What is a new build inspection? 

A new build inspection is an independent evaluation of a home’s features, systems and most importantly, its structure. Carried out by a third party, an inspector will thoroughly assess your house and provide you with a detailed report of their findings. You can then present the report to the seller or builder so they can address any errors before you move in. 

Mistakes are made even in brand new builds, inspections allow you to get ahead of any issues so you can take comfort in knowing that you’re moving into a safe and hazard-free home that doesn’t cost you a fortune to repair.

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The importance of conducting a building inspection

When buying an apartment ‘off the plan’ or building a home from scratch via a house and land package, there’s a big level of trust with your builder. Buying ‘off the plan’ means you relinquish any oversight until the build is complete. When you have no idea what goes into the build, an inspection is paramount. 

House and land packages give you the opportunity to be very involved in the building process and provide you with the ability to choose a variety of design elements unique to your home. However, new doesn’t always mean ‘perfection’. Although you get to choose what doors or heating you want, when it comes to structural requirements and meeting council standards, there’s a good chance you will need a second opinion from a reputable building inspector. A good inspector will make sure everything is completed above board and spot any defects in the build. 

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The types of building inspections that are needed

With land for sale in Clyde North, house and land packages are becoming increasingly popular. For this type of build, in particular, it’s wise to have three inspections carried out on the property - the foundation inspection, the framing inspection and one final inspection upon completion. 

The Foundation Inspection - Occurs before they ‘pour’ the concrete/create the foundation. This assessment focuses on ensuring the land has been dug out and graded properly, and that everything is positioned correctly to ensure the build of a strong and resilient home. Getting things right at this first step is crucial, as fixing mistakes ‘post-pour’ can be very costly, if even possible. 

The Framing Inspection - Also known as the pre-drywall/plastering stage. This is the next step after the roof is on and the windows are in. Before the walls go up, the inspector will evaluate the structural elements of the home to make sure everything is installed correctly and hazard-free. This includes anything from electrical wiring to piping - any issues that drywall could cover. If any issues arise, your builder can fix them before moving on to the next stage of the build. 

The Final Inspection - The most common inspection that you see on new builds and established homes is the final inspection. This confirms whether or not the home meets building codes and standards, council requirements etc and is safe to dwell in. If any defects are spotted at this stage, they can be addressed immediately by your builder before you sign off on the home or move in! 

Common issues in new builds 

The excitement of building and owning a brand new home can often make you think that everything will be perfect. And it should be - however there are defects that can be found in new builds. Some of the common issues that occur include:

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• Poor drainage, the ground around the property can become waterlogged, causing structural damage over time. 
• Defects like cracks in the structure from inadequate framing.  
• Inadequate electrical fixtures, leading to wiring hazards in the home. 
• Window leaks from poorly fitted windows. 
• Piping issues, leading to plumbing problems or poor insulation down the road. 

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Why engage a third party building inspector 

Depending on the warranty of some builders, organise your inspection in a timely manner so you don’t lose out. While hiring an independent inspector may seem like an initial expense, it could save you a fortune down the road if anything goes wrong, or it might even mean you buy elsewhere if the mistakes are too significant. Whatever the outcome, having house inspections means everything is covered, and you have the opportunity to make an informed decision on your new build. 

Interested in inquiring about land for sale in Clyde North? Our team would love to help, get in touch with us to discuss our house and land packages today. 

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