Doing a Home Inspection / Walkthrough - Any suggestions?

[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.

[SummerChild]

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

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]

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]

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.