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Started By
Message
New Construction Home Purchase
Posted on 2/17/17 at 6:04 pm
Posted on 2/17/17 at 6:04 pm
So I have a new home purchase lined up. The home is roughly 95% complete and to me it looks great. Cosmetic stuff is good to the everyday naked eye. My question is what things should I be looking for to say "This is a quality build". This wasn't a home built for me and designed by me. The builder purchased the lot and built the home as he saw fit for it to be sold later. It is a primarily Commercial Construction builder not a residential specialist. Does that matter?
Obviously I will have inspections done by a professional but are there things I can look for NOW before going that route?
Is it a good move to bring another builder (friend) to inspect the home with me?
Does anyone know of a checklist of some sort to be used for this?
The DR Horton horror stories in the other thread prompted this.
Obviously I will have inspections done by a professional but are there things I can look for NOW before going that route?
Is it a good move to bring another builder (friend) to inspect the home with me?
Does anyone know of a checklist of some sort to be used for this?
The DR Horton horror stories in the other thread prompted this.
12
Posted on 2/17/17 at 6:06 pm to Tiny Rick
You're getting a full 1yr warranty right? Covers major appliances as well such as AC and all?
Posted on 2/17/17 at 6:06 pm to Tiny Rick
Too late to tell if quality. They have covered up all the real goat ropes.
This post was edited on 2/17/17 at 6:07 pm
Posted on 2/17/17 at 6:09 pm to Tiny Rick
Look for cracks in walls. Honestly, major issues, you probably won't see. Go to the older homes in the sub, ones the builder built, and ask the homeowner if they have any issues.
Posted on 2/17/17 at 6:10 pm to tke857
Yes. Builder has also specified that any issues for the first 3 years are covered by him and his subs. He mentioned big stuff and even small items like if the trim separates a tad and needs to be recaulked and painted he will take care of it. Normally he does 1 year but we know mutual people (best friend's parents are friends of builder) and he said he would extend it out another 2 years for us.
Posted on 2/17/17 at 6:13 pm to AUCE05
Would be an option but it's a "newer" subdivision. Developed over the last 5 years and has become a hot spot to move. Homes listed literally don't last a week. I am "promised" the home upon completion and we have worked out a deal already.
Posted on 2/17/17 at 6:13 pm to Tiny Rick
Have a guy inspect the ductwork
Posted on 2/17/17 at 6:21 pm to LSUfan20005
Anything specific to look for? I get that whoever will know what to look for but I like to be somewhat educated around what someone should be looking for to have a better discussion.
For instance, I was told it's good to look at the wiring to the main panel because you can see "how detailed" and meticulous the electrician was or if they appeared careless or rushed. They showed me their work and how the wiring was all looped a specific way with enough slack that if the breaker needed to be replaced it could be done very easily
For instance, I was told it's good to look at the wiring to the main panel because you can see "how detailed" and meticulous the electrician was or if they appeared careless or rushed. They showed me their work and how the wiring was all looped a specific way with enough slack that if the breaker needed to be replaced it could be done very easily
Posted on 2/17/17 at 6:34 pm to Tiny Rick
Metal vs flex ducts, are the joints well sealed?
From my own experience.
From my own experience.
Posted on 2/17/17 at 6:37 pm to Tiny Rick
quote:
95% complete
quote:
My question is what things should I be looking for to say "This is a quality build"
Hate to break it to you... But if it's 95% done, you won't find where they cut corners until something big breaks.
The time for close inspection is long gone.
Posted on 2/17/17 at 6:38 pm to Tiny Rick
quote:
The builder purchased the lot and built the home as he saw fit for it to be sold later.
This is known as a "spec home" bc the builder built it speculating that someone would buy it.
Posted on 2/17/17 at 6:39 pm to Tiny Rick
quote:
Builder has also specified that any issues for the first 3 years are covered by him and his subs.
If its DSLD, theyll come around for about 9 months and then disappear.
Posted on 2/17/17 at 6:40 pm to NYNolaguy1
Close inspection would have to have been done by the parish inspectors before allowing them to continue the build correct?
Posted on 2/17/17 at 7:04 pm to Tiny Rick
AC tonnage and duct work are sized right for square footage....
Posted on 2/17/17 at 7:06 pm to Tiny Rick
quote:
Close inspection would have to have been done by the parish inspectors before allowing them to continue the build correct?
In theory, but typically they look at big picture items, and the contractors can play that game all too well.
Posted on 2/17/17 at 7:56 pm to Tiny Rick
which builder and where is it located?
Posted on 2/17/17 at 7:57 pm to Tiny Rick
Don't waste your time and money on a home inspection. Seriously. I am a builder and know from experience, they make a big deal over the wrong things. I always have stuff that needs to be fixed, it's the nature of the business. But rarely do they catch the obvious items. They come up with stuff like "install window screens" or "missing door knob on closet door" when the cleaning people are in the house with the screens stacked under carport for cleaning and the painter has the door knob sitting on floor because he took it off to paint door. They are not worth it unless needed for a home warranty purchase.
Posted on 2/17/17 at 8:56 pm to Tiny Rick
Few things I can think of as a builder.
1. Framing- you can bring a 4' level and check exterior walls. Also get in the attic and have someone look at bracing with you. If those things are good, it's probably good.
2. Hire a home inspector to check the HVAC and electrical.
3. Use your eyeballs to carefully check the floors, sheetrock, trim, and paint. Bad builders are bad because they don't hold their people accountable. You can see these things by just being observant. Overcut sheetrock by electric boxes, closets half arse painted, sloppy job pudding nails on door trim.
4. How does the builder communicate with you and is he willing to take care of you on things you inquire about now? If your gut says he won't take care of you 1 yr from now, he probably won't.
Home inspections are great. Get a thorough company. On the North shore I like to use A Pro. They are tough, but fair.
1. Framing- you can bring a 4' level and check exterior walls. Also get in the attic and have someone look at bracing with you. If those things are good, it's probably good.
2. Hire a home inspector to check the HVAC and electrical.
3. Use your eyeballs to carefully check the floors, sheetrock, trim, and paint. Bad builders are bad because they don't hold their people accountable. You can see these things by just being observant. Overcut sheetrock by electric boxes, closets half arse painted, sloppy job pudding nails on door trim.
4. How does the builder communicate with you and is he willing to take care of you on things you inquire about now? If your gut says he won't take care of you 1 yr from now, he probably won't.
Home inspections are great. Get a thorough company. On the North shore I like to use A Pro. They are tough, but fair.
Posted on 2/17/17 at 9:24 pm to killinme_smalls
quote:
Don't waste your time and money on a home inspection. Seriously. I am a builder and know from experience, they make a big deal over the wrong things.
This!
Mine fricked me over bad missing some big items.
Posted on 2/17/17 at 9:32 pm to Tiny Rick
Is the floor plan a common one to others in the neighborhood?
Obviously this is what I call a spec built house, so where did the builder go above the specs?
What type of plumbing is used? Standard, cheap Delta faucets? What type light fixtures? $8 globes in the bedrooms?
What type flooring? Laminate or carpet, or something expensive?
To me thoe are a few of the things to note since the house is virtually completed.
Obviously this is what I call a spec built house, so where did the builder go above the specs?
What type of plumbing is used? Standard, cheap Delta faucets? What type light fixtures? $8 globes in the bedrooms?
What type flooring? Laminate or carpet, or something expensive?
To me thoe are a few of the things to note since the house is virtually completed.
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