New Construction Home Inspection

New Construction Inspections Include:

This type of inspection is customized between the client and the
inspector. Most people do not have the opportunity to be at the
construction site during all the phases of the construction project.
Some of these phases are extremely important and cannot be
inspected after the home is completed.

Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code defines the MINIMUM
standards for fire safety; structural strength; energy conservation;
erosion control; heating, plumbing and electrical systems; and
general health and safety in new dwellings. There are many builders
that take extreme pride in their work and usually exceed these
standards on a daily basis. There are other builders that are only
concerned with meeting the minimum CODE requirements which
may lead to use of average products and workmanship. It would be
the same as a child that comes home from school with a 70%
average. Also, general contractors hire many sub-contractors to
complete specific parts of the project. They may include roofers,
masons, electricians, dry-wallers, plumbers, carpenters, painters,
and so on. These sub contractors are also bound by the CODE to
meet the MINIMUM building standards.

Most people are surprised to find out that the building inspector is
only concerned about enforcing the CODE requirements. They don't
evaluate workmanship unless it doesn't meet the minimum CODE
requirements. A good example of this is the use of H-Clips for roof
decking installation. These clips are not required by code, but they
ensure the proper spacing of the decking and add additional
strength and will improve the integrity of your roof.

It is extremely important to have all of the expectations defined in
writing before the construction contract is signed. This should
include the quality of materials to be used for the home, including
windows, shingles, cabinetry, lighting fixtures, plumbing fixtures,
interior trim, siding, flashings, and so on. What additional costs, if
any, will there be to have things done right, or is the home expected
just to meet CODE?

Once all of this has been agreed upon with the builder, then you
may want to consider hiring me to ensure your expectations are
being met. Before the project is started, we will choose which of the
major phases of the project you would like inspected. The cost per
inspection will range from $75 to $125 per inspection. The cost
typically will go down as the number of inspections requested
increases.

We will work out the schedule and that schedule will be provided to
the builder. Communication is very important to make sure the dates
on the schedule are being met and if there is any slippage in the
schedule it will be communicated to the Inspector. A written report
will be provided to you along with pictures so you will be made aware
of the progress and any potential problems. You will then have the
opportunity to discuss these issues with the builder to make sure
your agreed upon expectations are being met.

I'm looking forward to working with you on your project. Please give
me a call 920-451-4646 to discuss this inspection with you!