NEW CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

Construction Quality Inspections
This type of service includes an on-site evaluation(s) of a newly constructed home. Similar to pre-purchase inspections, a new construction inspection may include a list of defects to be corrected by the contractor/builder prior to occupancy or ownership. This may involve several site inspections over the construction period or only a final inspection at construction completion.

Construction Management
This type of service includes providing oversight of the contractor’s performance to ensure the house is being constructed in accordance with the plans and specifications, and within the project budget. This may involve several site inspections during the construction of the house.

Construction Progress Inspections
This type of service includes a series of regular inspections during the construction of a new house to ensure the work has been completed in accordance with the contractor’s draw request. Typical clients include banks and individual who hire a prime contractor to build their home.

New Construction Residence Inspections
The typical order of on site inspection visits is as follows:
1. Foundation – All beams dug, wrapped and reinforced in place.
2. Framing (Dried-in) – All 2” framing including bracing, cornice and decking complete, with windows and doors in place, but before mechanical trades begin.
3. Mechanical – All plumbing, mechanical and electrical rough-ins are completed, prior to insulation.
OR: 3 and 4 together Framing & Mechanical – Combination inspection of Framing and Mechanical. This is a common practice.
4. Final – Home is substantially complete with all final connections completed. Some people opt for this inspection only.

If you want to be more hands on and diligent...

1. Foundation inspection: After trenches are excavated, reinforcing is in place and forms are erected, and all materials for the foundation are on the site. The same as phase 1 above.
2. Rough, then final plumbing inspection:
3. Rough, then final mechanical inspection:
4. Rough, then final electrical inspection:
5. Framing inspection: After roofing, framing, fire blocking and bracing are in place, and all pipes, chimneys and vents are in.
6. Drywall and/or wallboard inspection: After lathing and/or wallboard is in place, but before plastering is done or joints and fasteners are taped and finished.
7. Final inspection: After building is completed, watertight and ready for occupancy. Painting, carpeting and other "cosmetic" work need not be finished.

Before the preliminary walk through, the appliances should be in and all utilities turned on and working.  This includes the furnace, hot water heater and connections to all the appliances such as the stove, dishwasher, oven and garbage disposal.

Please note:  Additional trip to the property as desired is $200 each.  Optional equipments such as swimming pools, lawn sprinklers, gas lines, and outbuildings are also extra charges.

Retaining the services of a Licensed inspector or Engineer home inspector is a well worthwhile investment that can not only help you through the construction process, but the advice you receive can help you avoid pitfalls that might otherwise surface years down the road.

How To Buy A New Construction Home
One advantage to buying new construction is that you can customize many things such as color schemes, flooring, kitchen cabinets, appliances, TV and phone wiring, speaker wiring, etc. The builder generally will not let you put in your our TV, phone and speaker wiring, due to inspections and code regulations. But having this done by the builder to your specifications, will saving you a lot of time and effort later.

BEWARE OF DISREPUTABLE BUILDERS!!!
Search out a reputable builder. One of the keys to purchasing a new construction home is finding a reputable builder. Ask friends, relatives or co-workers for recommendations. Ask people already in the development about their experience with the builder. Also, check out previous construction done by this builder. Check with the Better Business Bureau. The builder's reputation is everything. A disreputable builder can ruin the entire new home buying experience. Just because you are buying a high priced home does not mean that you are getting high quality construction. For example, some builders may use polybutylene, PVC or plastic hose pipe instead of copper for plumbing. This type of practice does not only happen in low end houses! Builders will cut cost wherever possible. If there are already houses under construction you should check out the quality of workmanship and materials being used in the early stages such as the foundation and plumbing.