Do new homes need home inspections?

“New car smell” is divine, but it might get edged out by the smell of a newly-built home. Pristine carpets, unblemished walls, the scent of freshly-cut lumber lingering in the air — it’s hard to beat the excitement of taking ownership of a brand-new property.

Everything looks great, and you have been involved in the construction process every step of the way. Why would you need a home inspection?

Home inspectors are trained to spot problem areas, and identify issues that could cost you time and money to repair down the road. Building a home is a massive undertaking, much like fitting together a big jigsaw puzzle. It involves many different trades, from plumbers and roofers to HVAC technicians and concrete masons. When should the inspection take place? Your home inspector may want to take a look at specific times during construction and when the home is completed.

A comprehensive home inspection is always a good idea, whether your house is the new kid on the block or a centuries-old pillar of the neighborhood.