Is a Home Inspection Necessary for a Brand New House?
Perfect New Builds or Potential Pitfalls?
In my years as a real estate agent, I’ve worked with numerous clients looking to purchase brand new homes. An important topic that often comes up during our discussions is whether they should get a home inspection for their newly constructed house. The common misconception is that new builds are perfect, but the truth is, even the best builders can miss details, and things can go wrong.
Why New Construction Doesn’t Equal Perfection
While many of my clients have had great experiences with their new builds, most of them still opt for a home inspection before closing the deal. Home inspectors are trained to spot discrepancies and defects in construction, whether it’s a resale house or a brand new one. While buyers may scrutinize their homes, not everyone is accustomed to critiquing properties in such detail, and important issues could be missed.
Challenges in Today’s Construction Industry
Today, the construction industry faces challenges such as supply chain disruptions and labor shortages. These factors can disrupt a builder’s workflow, potentially leading to subpar workmanship or missed installations. A home inspector is skilled at catching these issues during a home inspection, providing an added layer of security for homebuyers.
Real-Life Example: The Importance of an Inspection
Consider this real-life example from earlier this year involving one of my clients. They were purchasing a brand new house in the neighborhood adjacent to mine, which I also happen to live in. The house was beautiful, nearly perfect, but during the home inspection, the inspector discovered slow drainage in the hall bathroom due to a blockage in the drain lines beneath the house. Thanks to the home inspection, the issue was resolved before closing. Without it, this problem might have gone unnoticed for months, causing inconvenience down the line.
Researching the Builder’s Reputation
Before buying a brand new house, thorough research into the builder’s reputation is essential. Dive into the depths of Google, channel your inner FBI agent, and explore employee reviews on sites like Glassdoor and Indeed. Builders can be categorized into two main types: production builders who construct hundreds of homes annually and custom builders who typically build a few spec houses each year. Different builders may have different teams and standards, making research crucial. And yet, regardless of who the builder is and their reputation, no new construction home is ever perfect and we still recommend always getting a home inspection.
Community Insights and Trusting Your Instincts
You can also join local Facebook groups to gather insights and opinions from residents in the neighborhoods you’re considering. Drive through the neighborhoods, observe the quality, and trust your instincts. One effective strategy is to visit older neighborhoods built by the same builder to envision how your new house may age over time.
Your Trusted Advisor for Brand New Home Purchases
I’m Marcie Billen, a real estate agent in the Oklahoma City Metro area. I’ve assisted many clients in purchasing brand new homes, and I’m here to help you too. If you have questions or need assistance with your new home purchase, feel free to reach out to me via phone, text, or email.
In conclusion, regardless of the builder’s reputation, a home inspection is a must when purchasing a house. Considering the small cost of the inspection, usually under $500, compared to the price of the house, it’s a wise investment. Home inspectors unveil hidden issues that can save you from potential headaches down the road. If a builder objects to a home inspection, it should raise red flags, and you should question their reasons.
Explore More on Brand New Homes in Oklahoma
For more information on brand new homes in Oklahoma, check out my other videos, “Building Your Dream Home: Pros & Cons” and “New Construction in Oklahoma.”
Are you thinking about living in Oklahoma? You may want to try searching for some homes that might suit you with my home search app. I love to answer any questions you may have, so send me an email if you’d like to know more about the area!
Marcie Billen: [email protected] | 918.691.8982
