| The State of the New Home Building Industry
In recent years, we have seen the quality of new home
construction decline dramatically, resulting in increased
repairs and home maintenance costs to home owners in
the early years of property ownership. Mistakes and
oversights are increasingly common in new home construction,
even with the best of builders.
“Our Builder Assured Us of Quality”
Although all reputable builders attempt to provide
good quality control during the building process, shortfalls
sometimes occur. Quality control problems arise for
a variety of reasons, including:
- Overloaded Construction Superintendents
- Over-Reliance on City or County Building Inspectors
- Design or Specification Flaws
- Shortcuts to Reduce Costs or Time
- Heavy Use of Sub-Contractors (and Sub-Sub-Contractors)
- Sub-Standard, Defective Materials
- Improperly Trained and Inexperienced Workers
As a result, quality control can be inconsistent from
one builder to another and even among homes built by
the same builder.
Taking the Steps
With a OneSource Real Estate Inspections New
Home Construction Inspection program, you can
be assured that you will be aware of any significant
problems while they can still be fixed by the Home Builder.
In most cases, builders will work cooperatively to fix
quality issues but once a home is finished the costs
to fix inherent problems skyrocket and homeowners often
must resort to legal action. For this reason, OneSource’s
Three Phase New Home Construction Inspection Program
allows you to be involved and in control of the quality
control process while construction is underway. The
end result is that you have the necessary information
and assurance about the quality of the product you are
buying, YOUR HOME. The cost of OneSource’s Three Phase
New Home Construction Inspection Program is minimal
in relation to the cost of post-construction quality
problems.
The OneSource Three Phase New Home Construction Inspection
Program
Phase One: Footing / Slab & Foundation Inspections
- Footing / Slab Inspection. After excavation, slab
and footing forms are checked prior to concrete placement.
- Foundation Inspection. Foundation forms are checked
for proper positioning, adequate reinforcement, depth,
etc. prior to concrete placement.
Specific elements inspected in Phase I include:
· Formwork, plumbing, steel reinforcement, moisture
barriers inspected while visible
· Check visible plumbing and drainage lines
are properly installed and protected
· Sample measure checks of width and length
· Ensure no visible debris or foreign materials
within the pour area
· Check reinforcement of formwork — ensuring
square and plumb
Phase Two: Rough Frame Inspection
Inspection of the rough framed structure after the completion
of plumbing, mechanical, gas, and electrical systems
is critical before these systems are closed in with
drywall or other finishing materials. OneSource Real
Estate Inspections inspects the entire house on a room-by-room
basis as well as exterior components. Inspected items
include:
· Framing integrity
· Proper window and door installation
· Adequate roof ventilation
· Roof system components
· Material deficiencies
Phase Three: Final Inspection
OneSource Real Estate Inspections
performs the Final Inspection just prior to
closing. We inspect the final product when
all fixtures and finishes are in place and the utilities
are on. Our inspection program reviews everything from
the roof to the foundation in the same format as the
OneSource Buyer Home Inspection. All systems are checked
for performance and integrity. We put a big focus on
cosmetic defects as well.
All visible, components, structural, and safety items
as well as defective workmanship and materials are checked
and documented. The inspection process will generate
a professional unbiased report that you can submit to
your builder before closing & prior to taking occupancy
of your new home.
For more information or to schedule your New Construction
Home Inspection Program call us in the Houston area
at : 281-477-6050.
Professional Inspector Licensed by Texas Real Estate
Commission. TREC #6563
Serving the Houston Metro Areas and
beyond including; Houston Texas, Houston Metro Area,
Downtown Houston, Northwest Houston, North Houston,
West Houston, Southwest Houston, Bellaire, Brookshire,
Champions Area, Lake Conroe, Cypress, Fulshear, Magnolia,
Houston Memorial, Missouri City, Montgomery, New Caney,
Jersey Village, Kingwood, Harris County Areas, Houston
Heights, Humble, Katy, Pearland, Spring, Stafford, Sugar
Land, Tomball, University Park, Waller, West University,
The Woodlands and The 1960 Area.
For more information, or to schedule
a Houston Home Inspection call us anytime:
One Source Real Estate Inspections, Your Certified
Home Inspector in Houston
Member, National Association of Certified Home Inspectors
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