New doesn't mean it's done right

[Lee Warren]

I would like to encourage anyone that is getting a new home built to get an inspection done. I know this really sounds like an ad, but I also know that the majority of people aren't in the D/FW area. I have done a few new home phased inspections for clients, and it has paid off for them greatly. Find an inspector in your area, and see what they offer. I would recommend at least three phases to the inspection. First, have them check out the foundation as it is being poured. Make sure the piers are at the right spacing, rebar where it should be, post-tension cables set correctly, and slab poured to the right depth etc. With the second phase, have the inspector do a walk through of the house right before the sheetrock goes up. Once the sheetrock is up, you don't know what is behind those walls. This is your only chance. Third, have a final inspection to ensure the functionality of everything. I have seen some builders that do a great job. However, the majority that I have witnessed try to cut corners here and there. I tend to find more things wrong in a brand new home than a 50 year old one. The codes are very specific as to the way a house should be put together. I have seen rafters that have been flat against the roof, wrong size electrical wires for the load that they carry, and a number of other big items.
If you have any questions about things to look for or anything else, please let me know.

Lee Warren