PDA users click here

New Construction Inspections

Insight and understanding that only a Licensed Engineer can provide
Over 80,000 inspections performed since 1968

Some people feel that new construction does not need to be inspected because the local building inspector checks the house or building before issuing the Certificate of Occupancy.  New construction needs an inspection just as existing construction needs an inspection.

Before construction is started, an application is filed at the local building department and a building permit is issued.  Periodic inspections are performed by the local building inspector.  The inspector is checking for compliance with applicable building codes and zoning codes, whether the building is built according to the plans that were filed at the building department, and whether the building is constructed in a manner that is acceptable to the municipality.

The local building inspector is not checking many of the things that Heimer Engineering's Licensed Professional Engineers examine.  In fact, there is little overlap between what Heimer Engineering investigates and what the local building inspector checks.  After the inspection, the engineering report helps you understand the condition of the building.

Problems Found in New Construction

The following defects were uncovered during a recent pre-purchase inspection of a newly constructed house.  These are all problems that should be corrected before moving into the house.  No Certificate of Occupancy had been issued at the time we performed the inspection.  However, Closing had been scheduled for three days after the inspection:
 

• There was no access panel for the Jacuzzi motor
• The appliance installation was incomplete
• Paint spatters were present on the windows
• The handrail on the main steps was improperly installed
• Many of the windows did not latch properly
• The central air-conditioning system was missing the condensate pump
• The garage door opener was not connected
• The kitchen cabinet doors were improperly adjusted
• There was evidence of water penetration into the basement
• The were non-structural foundation cracks that needed to be patched
• The front door could not be opened from the inside

Many potential problems are beyond the scope of the local building inspector’s inspection.  This includes obvious minor problems such as a kitchen cabinet door that does not latch properly.  Some problems may be detected by careful purchasers.  Having a pre-purchase inspection performed by an Engineer maximizes your chances of finding the problems before you move in.  Call 800.640.8090 or use the online form 24/7 for more information.
 

Call 800.640.8090, or click here to contact Heimer Engineering 24/7.

---

 

Can't Find It?	Looking for more info?	Not sure where to go?
Search This Web Site	Contact Us 24/7	Home Page

 Home Page ●  Environmental Topics ●  Inspection Topics ●  Inspection Photographs
 Sample Report ● Employment Opportunities ● Choose Wisely ●  Inspection Basics ●  Contact Us 24/7

Heimer Engineering Locations:

This web site is best viewed with Microsoft® Internet Explorer version 7.0 or Mozilla Firefox 2.0.  Other web browsers may not display this web site properly.  Heimer Engineering's Licensed Professional Engineers are ready to serve your home inspection, building inspection, coop inspection, and condominium inspection needs.  All Heimer Engineering's Licensed Home Inspectors are also Licensed Professional Engineers.  HEIMER®, HEIMER INSPECTIONS®, FOR A GOOD LOOK®, WE LOOK GOOD®, and HEI-LITE® are registered trademarks of Heimer Engineering, P.C., 2171 Jericho Turnpike, Commack, NY 11725-2947.

Visit the NSPE® web site	Visit the ICC® web site	Visit the NABIE® web site

Terms of use ● Privacy Policy ● Professional Engineer Employment Opportunities

This page was last reviewed on February 26, 2008.
Copyright © 1997-2008 Heimer® Engineering, P.C.  All rights reserved.
Heimer® Engineering, P.C., 2171 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 230, Commack, NY, 11725-2947