Are you buying a new home? Congratulations! It’s an exciting time filled with anticipation and joy. However, before you go ahead and sign on the dotted line, ensuring that your dream home is up to par is crucial. That’s where a new construction inspection comes in handy. By having a certified home inspector assess key areas of your potential new property, you can stay assured that everything is in tip-top shape and avoid costly surprises down the road. In this blog post, we’ll cover the essential elements of a new construction inspection checklist for you, so read ahead.
The Foundation
When conducting a new construction inspection, assessing it’s foundation is one very important aspect. A solid foundation is integral and ensures that your home will stand strong for years. To start, check for any visible cracks or damages in the concrete walls and floors.
Next, examine the drainage system around the perimeter of the house. Poor drainage causes water damage to your foundation, which can lead to serious structural issues down the line. Ensure that all gutters and downspouts are properly installed and functioning well.
It’s also important to inspect any crawl spaces or basements below ground level, as these areas tend to have more moisture, resulting in mold growth or even weakening your foundation’s structural integrity.
Look out for signs of uneven settlings, such as sloping floors or doors that don’t close properly – this could indicate an issue with your foundation footing or soil compaction beneath it.
Thoroughly evaluating each aspect of your home’s foundation during an inspection is necessary in order to ensure its longevity and stability.
The Framing
It’s crucial to ensure that your home will be sturdy for years to come. The framing of new construction is one of the most critical areas to assess during an inspection. This refers to the structural framework that supports the weight of the entire building.
One thing to look out for is if the frame has been constructed according to code regulations. The inspector should check that all materials used are up-to-date and appropriate and ensure that there are no visible defects or damage in any part of it.
Another factor to consider when inspecting framing is how level and plumb it is – this means checking if walls are straight vertically and horizontally and making sure floor joists have proper spacing between them. Improperly leveled framing can lead to many issues down the line, such as sagging floors or walls.
It’s also essential to ensure proper nailing techniques are utilized throughout the construction process. This includes checking if nails were correctly placed at every critical joint where two pieces meet.
Assessing these factors with an expert eye ensures a solid foundation on which future work can depend with confidence!
The Windows
Windows are an essential part of new construction, and they are significant to your home’s aesthetics and energy efficiency. As such, inspecting them thoroughly during the inspection process is essential.
Firstly, check for cracks or chips in the glass panes, as these can lead to air leaks and diminish your home’s energy efficiency. Additionally, inspect for any signs of water damage around the window frames, as this could indicate poor installation or drainage issues.
Next, ensure that all windows open and close smoothly without any obstructions. This is especially important for emergency egress windows which should be operable from inside with minimal effort.
You should also assess whether each window has proper weather stripping installed to prevent air infiltration. Inadequate weather stripping can cause drafts and drive up heating costs over time.
Examine the overall condition of the window frames and sills to ensure that there are no signs of rotting or decay that could compromise their structural integrity.
The Doors
When inspecting new construction, doors are an important area to assess. Not only do they provide security for the home, but they also contribute to its aesthetic appeal.
During the inspection, check if all doors open and close smoothly without sticking or rubbing against their frames. They should also latch properly and have functioning locks for added safety measures.
Inspect the door handles, hinges, and knobs as well. Ensure they are properly installed and tightened with no visible signs of damage or wear. Also, check for enough clearance between the door and its frame for easy opening and closing.
Another essential aspect to consider is insulation. Doors should be insulated appropriately to maintain temperature control inside the house while reducing energy costs.
Examine any glass panels on the doors for cracks or chips, which might impact both aesthetics as well as energy efficiency due to heat loss through gaps in broken glass panes.
The Roof
When it comes to inspecting new construction, the roof is a very critical area to assess. Sturdy and well-built roofs protect your home from rain, wind, and other elements.
During an inspection, certified home inspectors in Jacksonville check for any damage or potential issues with the roof. This includes checking for leaks or water damage, inspecting the flashing around chimneys and vents, and looking for missing or damaged shingles.
Inspectors will also evaluate the ventilation system in place on your roof. Proper ventilation helps prevent moisture buildup that could lead to mold growth or wood rot.
Additionally, inspectors may look at how well your gutters are functioning, as they play a crucial role in diverting water away from your home’s foundation. If there are any clogs or damages found during this inspection process – it should be noted as part of their report.
Ensuring that your new construction has a secure and durable roofing system is essential for protecting you and your investment over time.
The Siding and Trim
The siding and trim of a newly constructed home are crucial elements that require close attention during an inspection. The siding is the primary barrier against outdoor weather conditions, while the trim provides aesthetic appeal to the overall design.
One critical thing to check is whether there are any visible cracks or gaps between panels and if they have been correctly installed. Any signs of moisture damage or warping need to be addressed immediately since it can lead to costly repairs in the future.
Another important aspect is whether all seams between sections have been appropriately sealed using caulking materials. This helps prevent water seepage damage to underlying structures such as insulation, framing, or drywall.
Inspectors should also evaluate if any missing or damaged pieces of siding or trim need replacement. Ensuring everything looks neat, even, and level is essential for enhancing curb appeal and maintaining property value over time.
A thorough examination of the siding and trim will ensure that your new construction home remains structurally sound for years while looking its best on the outside!
The Landscaping
The landscaping of new construction is an essential aspect to assess during the home inspection process. It involves checking if the builder has followed local codes and regulations for outdoor spaces, such as drainage systems, erosion control measures, and water conservation practices.
One important thing is the grading of the land. Proper grading ensures rainwater flows away from your home’s foundation instead of pooling around it. This helps prevent water damage and other basement or crawl space issues.
Another critical area to inspect is the quality of soil used in planting trees, shrubs, and flowers. The ground should be well-draining yet nutrient-rich enough to support healthy plant growth.
Inspectors also check for any hazardous plants on site that could pose risks to people or pets living in the house. These may include poisonous plants or those with sharp thorns or needles.
Inspectors verify whether outdoor lighting fixtures are correctly installed and functional. Adequate lighting enhances safety by illuminating walkways, driveways, stairs leading up to front doors, etc., especially at night.
Assessing a property’s landscaping can help ensure a safe environment while adding aesthetic and financial value over time.
Inspecting a new construction is crucial to ensure that every house component is in perfect working condition. Following this checklist, you can assess all key areas and identify any issues before they become major problems.
It’s always recommended to hire certified home inspectors in Jacksonville with expertise in construction inspection. A professional inspector will perform a thorough examination and provide you with an unbiased report highlighting your property’s strengths and weaknesses.
While initially it may seem like an additional expense, getting your new construction inspected can save you money in the longer run by identifying unforseen problems early on. Moreover, a Home Inspection Cost in Jacksonville, FL, is quite affordable compared to the cost of repair or replacing faulty components after moving into the home.
So, if you are planning on buying a new construction or own one, don’t forget to schedule a professional inspection with HomePro Inspection today!
