I don't need a Home Inspection, I am buying a newly constructed home...

I hear this all the time, "I am buying a new home, it was inspected by code officials, so I don't need an inspection."

In theory that sounds great, but the functions of a Code Official and Home Inspector are not the same. Yes we look at a lot of the same things, but not necessarily in the same way.

Here's a few examples of a recent inspection I did on a home that was recently built.

Leaky Tub - There was a leak around a jet on a jetted tub. A Code Official may find the leak, but is highly unlikely, as that is not something they look for, they will look at the plumbing, but they will not fill up your tub, turn on the jets and then look for leaks. As a Home Inspector I, on the other hand, will fill your bath tub to look for leaks around the faucet, around the pipes (if accessible) and test the jets (if applicable). An unknown leaky tub would could cause extensive damaged down the road.

Cracked Tiles - There were 4 cracked tiles in a bathroom. There may be a Code Official somewhere that looks for cracked tiles, but it is highly unlikely. As a  Home Inspector, I will look for damaged flooring. Although hairline cracks on a couple of tiles are cosmetic, in a new home I want the buyer to be aware as it should be covered under the 1 year Builder's Warranty.

Falling Windows - The windows in the living room, when opened, would free fall 1/3 - 1/2 of the way down. Again, this is not something that a Code Official would probably catch, as they are not looking for that. They would look to ensure the windows were properly installed at the time of installation. As a  Home Inspector I will test all accessible windows, to ensure they operate appropriately. A falling window is a potential safety hazard especially in a household that has children, but is relatively quick and easy to fix.

So, if you ask me, it doesn't matter how new or how old a house is, if you are looking to buy or build a new home it is definitely worth having a Home Inspection.