Buying a new home can be one of the most exciting and significant purchases most of us will make in a lifetime. This is why it’s highly recommended to take necessary precautions before signing on the dotted line and finalising that purchase. This is especially the case if the house is pre-owned, because the previous owners (and those before them) may have put quite a bit of work into the home and perhaps neglected to repair or maintain some parts of it.
For new homes, many assume that these factors don’t exist. They’re right in that you don’t have to worry about previous owners, but buying new doesn’t guarantee that you’re buying a home that’s up to spec. Instead, developers and builders who may sometimes cut corners end up finishing a home with one or multiple defects or problems – many of which may cost you tens of thousands to resolve.
and find in brand new homes? Also, how can you spot these signs early on, or better, ensure that they’re dealt with before finalising the home purchase?
What are some of the most common defects that qualified builders and inspectors Structural Defects
Believe it or not, structural defects and flaws are somewhat common in new builds. Since they are structural, they are rarely minor and often quite significant defects, like an uneven or poorly laid foundation slab, all the way to uneven floors or poorly erected roofs.
Naturally, these defects tend to require substantial work to correct. You shouldn’t be left paying these costs out of pocket, so a pre-purchase report is strongly recommended.
Water Leaks and Moisture
While more often found in pre-owned homes, new builds can also suffer from water damage, such as leaks from poor roofing construction or moisture buildup that attracts mould and bacteria.
These could also be from poor insulation, which results in the house attracting lots of moisture. Damp areas that attract mould are an immediate red flag, as mould can be quite a serious health hazard.
Poor Quality Finishes and Workmanship
Putting the finishing touches on a home is another area where some contractors may cut a few corners. Masonry could be out of alignment, the bricks or stones used might not have the correct type of mortar or may be missing expansion joints and gaps, or even the fresh paint might be applied poorly and begin to crack.
Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing
Another common defect more often found in pre-owned homes than new builds, mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems could be defective from the start. Poor electrical wiring or unsafe outlets, leaky plumbing or fixtures, or poor air circulation throughout a new home can all be costly to repair. Those costs rightly shouldn’t be passed onto you, especially if you were fairly led to believe that the house was up to standard when making the purchase.
How to Get These Issues Resolved Before You Buy
There’s a lot that can go wrong with a new build, which is why construction stage inspections are the best way to ensure that you’re not paying for costly repairs that you weren’t responsible for. These inspections ensure that contractors are operating in accordance with the building code and all relevant standards.
Guardian Building Inspections
For construction stage inspections and more, contact Guardian Building Inspections.
