New home inspections are just as important, and often more so, than inspection of an existing older property. Significant structural deficiencies and safety concerns, along with many less significant but important and potentially costly deficiencies, are often found during new home inspections. In addition, a new house has not been lived-in, therefore more obvious problems will not have been discovered and already corrected.

Common new home issues include, for example, improper installation of roof covering materials and flashing, poorly installed, braced, or damaged roof trusses, deficient levels of attic insulation, exterior walls that are not well sealed against water intrusion, improperly installed and unsafe electrical wiring and components, deficiencies relating the plumbing water supply and waste systems, and poor grading of the ground around the building for effective water run-off.

A final inspection should take place at the point the home is ready to be lived in; an occupancy permit has been issued, all utilities are activated, and equipment is ready for operation. This is typically around the time that builders perform a "final walk-through" evaluation with the homebuyer. Our new home inspection can be performed concurrently with the "walk-through" inspection. Note: certain builders require that the home inspection be performed at a certain time; specifically before, along with, or after the final "walk-through" inspection.

When selecting a home inspector to perform a new home inspection make sure that they are suitably qualified for new home inspections. The inspector should be licensed-certified by the State of Florida as a code inspector for the building-structure and all of the major systems of the home (building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems). Similar certification by the International Code Council (ICC) is also important; the International Code Council develops codes upon which Florida Building Codes are based.

The recognized qualifications of your inspector are very important; you want to ensure that reported deficiencies will be accepted as credible by the builder.
 

• Certification by the State of Florida as a One-And-Two Family Dwelling Inspector. This is a full scope residential code inspector license encompassing evaluation of the Building, Electrical systems, Plumbing systems, and Mechanical systems. #BN002465
   

• Certification by the International Code Council (ICC) as a Residential Combination Inspector. This is a full scope residential code inspector certification encompassing inspection of the Building, Electrical systems, Plumbing systems, and Mechanical systems. The International Code Council is the organization that develops codes upon which the Florida Building Codes are based. #5185695
   

• Certified Member of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). The most recognized national home inspection association. #210905
   

• Registered Professional Member of the Florida Association of Building Inspectors (FABI). The most recognized Florida building inspection association. #RPI-0529
   

• ITC/BSI (Infrared Training Center and Building Science Institute) Certified Building Science Thermographer.  #32939