Final Inspection of Your New Home: What to Expect
Final Inspection of Your New Home: What to Expect
Building a new home is like solving a massive puzzle, where thousands of parts are meticulously assembled by various teams of contractors. Each team contributes a piece to the construction process, passing the baton to the next group to continue the work. Acting as the general contractor, your builder coordinates and schedules the efforts of these specialized teams to create your dream home.(what's new build snagging)
Your builder's role goes beyond coordination; they set the schedule and oversee construction to ensure everything progresses smoothly. Different teams have distinct tasks. The foundation team lays the groundwork, while the framing team constructs the skeleton of your home, and the drywall team provides the finishing touches. Throughout this process, builders often offer homebuyers several interim inspections to maintain quality control.
Even though each team is skilled and your builder is diligent, a home with countless handcrafted components may still require attention to detail at the end. That's why the "final walkthrough" is of paramount importance. Scheduled after all construction is complete but before you finalize the purchase, this inspection is a crucial opportunity to address any lingering concerns.
The Inspection Process
During the final walkthrough, you and your builder will walk through your new home together. This collaborative effort aims to identify any issues that require attention, ranging from minor details to significant concerns. By addressing these matters, your builder can ensure a smoother transition into your new home and better estimate the time needed for repairs.
Some builders conduct their own inspection before you walk through the home, addressing minor imperfections beforehand. Nonetheless, it's inevitable that you'll discover additional issues that need fixing.
Key Points to Consider During the Final Walkthrough
As you participate in the final inspection with your builder, here are some things to keep in mind as you tour your new home: (new home checklist)
Use Painter's Tape for Marking: A useful tool for the final walkthrough is a roll of blue painter's tape. As you move through each room, meticulously examine potential issues that need attention, such as unpainted wood trim, missing outlet covers, or cracks in tiles. Place a piece of painter's tape near or on any problem area you discover.
Photograph Areas with Issues: Capture images of the areas where you've placed painter's tape using your smartphone. These photos will serve as a visual record and help you track the progress of repairs.
Establish a Repair Schedule: After the inspection, it's essential to establish a clear timeline for addressing identified issues. Prioritize major concerns for resolution before closing. Discuss when the remaining repairs will be completed and who will handle them. Some builders have dedicated teams for these tasks, while others may require the original contractors to make the necessary fixes.
Conclusion
The final inspection is a pivotal step in ensuring your new home meets your expectations. Builders like Lexington Homes and Pulte Homes implement multiple quality control walkthroughs to guarantee customer satisfaction. As a homeowner, maintaining open communication and patience is essential during this phase. Some repairs may be completed immediately, while others might require a few weeks due to team scheduling. Emergencies, such as plumbing leaks, should be addressed promptly.
The final inspection process serves as an assurance that any lingering issues will be resolved, making your transition into your new home as seamless as possible. While the construction journey might involve a few bumps, the final walkthrough ensures that you're moving into a space that aligns with your vision and expectations. next blog