When you buy a brand new home, you have a reasonable expectation of perfection. After all, shouldn't a brand new home be perfect? Yet, if proper precautions are not taken, your new "dream" home may turn into your biggest nightmare!
While your builder may come well recommended by family and friends, that doesn't mean anything when construction actually begins. Delivery deadlines and a general lack of skilled labor can lead to corners being cut by the builder or sub-contractors, resulting in an inferior quality product. Furthermore, these construction oversights aren't always caught buy the builder or municipal building inspector.
Engaging an experienced Halifax home inspector to conduct a pre-delivery Halifax home inspection will ensure that the specifications, material grade and quality, and construction methods agreed to are, in fact, being adhered to.
Prior to taking delivery of your new home, a qualified Halifax home inspector will thoroughly examine the following list of interior and exterior elements:
INSPECTING THE INTERIOR
Plumbing fixtures
* there are no chips in bathtubs, toilets, and sinks
* faucets function as they should
* cabinets are securely fixed to the wall
* caulking around tub and shower enclosures and counter top back splashes is sealed
Doors
* doors are well-fitted and operational
* locks are well-installed and do not rattle
Kitchen
* there is no damage to counter tops, cupboard doors, sinks, and appliances
* cabinet doors line up properly
* spaces for standard appliances have been measured
* range hood fan and light have been tested
* electrical outlets above the counter work as they should
Interior finishes
* wall finishes show no uneven paint coverage or shadowing
* handrails are securely fastened and smooth to the touch
Closets
* doors are secure and open and shut without a problem
Floors
* there are very few squeaks when walking on the floor
* floor covering surfaces are relatively flat
* seams in carpets and vinyl sheets are snug
* There are no surface cracks on ceramic tiles
* joints between ceramic tiles are properly filled with grout
* flooring shows no damage, stains, or shade variations
INSPECTING THE SYSTEMS AND EXTERIOR
Heating
* there is no damage to the furnace and hot water heater
* check the capacity, shut-off mechanisms, and type of filtering
* examine the location and number of cold air returns
* check the location of fuel lines and shut-off devices
Electrical System
* locate the electrical panel and review the functions of each breaker/fuse
* examine the ground fault and arc fault circuit interrupters (GFCI/AFCI)
Basement
* walls are safe from water penetration
* the floor slopes towards a drain
* joists should span no more than 2.1 meters (without bridging/strapping/engineered flooring)
* basement is effectively insulated
Brickwork
* mortar joints are filled completely
* there are weep holes at bottom of the brick and above windows and doors
Shingles
* extend over the roof edge at least 12 millimeters
* corners are not lifting
* is gas-proofed with gypsum board or other method
* joints are sealed
Other Considerations
* locate the switches for mechanical ventilation and circulation fans
* find the plumbing system shut-off valves
* make certain that grading slopes gently away from the house
* where the frame meets the wall of the house, ensure caulking is complete around windows and doors
* roof vents are as close as possible to ridge of roof
In summary, a pre-delivery Halifax home inspection by a qualified Halifax home inspector may not uncover anything major, but will give you peace of mind...peace of mind that is well worth the price!
About the Author:
Halifax Home Experts offers useful insights, tips, advice on a wide range of Halifax home inspection topics, delivered by a highly qualified Halifax home inspector.
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