| A Pre-Delivery Halifax Home Inspection - Don't Buy Without One! | | Print | |
| Written by Robert Harris | ||||||
| Wednesday, 03 September 2008 | ||||||
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When you buy a brand new home, you have a reasonable expectation of perfection. After all, shouldn't a brand new home be perfect? Yet, if proper precautions are not taken, your new "dream" home may turn into your biggest nightmare!
When you buy a brand new home, you have a reasonable expectation of perfection. After all, shouldn't a brand new home be perfect? Yet, if proper precautions are not taken, your new "dream" home may turn into your biggest nightmare! While your builder may be very reputable and come well recommended, that doesn't mean anything when the crew actually begins construction. Demands for fast delivery and a general lack of skilled labor can lead to corners being cut by the builder or sub-contractors, resulting in a less than satisfactory outcome. Furthermore, these lapses in perfection aren't always caught buy the builder or municipal building inspector. Hiring an experienced Halifax home inspector to perform a pre-delivery Halifax home inspection will ensure that the agreed to specifications, material grade and quality, and construction methods are being being followed. Prior to taking delivery of your new home, a qualified Halifax home inspector will thoroughly examine the following list of interior and exterior elements: INSPECTING THE INTERIOR Plumbing fixtures * there are no chips in bathtubs, toilets, and sinks * faucets function as they should * cabinets are securely attached to the wall * caulking around tub and shower enclosures and counter top back splashes is sealed Doors * doors are well-fitted and operational * locks are well-installed and do not rattle Kitchen * there is no damage to counter tops, cupboard doors, sinks, and appliances * cabinet doors line up properly * spaces for standard appliances have been measured * range hood fan and light have been tested * electrical outlets above the counter work properly Interior finishes * wall finishes show no uneven paint coverage or shadowing * handrails are safely fastened and smooth to the touch Closets * doors are secure and open and shut without a problem Floors * there are minimal squeaks when walking on the floor * floor covering surfaces are relatively flat * seams in carpets and vinyl sheets are tight * There are no surface cracks on ceramic tiles * joints between ceramic tiles are well-filled with grout * flooring shows no damage, stains, or shade differences INSPECTING THE SYSTEMS AND EXTERIOR Heating * the furnace and hot water heater are defect free * check the capacity, shut-off mechanisms, and type of filtering * verify the location and number of cold air returns * verify the location of fuel lines and shut-off devices Electrical System * locate the electrical panel and review the functions of each breaker/fuse * inspect the ground fault and arc fault circuit interrupters (GFCI/AFCI) Basement * walls are safe from water penetration * the floor slopes towards a drain * joists shouldn't span more than 2.1 metres (without bridging/strapping/engineered flooring) * basement is properly insulated Brickwork * mortar joints are filled to capacity * there are weep holes at bottom of the brick and above windows and doors Shingles * extend over the roof edge a minimum of 12 millimeters * corners are not lifting * is properly gas-proofed * joints are sealed Other Considerations * find the switches for mechanical ventilation and circulation fans * find the plumbing system shut-off valves * grading is such that there's a gentle slope away from the house * where the frame meets the wall of the house, ensure caulking is complete around windows and doors * roof vents are as snug as possible to ridge of roof In conclusion, bringing in a certified expert Halifax home inspector to complete a thorough pre-delivery Halifax home inspection of your newly built residence could be the best decision you make. While no major oversights may be uncovered, the resulting peace of mind could be well worth the expense! Article Author: Halifax Home Experts offers in depth insights, tips, advice on a diverse range of Halifax home inspection topics, delivered by a highly qualified Halifax home inspector.
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| Last Updated ( Saturday, 21 August 2010 ) | ||||||
