New Construction Inspections Differ from Others
New construction of homes and buildings in Georgia requires the most current knowledge of building codes and regulations. Sometimes, there is wiggle room based on grandfathering older homes and buildings. New construction always requires following the latest regulations precisely.
Willis Inspections in Augusta GA and Aiken SC provides construction inspections using the latest equipment, knowledgeable inspectors and local accountability in the Augusta community. As a business with strong local roots, Willis Inspections works well with local builders, contractors, and subcontractors to solve problems collaboratively, comply with all regulations, ensure the quality level of your home and generate an unbiased inspection report.
Phase Construction Inspections During the Framing Process
Each step of the construction process depends on the quality of previous work. If poor or inaccurate work is done during the foundation-laying and framing stages, it can be cost-prohibitive to correct the issues. That’s why Willis Inspections offers construction phase inspections to ensure that everything is being handled correctly from the start of your build. Construction phase inspections after framing is completed, covers these critical areas:
- Structural Analysis
If load-bearing walls and framing aren’t installed correctly, big repair problems eventually arise. Inspections determine whether your home or building is structurally sound and built to code. - Examination of Electrical, HVAC and Plumbing Systems
Willis Inspections ensures that all electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems are roughed in accurately. You wouldn’t want to discover that one of your rooms is missing a vent or heat duct after your construction project wraps. - Fine-tuning Costs, Budget and Timeline
A construction phase inspection report can save you money by identifying cost-saving opportunities. Phase inspections also help to provide a more accurate estimate in terms of costs and completion date. - Phase Inspections Reduce Costs
Phase inspections can be useful throughout the construction process to ensure the quality of the work. Skilled inspectors can find problems in structural systems, smart-home infrastructure, material quality, and building techniques.
New Construction Inspectors in Augusta GA and Aiken SC
The Willis team of new construction inspectors in Augusta GA and Aiken SC can help you understand things about your home that you might overlook. Complete and professional reports not only analyze construction issues but also identify how to maintain your home and reduce the need for repairs down the line.
Relying solely on Augusta or Aiken municipal inspectors can be a costly mistake. Local inspectors only check that your home or building complies with local codes and ordinances. Buyers of older homes usually get a professional home inspection, but people who are building new homes often feel as if they don’t need an inspection when everything is supposedly new and top-of-the-line. Common issues that inspections identify include:
- Ineffective Vapor Barriers
Houses can cry, and when they do, homeowners might follow suit. Siding stains can show up during cold weather when your foam vapor barrier between the interior and exterior walls isn’t 100 percent airtight. Of course, you’re also wasting energy and suffering from excessive heat or cold weather. - Problems in the Electrical System
Outlets often end up with their polarity reversed. Light fixtures are located too close to the tub. Bathroom outlets without GFCI protection create an electrical hazard. - Obstructions in the HVAC System
Sometimes, new HVAC systems have stuck dampers, exterior dampers that aren’t open, obstructions in the system and improperly pitched furnace vents. - Damp Basements and Crawl Spaces
Water seepage is a big problem in basements, attics, floors, and walls. Even small leaks can result in mold, mildew, fungus, wet rot, insects and structural and cosmetic damage. - Plumbing Problems
Unused systems might seem fine until you install your dishwasher and multiple bathroom fixtures. The water pressure might be inadequate, or the drain field in homes with septic systems might be insufficient to handle the load. - Need for Immediate Repairs
As a homeowner, identifying construction problems and shortcomings is important. Once you’ve discovered a defect, you bear the responsibility of preventing further damage by making repairs. Getting an inspection is the first step in dealing with repair issues and proving your compliance with your own legal obligations.
[1] New home construction requires that builders provide a one-year warranty in writing. It’s your responsibility to ensure that your warranty specifies what’s covered and what’s not. The first step in proving your case is getting an independent inspection.
Georgia homes must meet federal, state and local codes to satisfy minimal standards. If you’re taking on the costs of building your dream home, you certainly don’t want to meet just the “minimal standards of habitability.” That’s why it’s important to choose an independent third-party inspection company.
Reinspections Can Detect Ongoing Issues
Willis Inspections offers reinspections at reduced rates to check repairs and detect issues caused by normal wear and extraordinary circumstances such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods. Your home investment is protected by detecting problems early – when small problems are easily addressed and covered by warranty or insurance – and your home remains free of issues that can affect your family’s quality-of-life experience. Inspections – and repairs if necessary – keep your home’s value high, verify your ongoing maintenance practices and make it easier to sell your home if you choose to do so.
Willis Inspections Delivers Comprehensive Phase Inspections
Willis Inspections assesses your home’s construction with a team of exacting inspectors. These experts test every switch, outlet, pipe, wiring scheme, and design feature. All interior, exterior, and structural components are analyzed. Construction-related problems – such as missing trim, unfinished electrical connections, thin insulation, poor finishing techniques, and air and water leaks – are identified.
Inspecting at each phase of construction is the safest policy because builders often promise to take care of any problems during the one-year warranty period but change their tune when you find a problem. That’s why many homeowners choose to get their project inspected at these stages:
- The foundation stage
- The framing stage
- Insulation and finish stage
- Final inspection
- Reinspections
- One-year warranty inspection
Willis Inspections does a great job whether you get one or multiple inspections during the new home building process.
One-year Warranty
New home construction often comes with a one-year warranty. During the warranty period, the builder must correct any problems caused by faulty construction, missing features and cheap substitutes of contractually mandated building materials. It’s important to get another inspection before your warranty expires, or you could get stuck with high repair bills caused by sloppy work and cheap materials.
HVAC Duct and Envelope Tightness, or DET, Inspections
The state of Georgia adopted the 2009 Energy Code of the IECC in January of 2011. [2] Homes must now be tested for wind- and weather-proofing of the HVAC system. The test is conducted with all exterior doors and windows closed and all interior doors opened. Using a blower door, the test detects air leakage in your home with blasts of pressurized air. Homes built before July 1st of 2011 get a waiver for meeting the DET standards.
All homes built after July 1st of 2011 must meet the standards. This is one of the key areas to test before your one-year warranty expires. After your HVAC system has been used for a year, leaks are more likely to appear.
Inspections for Peace of Mind and Warranty Protection
Buyers often monitor the construction process closely, but unless you’re a trained expert, keeping an eye on things won’t detect all possible shortcomings and poor building practices. You can’t just rely on a builder’s reputation – the stakes are too high. Third-party new construction inspections are your best option to protect your investment. Willis Inspections delivers a complete computer inspection report with a detailed analysis of your home’s construction quality and compliance with building codes. Free copies of the report can be sent to your mortgage lender and other concerned parties by email or fax.
For more information or to schedule your new construction inspection, call Willis Home Inspections in Augusta GA or Aiken SC. We proudly serve the inspection needs of the entire CSRA.