Inspection for new development
Does it make sense to have an inspection for a new development before signing the contract?. The building we are looking at is not complete yet so we aren’t sure if there is any value.
Does it make sense to have an inspection for a new development before signing the contract?. The building we are looking at is not complete yet so we aren’t sure if there is any value.
Hi there,
I agree. I am buying a new condo that is still unfinished (no heat, water or electric turned on, appliances not installed) and had my inspector come in anyway. He was still able to inspect the construction, the roof, the floors, look at how the heating system, electrical were hooked up for my unit and for the building. It was really helpful, and we uncovered that the floors in the lower level of the apartment were not level – so I was able to negotiate with the sponsor to get some money towards repairs.
Definitely get an inspection. I also went with AVT Engineering/ Joe Pasaturo who was great (and more affordable than Richard Perri). He was able to give us a printout of the report on site, and spent tons of time with me to go over every little detail of how our apartment will work.
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If you can get an inspection, Rich Perri is great – and if he gives a pass to new construction you can believe it. Every time I’ve had him inspect a recently-built structure, he always starts out, “I’m not a fan of new construction,” and proceeds to tell you why the new methods (concrete blocks and slabs) aren’t as good as the old.
GET AN INSPECTION! I looked at 3 new development condos in the past year and half and had my engineer come each and every time and he did a solid job finding issues, pointing out issues that were big deals vs. not big deals and just giving his opinion on what he thought was solid construction.
His assesement of one of the condos we looked at helped us make the final decision not to pursue the contract and helped us land the condo we are living in now
If you need a recommendation for a Home Inspector call Accurate Building Inspectors and ask for Matthew Barnett. He’s beyond thorough and very clued on on both the flaws in new builds and old townhouses. We’ve purchased 2 townhomes and he just inspected our most recent purchase and he blew our first inspector out of the water. I highly recommend him!
Here is an old thread, same question. As most will tell you the inspection should not be limited to your unit.
http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forum/archives/2009/05/inspection_for_2.php
You must get an inspection, just because it is new does not been it is good. Also, speak to you attorney about a new construction warranty.
I agree. The problem though with new developments is that oftentimes the really costly issues don’t appear until 2-3 years down the road. These include, but are not limited to, leaking windows, leaking roof, foundation issues (totally new construction?) and curtain wall (the exterior facade) issues.
Is this a redevelopment of an existing older facade or totally new, ground-up construction?
Practically any inspector can tell you what’s shoddy or poorly done in a unit once it is finished but you need more here. Is the heating system adequately designed for the building, for example.
Is there a history of development for this developer or is this some fly-by-night spec development done by someone who’s never done one before?
Thanks!! We were concerned that they would just turn on some light switches. Also wouldn’t the punch list walk through highlight issues?
Yes. I wish we had done this but we didn’t. We did however find that there was a problem with the electric outlets on one circuit (reversed polarity). If you get an inspection, you will be forewarned of any shoddy work that needs to be attended to. Most new buildings have some problems, so forewarned is forearmed.