When it comes to buying a new home, it is highly recommended to hire a professional home inspector. Ideally, a newly built home should be inspected twice - once during the construction process and once after the construction is finished. This allows the inspector to examine the structure and electrical wiring that could become clogged later, as well as check for any safety issues, major repairs, and other cosmetic defects. Reputable builders should allow a licensed home inspector to perform an inspection “for informational purposes only.” The length of home inspections can vary, but on average, a thorough inspection by an accredited inspector takes about three to four hours.
If the inspector finds significant problems, it's something you'll want to know before closing the house. To hire an inspector, it's a good idea to get one certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors or by the National Association of Home Inspectors. When inspecting the electrical system, a home inspector will check the circuitry, wiring, and fuse box to ensure that they are all working properly and in compliance with current codes. Once the construction of the house is finished, ask the home inspector to examine it a few days before your last review with the builder.
A professional inspector will provide a home inspection report that will detail safety issues, major repairs, and other cosmetic defects. One of the mistakes many people make when buying a new construction home is skipping the home inspection. If you're buying a pre-built home or condo, this may be your only chance to get an inspection done, because you weren't involved in the construction process.
