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Do I need a home inspection for new construction?

I'm planning to purchase a new construction home. Do you recommend that I still get a home inspection even though it's a new home?

Asked by Sonja | Charlotte, NC| 02-21-2024| 1,973 views|Buying|Updated 2 years ago

Answers (16)

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Kris MagerNovice2 Answers
Kris Mager

Coldwell Banker Realty · Middletown, NJ

(36 reviews)
Absolutely- always get a home inspection. You would be surprised, I have sold multiple new construction homes and with every home inspection there was something that the builder wound up having to address. Good luck with your purchase!
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02-27-2024 (2 years ago)··
Kevin Neely

Keller Williams Realty Elite Partners · Spring Hill, FL

(76 reviews)
Yes, you need a home inspection for new construction, and the argument that a brand-new home does not need one is one of the most persistent and costly misconceptions in real estate. In Hernando County and across Florida, new construction homes have defects at a rate that surprises most first-time buyers. Common findings include: incorrectly installed HVAC equipment, plumbing that does not meet grade or slope requirements, missing insulation in wall cavities, roof sheathing nailing patterns that do not meet wind uplift requirements, and grading issues that direct water toward the foundation. None of these are visible without an inspection, and many are not caught by the municipal inspection process because those inspections are limited in scope and timing. The most effective approach for new construction in Hernando County is to hire a licensed inspector for three separate inspections: the pre-drywall inspection (when framing, plumbing, electrical rough-in, and insulation are exposed), the pre-closing inspection (when all systems are complete), and a follow-up inspection 10 to 11 months into your builder warranty period. The 11-month inspection is particularly valuable because it identifies warranty items before your coverage expires. Builders offer a standard one-year workmanship warranty in Florida, and flagging issues before it runs out preserves your right to have them corrected at no cost. Kevin Neely & Kaitlynd Robbins | K2 Sells
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04-15-2026 (1 week ago)··
Lisa And Greg Harris

eXp Realty, LLC · Columbia, SC

(42 reviews)
YES YES YES! I will always recommend a Home inspection even on a new home! I recently had a client go to sell a 1 year old home and the HVAC was installed incorrectly and not been running properly.... They did not do a home inspection at the time of the purchase. They had a job transfer and put the home on the market....... new buyer did an HVAC inspection and found the unit was shot because of not being installed correctly! And luckily they were within the warranty period, but it was a hard battle to get the unit replaced because of all the finger-pointing! The buyer almost walked away from the deal! DO A HOME and HVAC inspection at MINIMUM!
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05-06-2024 (1 year ago)··
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Melody BishopRising Star29 Answers
Melody Bishop

eXp Realty · Winston-Salem, NC

(34 reviews)
Absolutely yes! Inspections will often find issues that the builder overlooked and it is better to get this corrected prior to closing rather than after.
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04-02-2026 (3 weeks ago)··
Anna WisemanRising Star14 Answers
Anna Wiseman

RE/MAX Lifestyle · Denver, NC

(13 reviews)
Absolutely!! Always get a home inspection
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08-06-2025 (8 months ago)··
Ashlynn GaleNovice2 Answers
Ashlynn Gale

Willamette Properties Group · Junction City, OR

We always recommend a home inspection, new construction or not. You just NEVER know what could be wrong with a home.
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02-26-2024 (2 years ago)··
Barbara HuffNovice2 Answers
Barbara Huff

Compass · Bellingham, WA

(64 reviews)
Hello! It is always a good thing to get a home inspection even on new construction. If anything is found during the home inspection you can go back to the builder and ask for those repairs to be addressed prior to closing. Good luck!
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03-04-2024 (2 years ago)··
Haley TaylorNovice2 Answers
Haley Taylor

Realty ONE Group Affinity · Jacksonville, NC

(19 reviews)
I always recommend a home inspection, even if its New Construction. They are hired professionals and licensed to look for things that we may miss or may not be accessible (crawlspace & attic).
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03-04-2024 (2 years ago)··
Elyse Berman PANovice2 Answers
Elyse Berman PA

LoKation · Boca Raton, FL

(38 reviews)
Yes, yes and yes. Even though the home is new construction, many things may show up during a home inspection. Have one done, and the builder will make the necessary repairs. You usually get a one-year warranty. Have your home inspector come back after 11 months and reinspect, so if anything is found, the builder will take care of it under your warranty.
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03-10-2024 (2 years ago)··
Christina BrooksNovice2 Answers
Christina Brooks

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties · Gainesville, GA

(32 reviews)
Yes, yes, yes... That way you have another pair of eyes not with he builder looking out for your best interests. Also, documented in case an issue in the future.
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03-18-2024 (2 years ago)··
Chad RobertsNovice2 Answers
Chad Roberts

Realty One Group · Henderson, NV

(170 reviews)
Many builders will tell you it’s not needed because everything is under warranty. In addition, they often make it harder for inspectors to visit, requiring extraordinarily high levels of insurance and supervision by onsite staff. However, it will be much easier and better to handle any items before closing than to discover them later and try to get them approved and completed by the customer service department. Get the inspection. If you’re reading this after closing but before the expiration of your “wall to wall” warranty (often 1 year, depending on your market and builder), get the inspector out and put a list together for the builder.
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03-21-2024 (2 years ago)··
Regan Maki And Cal CouchNovice2 Answers
Regan Maki And Cal Couch

Ansley Real Estate · Atlanta, GA

(540 reviews)
We always recommend that Buyers get a home inspection for new construction. Beware that most builders require specific certifications for inspectors so do not wait until the last minute and always make sure you notify the on site agent. We recommend that you do 4 inspections depending on the stage for which you put your new construction home under contract: 1. At Framing 2. Pre-drywall 3. Post CO (certificate of occupancy) - 4. 11 mo after occupancy is best to get a great idea of other issues that the builder should address prior to the expiration of your 1 year builder warranty (if applicable).
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04-15-2024 (2 years ago)··
Ashelynn Burt-Jones,Novice2 Answers
Ashelynn Burt-Jones,

eXp Realty of the Triangle · Durham, NC

(3 reviews)
Absolutely, I’d still recommend getting a home inspection for a new construction home. Just because it’s brand new doesn’t mean it’s perfect, sometimes things get missed, like wiring, plumbing, or other stuff that could cause headaches later. Having an inspector check everything out gives you peace of mind and a chance to fix any issues before you move in. It’s always smart to be safe and know exactly what you’re buying!
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07-14-2025 (9 months ago)··
Jane McGillNovice1 Answer
Jane McGill

Jane McGill Real Estate · Lincolnton, NC

(35 reviews)
Hello, yes! Always obtain a home inspection from a home inspector on a new construction. Some of the most concerning inspections I personally have seen have been on new construction. Once you obtain a home inspection, you will get a nice report with pictures and you will be able to go back to the contractor and ask for the items to be addressed before you purchase. Hope this helps :)
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02-21-2024 (2 years ago)··
Summerlyn FairclothNovice1 Answer
Summerlyn Faircloth

Real Broker, LLC · Roseboro, NC

(6 reviews)
Yes, a home inspection is always recommended even on new construction.
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06-06-2025 (10 months ago)··
Tyrell TaylorNovice1 Answer
Tyrell Taylor

Exp Realty · Lumberton, NC

(35 reviews)
Mandatory!!!
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03-17-2026 (1 month ago)··
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