

Siding too close to ground

Not primed on back

No closed cell backer insulation

Inadequately caulked

No metal drip flashing

Drywall

Broken paper skin at nail heads

Inadequate depth of drywall nails

Non-kiln-dried blocking used for drywall

Green board use as backing for tile in shower

Quickset used on corner bead

Insulation

Inadequate fill in wall

Inadequate fill in ceiling

No baffles between trusses

Inadequate air gap in vaulted ceiling

Insulation touching recessed lights

Wall coverings

Tape not removed

Paint on glass

Exterior doors not painted

Flooring

No moisture barrier

Unacceptable joint stagger

Poor layout

Exposed fasteners

Too many carpet seams

Finish Carpentry

Gaps in trim

Nail holes

Hammer marks

Doors don't operate properly

Out of level countertop

Ceramic Tile

Poor grouting

Shower pan not tested

No slip sheet under tile

Windows

Not caulked

Weep holes plugged with stucco

Screens missing

Windows in wrong

Plumbing

Poor slope in drain pipe

Less than 1/4 pitch in drain line

No cast iron drain at toilet

Not insulated hot water supply lines

Undersized pipe

Heating A/C

Ducts not properly supported

Insufficient air flow

Undersized exhaust fan in shower

Inadequate working space at water heater or furnace

Condensate drain does not drain

Electrical

Insufficient receptacles

GFCI's missing

Kitchen not 12 gauge wire

Electrical within 6' of attic access

No label in panel