Investing in real estate is a big leap, something that can be made even more intimidating when dealing with a newly-constructed home. Instead of making a financial commitment to a home with numerous flaws, do some research and find the problems while they are still manageable.
A property inspection won't just find the obvious issues, so when every detail of a new home is critical, use this professional service to ensure that buying isn't a risky proposition. Building the perfect home involves many factors, so there are a number of potential concerns. Avoid some common mistakes, and know the facts before closing on a house.
Avoid costly construction errors
Before ever buying or selling a brand new home, an inspection is a must, according to Bankrate. Believe it or not, some people overlook this stage, and that can mean big problems down the line.
Hidden faults can appear quickly after a homeowner moves in, and those are best avoided. For example, some contractors can cut corners, and home inspection professional Jim Troth told the news source that he found a home's support beam cut to squeeze in some more ductwork in the basement crawl space. Not only was the home already showing signs of weakness, but it also passed municipal and county building inspections. Therefore, be thorough with new construction, and always double check before buying.
Not taking all of the advice given from a home inspection is another common real estate mistake, according to Bankrate. Professional services know the minute details about a house, and ignoring the recommended fixes can have serious consequences for a new home. The price of repairs can change, and the source added that waiting until after closing to get an estimation can yield some unfortunate surprises.
Possible new construction problems
One common issue with a new home is the fact that the materials haven't really settled yet, so problems may appear after the property is listed and sold. This can pop up in regards to the grading, where the dirt around the foundation may move as much as 10 inches in the following year, according to real estate company Doug Garner.
What this means is that water may not be a concern at the moment, but over the early stages of homeownership the grade could drastically shift and a basement might flood. As a precaution, it may be wise to check before a closing. Wait until strong rains, or water around the foundation with a hose. If the water is running away from a home, that is a good sign.
In addition, don't glaze over the obvious problem, like significant erosion, Doug Garner noted. A little bit once a final grade is complete is to be expected, but major erosion is a clear indicator that a new home has a defect.
One area that may not seem obvious now is the shrubbery. Plants are fantastic, and they really boost a house's curb appeal and value, but shrubs too close to a foundation will grow against the exterior walls. Trimming them back will only result in unattractive bushes. It is better to plant them far enough away right when a home is built, instead of waiting.
Simple house decor isn't often a problem found in existing homes, but when dealing with new construction a home inspection can spot unique issues. One such problem is the carpet, Doug Garner stated. Make sure that it is installed properly, and the seams and edges are tight and matching. This is something that often gets complaints a few months after the new owners move in. Check early, and there won't be any surprises after a closing.
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