Comments on: Do You Need A New Construction Inspection? http://seattlecondosandlofts.com/2008/05/do-you-need-a-new-construction-inspection Thu, 17 May 2012 21:49:38 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Madison homes for sale http://seattlecondosandlofts.com/2008/05/do-you-need-a-new-construction-inspection/comment-page-1#comment-77527 Madison homes for sale Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:07:18 +0000 http://seattlecondosandlofts.com/2008/05/do-you-need-a-new-construction-inspection#comment-77527 It's always been my policy to strongly advise my clients to get an inspection, even when it's brand new construction. I've even considered devising a waiver that clients would be obligated to sign to acknowledge that they're going against my advice if they choose not to get an inspection. Fortunately those occasions have presented themselves very rarely, so rarely in fact that I've never gotten around to devising the waiver. In the one or two instances in which clients didn't get an inspection there haven't been any major issues yet, but there is the added annoyance that they don't know how some of the features (e.g. an auxiliary heating system) in their home works. So an inspection really serves a dual purpose: 1.) to locate and identify possible defects, and 2.) to teach the homeowner how everything in their new home works and how to take care of it. It’s always been my policy to strongly advise my clients to get an inspection, even when it’s brand new construction. I’ve even considered devising a waiver that clients would be obligated to sign to acknowledge that they’re going against my advice if they choose not to get an inspection. Fortunately those occasions have presented themselves very rarely, so rarely in fact that I’ve never gotten around to devising the waiver. In the one or two instances in which clients didn’t get an inspection there haven’t been any major issues yet, but there is the added annoyance that they don’t know how some of the features (e.g. an auxiliary heating system) in their home works. So an inspection really serves a dual purpose: 1.) to locate and identify possible defects, and 2.) to teach the homeowner how everything in their new home works and how to take care of it.

]]> By: Greg http://seattlecondosandlofts.com/2008/05/do-you-need-a-new-construction-inspection/comment-page-1#comment-67031 Greg Fri, 05 Dec 2008 03:37:31 +0000 http://seattlecondosandlofts.com/2008/05/do-you-need-a-new-construction-inspection#comment-67031 Inspections are a wise investment as a new owner and as an association. I would have an exterior inspection done at the 2nd yr and 4th year for any new associations to check for chalking issues, water intrusion problems, etc. Should amend your home owners dues to add an inspection as a line item, rather than let problem go un-noticed. Also if there is a problem detected early, go after the developer sooner than later for the remedy and costs. Inspections are a wise investment as a new owner and as an association. I would have an exterior inspection done at the 2nd yr and 4th year for any new associations to check for chalking issues, water intrusion problems, etc. Should amend your home owners dues to add an inspection as a line item, rather than let problem go un-noticed. Also if there is a problem detected early, go after the developer sooner than later for the remedy and costs.

]]> By: Phil http://seattlecondosandlofts.com/2008/05/do-you-need-a-new-construction-inspection/comment-page-1#comment-46525 Phil Sat, 10 May 2008 15:33:10 +0000 http://seattlecondosandlofts.com/2008/05/do-you-need-a-new-construction-inspection#comment-46525 Can't agree with you more. The last two condos I bought were brand new and had a list of problems that scared me: 1) Gas fireplace was improperly installed and the gas line had a big ol' kink in it. 2) Drain plugs from the plumbing pressure testing were still in place. 3) Air ducts were left unconnected so the entire upstairs received zero airflow. 4) Garbage was left in the attic and crawlspace. 5) Insulation was missing in the crawlspace. In case you're wondering, these weren't cheap condos either. We're talking $400K and up, and this was five and ten years ago. In short, construction quality is crap. Protect yourself with an inspection. And find your own inspector while you're at it. Certainly don't let the property sales rep suggest one to you. Can’t agree with you more. The last two condos I bought were brand new and had a list of problems that scared me:
1) Gas fireplace was improperly installed and the gas line had a big ol’ kink in it.
2) Drain plugs from the plumbing pressure testing were still in place.
3) Air ducts were left unconnected so the entire upstairs received zero airflow.
4) Garbage was left in the attic and crawlspace.
5) Insulation was missing in the crawlspace.

In case you’re wondering, these weren’t cheap condos either. We’re talking $400K and up, and this was five and ten years ago.

In short, construction quality is crap. Protect yourself with an inspection. And find your own inspector while you’re at it. Certainly don’t let the property sales rep suggest one to you.

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