During the construction process, the build will have both a third-party and city inspection during various stages. Generally speaking, the third-party inspector will do a high-level inspection to check the home meets the minimum standards. I strongly recommend hiring your own home inspector to protect your investment and provide an additional set of eyes. The inspector will walk you through the home and explain what the builder is doing, why they are doing it, and things the builder are doing incorrectly or may have missed. There are three recommended phases.
1. Foundation. This is also called the footing inspection. It is done prior to the pouring of the concrete which is the last opportunity to inspect beam and foundation depth, reinforcement, vapor barrier, plumbing penetrations, etc. before they are all buried.
2. Pre-Drywall. The frame, also know as pre-cover inspection should be performed after all windows, plumbing rough-in, electrical rough-in, HVAC duct systems, etc. have been installed, but before insulation and interior wall finishes have been applied. This inspection will focus primarily on structural components, plumbing and electrical rough-ins which will not be visible or accessible after the insulation and sheetrock is installed.
3. Final. This is a full compliant inspection, which should be done a few days prior to closing, after appliances are installed and operational and most work crews have completed their work.
Your real estate agent or friends who have previously purchases homes can provide you recommendations on home inspectors. Expect to pay $150-$200 each phase except for the final inspection. That will depend on the size of the home.
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