Should I Inspect a New Home?

Should I inspect a new home in Austin? Buying new construction from a builder does not necessarily mean a problem-free home. Don’t assume that a brand-new home was built right or well. A home is an expensive purchase and the cost to repair the other guy’s mistakes can be expensive as well.

Why Inspect?

Far too many home buyers – particularly first-time buyers – naively assume that a newly constructed, never lived-in home, does not need to be inspected. Now, if that conclusion is correct, why do city/county building departments inspect homes? The answer is to determine whether the builder has met the legal minimum building standards. The quality of the materials and workmanship is another matter.

Recommendation: Always Have a New Home Inspected

Have a new home inspected by a qualified home inspector. A reputable, experienced Austin home inspector will provide an objective opinion of the condition, quality of materials and standards of workmanship observed throughout the home. We recommend using an inspector certified by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) as they have a certain Standard of Practice they must abide by.

Don’t Get Stuck with Expensive Repairs

The early discovery of a defect by the inspector allows time for a new home buyer to attempt to negotiate the repair with the builder or cancel the purchase. Either way the buyer is not stuck with a problem and an expensive, unexpected repair.

Check the Builder’s Warranty

Also, check to see what is covered by the state mandated builder’s warranty and whether any additional warranty is available and at what cost. Remember, a new home can have its share of problems and it’s better to know upfront so you can make an informed purchase decision.

Considering Buying a New Home in Austin?

A buyer’s agent can help you get the best deal and ensure you are buying a high quality home. With a combined 60+ years of experience and over $200MM in real estate sold, there isn’t much we haven’t seen or can’t handle. If you are looking for an Austin Realtor who will protect your interests, not the builders, we might be the right choice for you. For more info about who we are and how we work, check out our Austin Home Buyers section. Then, call us at (512) 827-8323, email us at info@11OaksRealty.com or fill out our Buyer Survey to get started.