If you are buying a home that is only a few years old you might assume it is in good condition. However, you should still get a pre-purchase inspection for a new home for your peace of mind.
New homeowners may offer you a vendors building report if they had an inspection done recently. But it always pays to get your own independent report done too.
Three things a pre-purchase inspection for a new home can show
Substandard building work
Not all builders work to the same standards. So, even if the property is a relatively new build, there may still be issues. If the property was signed off, work should comply with the Building Code. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean it is of the highest quality. A pre-purchase inspection can check for the quality of the materials used and ensure the workmanship is up to standard.
Unauthorised renovations
Doing renovations to make your property your own is one of the great parts of being a homeowner. But sometimes people’s renovations aren’t as good as you would hope. If the inspection shows renovation work that needs consent you can check council records to ensure it was obtained at the time. Ask the vendor to obtain retrospective consent or for the work to be remedied if you can’t find a record of consent.
Unseen problems like leaks
Even new homes can have problems and they aren’t always obvious. Something like a leaky pipe or poor cladding could have a negative effect on a property without immediate signs. A pre-purchase inspection will include non-invasive moisture testing which can help to highlight any hidden issues.
A pre-purchase inspection for a new home will also highlight any general wear and tear. Exterior painting being required on marks on internal walls or flooring are good examples of this. Wear and tear can occur even in newer homes, especially if they have been rentals or had a family in them. Even if it is not an issue right now it can give you ideas of what long-term maintenance will be needed if you decide to buy.
InnoHomes offers affordable inspections across Auckland
InnoHome offer pre-purchase inspections for homebuyers across Auckland and can carry out a pre-purchase inspection for a new home if you require one. Kevin is a registered inspector and has many years in both the building and the inspection sector. We’ll provide you with a detailed written report within 24 hours of the inspection.
For a competitively-priced pre-purchase inspection, get in touch today.