New construction inspections

[dyoung1]

I guess they felt that if they got it on the right side of the house, they didn't need it on the wrong side of the house! All to typical unfortunately!

[Barry Adair]

Texas links from http://www.trcc.state.tx.us/

Chapter 304. Limited Statutory Warranty and Building and Performance Standards (effective June 1, 2005)

Chapter 304. Subchapter A

§§304.1-304.3 - General Provisions
Chapter 304. Subchapter B

§§304.10-304.33 - Performance Standards for Components of a Home Subject to a Minimum Warranty of One Year for Workmanship and Materials
Chapter 304. Subchapter C

§§304.50-304.52 - Performance Standards for Plumbing, Electrical, Heating and Air-conditioning Delivery Systems Subject to a Minimum Warranty Period of Two Years
Chapter 304. Subchapter D

§§304.100 - Performance Standards for Foundations and Major Structural Components of a Home Subject to a Minimum Warranty Period of Ten Years

[James Eubank]

Joseph M - Thanks for the good info in your post on new construction inspections. Couple of questions: When you said, "I have ICC on CD-ROM if needed," did you mean it's available if other inspectors need it, or did you mean it's available if you need it to look up info while you're at the site? I'm interested in finding a copy. And where can I find a copy of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) "Residential Construction Performance Guidelines"? Thanks.

[malban]

My E & O excludes from coverage the inspection of homes not given final inspection sign-off by the AHJ. It requires final inspection and completion of all utility hook-ups before a home inspection if I want E & O insurance coverage. Some of you may have a better policy, but I didn't know about this exclusion until I checked.

I'm an old guy and have been banged around a bit in life. I decided that the definition of a home inspector suggested limited knowledge of new construction unless additional certification was earned.

I completed the Internation Code Council certifications to qualify myself as an ICC Residential Combination Inspector.

Now I have the same professional credentials as any building inspector, and magically, my insurance will now allow me to do new construction inspections.

In the event of a legal situation, I feel much better knowing that I have that additional training and certification in my pocket. I also think it adds a lot of credibility to my marketing.

[jmichalski]

Sorry, I should have been clearer: I have it if I need it - I forget how much it cost to buy, but it was worth it.

HEre is the link for the book:

http://store.builderbooks.com/cgi-bin/builderbooks/620

[Paul A. Madore]

Not only should we be doing new home inspections, not long ago I inspected a manufactured new home and found issues

[John McKenna]

New Construction has not been tested with TIME and
MOISTURE is tne number one enemy of any home.

Therefore, always state that the foundation has not had TIME
to be tested and a visual inspection cannot predict future
performance. I recommend that the client seek historical
documents to verify site preparation, foundation construction,
and city inspections. If there are any questions or concerns
then they should seek Professional advise.

Be very critical of grading and drainage because this too has
not had TIME to heave or erode the soil around the foundation.
If it does not have the proper slant away from the slab,
then it is in need of repair.

Be very critical of the roof, flashings and penetration points.
They have not had TIME to be tested by hard rains yet.

TIME has not tested the roof structure or those valley rafters.
If it is not built to todays standards then it is an item in need
of repair, even if it looks good. I have seen houses that had
three inch drops in the roof before the first year was up.

It is not recommended to quote code but be assured of this...
if you get called into court they will prosecute you with code.

So it would be wise to know more, than less.

[jmichalski]

I agree with the recommendation for clients to obtain any and all documents, etc regarding the home. Most importantly, I review with them very thoroughly their builder's warranty. Some are horribly inadequate and leave the new home owner holding the bag.

Some standards of practice by national builders are in direct conflict with accepted NAHB standards, and criteria established by other recognized orgs and agencies (like the EPA recommendation for method of installation of a new construction passive radon system for instance).

Quoting code as the reason for a recommendation can get dangerous (or so I have been told), however, citing it for informational purposes for the client (as a point of reference) and recommending more investigation "to determine compliance with local building and safety standards" seems not only wise, but necessary.