[gardenia]

I am closing on new construction in a few weeks and wondering if for my own peace of mind, I should get an independent licensed inspector to inspect the house before closing. I have seen other posts about inspections after the 1 yr warranty ends but don't recall seeing any on new construction. Thoughts on inspection before closing? Did you do it, or, would you do it? Recommendations for inspectors? Thanks so much for your help.

[JimJoe]

Excellent question. Has anyone gotten one before closing on a new home?
JJ

[KyWoman]

We did and although I'm not sure what The Villages would have done to rectify any problem after we signed the initial contract, it was comforting to know that we we buying a solid home with no problems. That was almost 2 years ago and we couldn't be happier with our home and this wonderful place!

[Talk Host]

I have found the Villages warranty to be rock solid. Unless things have changed, they were there in a matter of days or even hours to repair whatever small or big thing occurred.

[redwitch]

I highly recommend getting an inspection close to the first-year warranty ending. However, I wouldn't recommend getting one right after purchasing. You'll find little things as you go during your first year. TV Home Warranty is very good about getting these repaired as needed. It is worth getting an inspection about 10 months after purchase so that the areas you don't see (attics, roofs, etc.) can be checked, plus any other stuff you may have missed. The other reason to wait is that things frequently go wrong after some use. If you get one now, you'll still need to get one before the warranty is up.

[pooh]

We did our closing by mail so couldn't do the inspection before closing. We did a walk through with the builder when we arrived shortly afterwards and noted items that needed attention. Home warranty department got all rectified quickly. Before our one year warranty was up, we did have a home inspector come through and he found a few more things we might not have found on our own. Nothing was major, but again, the warranty department corrected what needed correcting quickly. Have absolutely nothing bad to say about them at all.

[RVRoadie]

I wouldn't spend the extra money. The warranty is excellent and having the inspection done at the end of the first year will give you everything you need for peace of mind.

[BogeyBoy]

I recommend the inspection just before the first year is over but agree that an inspection before closing is probably not necessary. I have bought three homes here and the warranty department was very good at taking care of any problems for the first year in each case.

[rjm1cc]

For a new home sold by the TV builder I would go through the home myself before closing. Test the outlets etc. Then I would get a home inspection at the end of the one year warranty period. The reason is that from reading the posts over the last few months I have formed the opinion that the builder will fix what breaks. Thus it is important at the end of the warranty period to make sure you have identified all the problems but not as important when you buy.
Since I do not know the reputations of other builders, if I was buying in a different community I would do the inspection before buying.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by rjm1cc

For a new home sold by the TV builder I would go through the home myself before closing. Test the outlets etc. Then I would get a home inspection at the end of the one year warranty period. The reason is that from reading the posts over the last few months I have formed the opinion that the builder will fix what breaks. Thus it is important at the end of the warranty period to make sure you have identified all the problems but not as important when you buy.
Since I do not know the reputations of other builders, if I was buying in a different community I would do the inspection before buying.

Most homes up north that we have had built had longer warrenty times.

We didn't have the home inspection done before we closed and we are one of the few who didn't have it done at the end of the first year.

When we had the builder walk through, the three or four very minor things on the list were corrected while he was standing there talking to us. He made a phone call and like magic it was done. When I say minor, the pole lamps light didn't work...(new bulb) the caulking on the counter at one place in the kitchen needed to have a fill in. The sink stopper was missing. We later found it in a drawer.

I think because of our communication on TOTV and with other friends who had built we felt assured that the process could be trusted. For the first time in our lives we didn't purchase title insurance either.

We certainly aren't naive. We have had seven homes built in our lifetime. We did not have this home built when we bought just two years ago, because building was NOT an option at that time. They had an array of ready built homes (spec) that buyers could choose and you could not have anything changed on them. We bought it, we like it. Happy with the quality.

There is a hairline crack on the lanai and a crack in the grout in the tile outside the bathroom since then. Normal things.

[Niels]

I agree with the others who have posted here. I would not have an inspection done before closing but would wait until close to the end of your first year.

We found only minor issues when we moved into our house. Issues included several minor paint touch ups needed, one broken window clip and one cable outlet not connected. The two most serious issues we found were a dryer vent that fell off and would not stay on and a garage door opener which has failed on 6 occasions and still may not be fixed. In each instance, they usually took care of the problem within a day or two of calling the warranty office.

[gardenia]

Well, looks like I can pocket the benjamins I would have paid for inspection before closing, and hold off for another year. I have good faith and trust in the developer turning over the house to me, but thought it might be a good to find problems before they surface but you have all convinced me to wait. Makes perfect sense, thanks for your help!

[pooh]

Originally Posted by gardenia

Well, looks like I can pocket the benjamins I would have paid for inspection before closing, and hold off for another year. I have good faith and trust in the developer turning over the house to me, but thought it might be a good to find problems before they surface but you have all convinced me to wait. Makes perfect sense, thanks for your help!

Do remember, Gardenia, that any problems found during home inspection must be submitted to the warranty department BEFORE the year from closing date is up.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by pooh

Do remember, Gardenia, that any problems found during home inspection must be submitted to the warranty department BEFORE the year from closing date is up.

That's my friend Pooh.I finally got to hug her.

[gardenia]

Thanks Pooh! Think I will put a little reminder note on my 2011 calendar about getting the inspection the month before my closing anniversary date.