Doing a Home Inspection / Walkthrough - Any suggestions?

SummerChild · #1 01-12-2008, 06:25 PM

GChatters,

Next Wed and Friday I will be doing home inspections with my private home inspectors (yes, I'll have two of them - yes, I'm "extra" - lol) and I will also be doing a first walkthrough this week to identify exterior, interior and system issues with the home that I'm purchasing, if any.

It is a single family and is new construction. I'm worried b/c I hear about all of the problems that new construction can have given the cheap labor and builder's just trying to get the houses sold. I believe that I have a reputable builder (DR Horton) but wonder if you can give me any advice on either the inspections (they will be me with my own, private inspectors) or the first walkthrough (this will be me with my agent and the builder).

I have already noticed that on the interior, the crown molding and/or the wainscot paneling doesn't go all the way to the edge of the walls in some cases and the paint needs to be cleaned up in other cases. I also see but don't know if there are supposed to be spaces between some of the hardwood floor boards and how big they are supposed to be, if allowed. I will ask each of my inspectors.

I've been looking on the internet and will pick up a book.

Any other ideas, suggestions, advice? First hand or things you've heard from friends and family to watch out for??

Any comments are greatly appreciated (on exterior, interior, systems or otherwise).

If it helps with the advice, the house is located in the Cascade, unincorporated Fulton county area of Atlanta.

Thanks,
SC

Wonderful1908 · #2 01-13-2008, 01:21 AM

Anything and I mean anything that does not seem right have them fix!

Right everything down as well. I had a house built three years ago in Houston.

Close and lock all the doors (my master bathroom door doesn't close properly), run the dishwasher while you are doing the walk through and turn the heat and air both on. Turn all the water on and make sure both the cold and hot water work ( in one of my baths they had the knob on backwards)

I work with a guy who worked in the construction business and man...he said that when something was wrong often times they would creata a "visible" smoke screen when something was wrong, he told me one time they punched a hole in the wall becuase the clients mind is completely on that and in shock and they totally miss everything else, and later they can easily go back and fill in a hole in the wall.

Congrats and good luck!!!!!!!!!

SummerChild · #3 01-13-2008, 11:14 AM

Soror Wonderful1908,
Thank you so much for that! I am building a list and will add all of those things to the list. I can't believe that they would try to build in decoys like that. Thanks so much for sharing that with me and I now know not to be shocked about anything and to stay focused. I mean to have everything fixed *before* the closing (I don't have to move out of my apt until Feb. 28 so I can wait for them to get it all together).

Thanks again. I will try not to get ticked off and just to remember that it's a business transaction and they get the money when I'm satisfied.

SC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wonderful1908

Anything and I mean anything that does not seem right have them fix!

Right everything down as well. I had a house built three years ago in Houston.

Close and lock all the doors (my master bathroom door doesn't close properly), run the dishwasher while you are doing the walk through and turn the heat and air both on. Turn all the water on and make sure both the cold and hot water work ( in one of my baths they had the knob on backwards)

I work with a guy who worked in the construction business and man...he said that when something was wrong often times they would creata a "visible" smoke screen when something was wrong, he told me one time they punched a hole in the wall becuase the clients mind is completely on that and in shock and they totally miss everything else, and later they can easily go back and fill in a hole in the wall.

Congrats and good luck!!!!!!!!!

AKA Pearl · #4 01-13-2008, 01:15 PM

Summerchild-

You aren't far from me at all! Actually, my church is on Casade. Wow..small world.

Wonderful 1908 had some wonderful advice. Take a colored pencil with you and circle any defiency that you see. Check the windows. We didn't and the 1st floor of my house is always cold during the winter

With the way the housing market is, they should fall all over themselves fixing everything. They REALLY need you more than you need them. Isn't that wonderful? Good luck to you!

justabeachbrat · #5 01-13-2008, 03:01 PM

Are there other residents moved in, yet?
If so, knock on a few doors, reasonable hours, ask, have you had any problems?
I do this at apartments I've checked out and some don't answer, but a few did, and just said...noooo...don't do it, and why.
Walking the area where my dad was going to buy a house helped him find out there were foundation problems, cracks, that quickly showed up in new homes. And a few people who had put in pools had cracks in them, too.

SummerChild · #6 01-18-2008, 01:08 PM

Wow Soror. Which do you attend? Do you live in the area? Shoot me a PM. We were scheduled for the first walkthrough today but they got it upside down so we're headed back on Monday. Anywho, my agent finessed it so that we did a partial walkthrough today anyway and we'll just end up getting an extra one!

I ended up having two inspections and one found that most of the windows did not lock b/c of some problem - who knows. the doors, same thing - didn't close. Only thing major is we want to know why furnace filter for furnace in attic has insulation on it. We'll have the builder look into that further.

All that I can say is that anyone buying a new house, really needs an INSPECTION just the same as someone buying a resale. The balusters were loose, rails loose on the stairs, see through paint where you can see words coming through the paint from the wood, oversized vents on ceilings, ducts that are almost cutting off air/heat to some rooms b/c they are crimped so badly in the attic. Whew! it is a little bit of a mess so far. although it looks so nice. you would never know...but i'd be ticked after paying them *all* their money and not getting *all* the house i'm supposed to. and who has time (after closing) to take off from work and wait for the contractors to drag their behinds back to fix stuff that was supposed to be fixed the first time? not doing it.

ok, i'm rambling. but everyone should consider getting an INSPECTION - even if the home is brand new. there is so much inattention to detail and shoddy workmanship out there. it is just terrible.

SC

Quote:

Originally Posted by AKA Pearl

Summerchild-

You aren't far from me at all! Actually, my church is on Casade. Wow..small world.

Wonderful 1908 had some wonderful advice. Take a colored pencil with you and circle any defiency that you see. Check the windows. We didn't and the 1st floor of my house is always cold during the winter

With the way the housing market is, they should fall all over themselves fixing everything. They REALLY need you more than you need them. Isn't that wonderful? Good luck to you!

SummerChild · #7 01-18-2008, 01:10 PM

JBB, that is a great idea! I sent an email to the HOA rep that i've been in contact with about some other stuff and am trying to catch him on the phone before the re-scheduled walkthough on Monday.
I might also drop by and talk with a couple of neighbors this weekend. Besides, I want to know who is parking their cars on the street. No street parking but they are doing it anyway...and it is not looking very nice to me. We'll have to fix that too. Ok, I know that I'm extra. I already know that....

SC

Quote:

Originally Posted by justabeachbrat

Are there other residents moved in, yet?
If so, knock on a few doors, reasonable hours, ask, have you had any problems?
I do this at apartments I've checked out and some don't answer, but a few did, and just said...noooo...don't do it, and why.
Walking the area where my dad was going to buy a house helped him find out there were foundation problems, cracks, that quickly showed up in new homes. And a few people who had put in pools had cracks in them, too.

mccoyred · #8 01-19-2008, 12:41 PM

Watch 'Holmes on Homes' on the Discovery Home network. He points out and fixes common problems caused by shoddy contracting work. Lots of good info to educate yourself about.

ladygreek · #9 01-19-2008, 02:35 PM

Also turn on the stove and oven and check the vent fan. Flush all the toilets for good water pressure while sinks and showers are on. If you have a gas/electric fireplace turn it on. If it is wood burning have the inspectors check the chimney and the cap to make sure animals cannot enter.

Spaces between hardwood floor planks--hmmmm, doesn't sound right to me.

You are right to be extra careful, especially with a new build. Congrats on the new house.

PrettyInPink777 · #10 01-21-2008, 01:29 AM

I recently closed on a new construction house and it was more than a notion. A few learnings to share with you .......

* Walk heavily on the floors to see if there are weak spots in the floors.
* In the basement, check carefully on the walls around the floors and windows for any stains that look like dried water.
* Run all of the appliances -- If they are listed on the spec sheet, they ought to work!
* Check the doors to ensure they are hung properly so that cold air is not whistling though your house. (I just got caught on this one!)
* Make sure the fixtures are secure - doorknobs, bathroom paper holders, etc.
* Make sure that they orient you to the house -- check the purchase dates of the furnace, central air component, , etc.
* Check the ceramic tile and /or the hardwood floors for craftsmanship and also for marks or stains. There was a mark on the ceramic tile in my Master Bathroom that the builder told me would 'just come up', but he wasn't able to remove it with ease. This worked in my favor.
* Most importantly, remember for whom the inspector is working. If it's new construction and the builder offers you an inspector, GET YOUR OWN. Be focused, have your list of questions and items you want to check before you enter the house. Don't be dazzled by the inspector or distracted by extraneous conversation.

Go in with your intention / your agenda and get your needs met. (It's all about you, girl -- You are the one that's making this huge investment!)

Happy Hunting!!!

SummerChild · #11 01-24-2008, 09:18 PM

Thanks to everyone for the absolutely great comments!!
They were very helpful. I definitely put them in action. Heck, the walkthrough was 4.5 hours!!! We went over every nook and cranny. Hopefully, I didn't miss anything.

Thanks again!!

SC

AKA2D '91 · #12 09-29-2008, 11:12 PM

Tonight my realtor and I placed an offer on a home. Let's hope that the company accepts the offer. My realtor looked at me crossed eyed as I told her how much I wanted to offer, PLUS what I wanted. LMAO I guess she hasn't picked up on what I'm about! LOL Either they can take the offer or counter. We'll see!

I didn't go to this thread, but when I visited the home on Saturday, I asked one of the owners various questions. As this is a new community, I had a few questions. Hopefully, everything will work out...

I guess I'm growing up...playing grown folks' games!

Wish me (good) luck!

PS as I'm looking through this thread, these are good suggestions when going through with the inspection/ final walkthrough. I'll consider them when the time comes.

TonyB06 · #13 09-30-2008, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AKA2D '91

Tonight my realtor and I placed an offer on a home. Let's hope that the company accepts the offer. My realtor looked at me crossed eyed as I told her how much I wanted to offer, PLUS what I wanted. LMAO I guess she hasn't picked up on what I'm about! LOL Either they can take the offer or counter. We'll see!

I didn't go to this thread, but when I visited the home on Saturday, I asked one of the owners various questions. As this is a new community, I had a few questions. Hopefully, everything will work out...

I guess I'm growing up...playing grown folks' games!

...I see you, playa. Makin' moves!! God bless!

SummerChild · #14 10-01-2008, 02:07 PM

Good luck Soror!!! Don't worry about your realtor looking at you "crossed eyed" b/c she is there to be YOUR advocate. Shoot, she should have beat you to the punch on the lowball offer. This is a ***buyer's*** market! If she keeps on looking at you crossed eyed, toss her out and get somebody who will truly advocate (and if/when the time comes, negotiate) on your behalf.

Good luck!!! Let us know what happens.
SC

Quote:

Originally Posted by AKA2D '91

Tonight my realtor and I placed an offer on a home. Let's hope that the company accepts the offer. My realtor looked at me crossed eyed as I told her how much I wanted to offer, PLUS what I wanted. LMAO I guess she hasn't picked up on what I'm about! LOL Either they can take the offer or counter. We'll see!

I didn't go to this thread, but when I visited the home on Saturday, I asked one of the owners various questions. As this is a new community, I had a few questions. Hopefully, everything will work out...

I guess I'm growing up...playing grown folks' games!

Wish me (good) luck!

PS as I'm looking through this thread, these are good suggestions when going through with the inspection/ final walkthrough. I'll consider them when the time comes.

AKA2D '91 · #15 10-02-2008, 10:48 PM

Thanks!
They countered yesterday. I countered their counter today (is that right?)We'll see how they respond. I have a place to stay.

THEY need to sell this house and 2 others on the street they built nearly 2 years ago that have not sold.

Yeah Tony B, I'm trying to do a little something...something! Stay tuned. Hopefully, more changes are coming!

(nope, not what you're thinking)