Inspection for new construction?
Hi – I’m near to closing on my new condo…do I need an inspector to look it over since the sponsor is responsible for the building? Getting an inspector for new construction is common practice in other cities, but my attorney here says I shouldn’t spend a lot of money on this since it is…
Hi – I’m near to closing on my new condo…do I need an inspector to look it over since the sponsor is responsible for the building? Getting an inspector for new construction is common practice in other cities, but my attorney here says I shouldn’t spend a lot of money on this since it is new.
I strongly recommend from my experience to do the home inspection for new construction.
My inspector charge my about $350 and found a lot of problems.
Reasonable price with excellent service.
Advanced Inspections, Inc.
1.800.535.9859
advpropertyinspections.com
intersloper: did you end up having your new condo inspected? who did you use and how was your experience?
wine lover: which inspector did you use?
i’m in a similar situation and would like to get some feedback. these posts are from more than a month ago but i’m hoping you guys (or someone else) are still reading……
YES! mine was terrific and pointed out one specific issue that because of his report we got 100% corrected (had to do with floors). others with the same problem are still trying to get the developer to fix/pay 2 years later.
also, his insight in to what was good about the construction was great to know, and he informed us about many things that i just wouldn’t have had the experience to check out.
“An ounce of prevention…”
I’m glad to see good advice being given here, mixed in with a few real-life horror stories for emphasis! Always get an independent inspection, regardless of how old, or new, the building is. New condo owners are constantly being hit with assessment charges to fix shoddy construction. I know some folks who paid-out more than the cost of their unit over 5 years with non-stop building repairs and replacements. The developer/ contractor, as the “responsible party” declared bankruptcy right after selling the units and got-off scot-free. A smart inspector could have scared them away before buying.
Make sure your inspector is allowed to see the basement, see the mechanicals, and go on the roof. But don’t assume you are safe if an inspector gives you the ok. Not all problems in shoddy construction are visible.
BTW, who are these RE attorneys advising their clients not to protect themselves? Broker referrals?
Learn from my mistake, and get an inspection done! In some ways, new construction can be even more troubling than an old home. We were advised by our real estate attorney that there would be no point in getting an inspection because of the contractual obligations in the Offering Plan, warranties, etc. Big mistake. A year later, we’re still dealing with defects, and the building is ramping up for a lawsuit. An inspection would have (most likely) saved us time, money, and a lot of grief.
Outside of houses, it’s not as common in New York. It never hurts to be safe but you didn’t say how large the Condo building was? Are you the first one to close in the building? If it’s the “Edge”, “Forte” or some other mind numbingly named designer project, you can probably skip it but ask your “confident” attorney about any warranties stated in the offering plan or in the contract with regards to appliances, fixtures, workmanship etc. Address it again in plain English during your walk-through with the sponsor’s rep. If it’s a building with less than 20 units built by an “unknown†developer, you may want to get an inspector to look for any structural/mechanical issues.
When I purchased my first home (a new construction) my attorney advised me not to get the place inspected. Bad idea!! Five months later the roof had a severe leak, the wiring wasn’t up to par, etc. Always get an inspection.
Hire an inspector.
My R.E. attorney gave me the same advice that an inspector was unnecessary. Bad call.
I’d made an offer on a condo previously and hired an inspector. That deal fell through (but not due to the inspection). The inspection revealed nothing amiss, so when I went through with my most recent purchase, I got complacent.
I didn’t “bother” with an inspection.
Having a new construction “warranty” doesn’t mean developers see eye-to-eye with you on what’s covered under that warranty. Also, sometimes problems don’t become apparent until after the warranty’s expired.