A common misconception by prospective home buyers is this: New construction homes don’t need an inspection. Conversely, they often believe older homes will be plagued with issues. Both ways of thinking are inaccurate and fail to recognize the pros and cons of new vs old. In this article, we will discuss some of the advantages to each, as well as reasons WHY you should never forgo an inspection.
Why you need an inspection on new construction home
Shiny new countertops, fresh paint, and the latest trends in interior design can leave you feeling as if there could be nothing wrong with your new home. You may feel that there is no need for a home inspection. This could be a costly mistake! Though a well-constructed new home should require less maintenance for a few years, common mistakes could leave you with expensive repairs early in your home ownership journey. Whether you are purchasing a spec or custom home, contractors often rely on subcontractors to bring the home to completion. While the interior finishing work may look beautiful, the roofing contractor could have improperly installed flashing, allowing leaks to form. Or, your HVAC may not have been charged with enough refrigerant gas , requiring a service call early on. There are countless potential defects we find in new construction homes, so you should always opt for a home inspection!
Are older homes bad?
No, just because a home isn’t new, doesn’t mean it’s bad. In fact, there are some clear advantages to purchasing an older home. First, the property taxes will likely be lower, and who doesn’t like paying less in taxes? Second, the purchase price of an older home can be much lower. Third, an older home will likely be done off-gassing. New construction homes can be filled with harmful gasses known as VOCs from the adhesives and paints used during construction. This can mean better air quality inside the home (Here is an informative article on VOCs by the EPA). Lastly, buying an older home allows for certain defects to present themselves, like settling in the foundation. Sometimes a new construction home can look great on move-in day but have substantial issues a year or two down the road.
All that being said, there can be some negatives associated with older homes. Depending on how old the home is, it can be less energy efficient, be in need of maintenance repairs, contain carcinogens like lead paint and asbestos insulation, or have damage caused by delayed maintenance. That is why, regardless of the age of a home, it is vital you get a quality home inspection prior to purchasing.
Wrapping things up
New construction vs older construction isn’t as cut and dry as it may seem. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. The important thing is that you find the right home for you and your family. At Holston Home Inspections, we are diligent in providing the information you need to make the right decision. Use the link below or call us to schedule your home inspection today.