Buying new construction from a developer does not necessarily mean a problem-free home. Don’t assume that a brand-new home was built right or well. A home is an expensive purchase and the cost to repair the other guy’s mistakes can be expensive as well.
Why Inspect?
Far too many home buyers – particularly first-time buyers – naively assume that a newly constructed, never lived-in home, does not need to be inspected. Now if that conclusion is correct, why do city/county building departments inspect homes? The answer is to determine whether the builder has met the legal minimum building standards. The quality of the materials and workmanship is another matter.
Recommendation: Always Have a New Home Inspected
Recommendation: Have a new home inspected by a qualified home inspector. A reputable, experienced home inspector will provide an objective opinion of the condition, quality of materials and standards of workmanship observed throughout the home. We recommend using an inspector certified by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) as they have a certain Standard of Practice they must abide by.
Don’t Get Stuck with Expensive Repairs
The early discovery of a defect by the inspector allows time for a new home buyer to attempt to negotiate the repair with the builder or cancel the purchase. Either way the buyer is not stuck with a problem and an expensive, unexpected repair.
Check the Builder’s Warranty
Also, check to see what is covered by the state mandated builder’s warranty and whether any additional warranty is available and at what cost. Remember, a new home can have its share of problems and it’s better to know upfront so you can make an informed purchase decision.
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About Raymond Stoklosa
It’s always important to inspect a home before purchasing. Nice post!