Moving into a brand-new home in Volusia, FL, is an exciting milestone. And it’s common to want to trust that your new home was built to the highest standards and is free from hidden problems. However, even new construction can have issues that are hard to spot.
In fact, a home services study revealed that 86% of homebuyers found at least one issue during their property inspection, proving that even new homes aren’t immune to problems.
Anyone who tells you to waive an inspection is a red flag. New construction homes are a big investment, and an inspection is the best way to protect them. In this article, we break down what new construction inspections include and how they help you avoid unwanted surprises.
Newly Constructed Doesn’t Mean Perfectly Built
Many people assume a brand-new home will be problem-free. After all, it’s built with new materials and fresh craftsmanship, right? But the truth is, construction mistakes are more common than you might think.
Even with new builds, problems can remain hidden from the naked eye, going unnoticed for months. For instance:
- A slow plumbing leak inside a wall can lead to mold or water damage over time.
- Electrical wires installed incorrectly behind the drywall, creating a fire risk you wouldn’t know about until it is too late
- Foundation cracks or poor grading can cause floors to shift or water to seep into your home after a heavy rain
With so many teams working on tight deadlines, errors like these can easily slip through the cracks. Even small issues when overlooked, can lead to bigger problems down the road. That’s why trusting that ‘new’ means perfect can lead to expensive surprises after you’ve settled in.
What Skipping The Inspection to “Save Money” Actually Costs
A new construction inspection in Orlando typically costs between $345 and $525, with most buyers paying under $500. Prices may be slightly higher for larger homes or if you need extra testing, but the cost is generally manageable.
But what’s not manageable are the high costs of repairs for issues gone unnoticed. A hidden plumbing leak could run over $2,000. While faulty wiring can easily run you $1,500 or more. Missed roof issues are even more expensive at $3,000+. And that’s before considering any water damage from poor drainage.
Skipping the inspection to save a few hundred dollars can end up costing you thousands. This makes the cost of professional real estate inspection services a mere drop in the bucket compared to expensive surprises down the road.
Skipping an inspection also voids your warranty. Most new home builders in Central Florida give you a one-year warranty that covers defects in workmanship and materials. But once activated, you have a very limited window to find and report any problems.
Without an inspection report, there’s no proof that a problem existed before you moved in. Builders and warranty companies often deny claims if you cannot show that the defect was present during the warranty period
What To Expect During a New Construction Property Inspection
A new construction home inspection includes a full review of your new home’s property condition right before you move in. While on site, your inspector will check every part of the house to make sure the builder followed all local codes. This includes looking at all the following:
- Foundation
- Roof
- Walls
- Windows
- Doors (to check for cracks)
- Leaks
- Signs of poor workmanship
Inside your home, the inspector will also test the plumbing by running all faucets and showers to check for leaks or low pressure. They also make sure the electrical system is safe by testing outlets and the main panel for problems. Lastly, heating and cooling systems are checked to make sure every room gets enough air and that filters and insulation are in place.
You can expect your inspection to cover all areas of the house. Their main goal is to help you avoid the headaches of missing fixtures, broken tiles, or uneven floors.
Even the outside gets attention, with checks on gutters and landscaping to make sure water drains away from the house and nothing is damaged. After the inspection, you’ll get a report that lists anything that needs to be fixed, so you can ask the builder to handle these problems before you close.
In accordance with Florida law, new home builders must provide a one-year warranty that covers defects in workmanship and materials. However, without an inspection report, there’s no way to prove that a problem existed before you moved in.
Builders and warranty companies often deny claims that fail to prove a defect was present during the warranty period. So skipping professional real estate inspection services also means losing your right to free repairs.
Choosing Qualified Real Estate Inspection Services in Volusia, FL
To get the best service, choose an inspection company with a solid reputation and local experience. Make sure they’re licensed in Florida and have inspected new construction homes in your area. They should also understand local building codes and know what issues commonly show up in the region.
Be sure to ask how long they have been doing inspections and whether they follow the county’s inspection checklist. Confirm that they carry insurance and can share references from other local homebuyers.
You’ll also want to ask what types of inspections they offer for new construction. A reliable company will offer phase inspections at key stages, such as:
- Pre-drywall
- Final walkthrough
- 11-month warranty check
Protect Your Investment with the Right Inspection
Protecting your new home in Volusia starts with making smart choices from the very beginning. Choosing a trusted property inspection company like Central Florida Building Inspectors (CFBI) gives you peace of mind that your investment is safe.
Our licensed inspectors use advanced technology to find hidden problems and deliver detailed reports the same day we walk through your home. And, with decades of experience and a reputation for thorough, unbiased inspections, you can trust your home is in good hands. Schedule your inspection with us to ensure your home is safe for you and your family.
