Tampa New Construction Inspections Commercial & Residential Home
Why Do I Need A New Construction Inspection ?
You need a New Construction Inspection to find and correct problems NOW, before they become major issues after you move in. Suncoast Inspections has performed a countless number of new construction Inspections in Tampa, and throughout Florida, saving home owners hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Our 6 phase inspection starts with inspections at critical times during construction, addresses quality control, evidence collection, verifies and provides the assurance buyers are searching for. Suncoast Inspections acts as your advocate and always has your interests in mind. We have a long-standing reputation for quality, trust, and protecting our client’s investment. Once everyone knows there is an independent inspector on the job, quality gets kicked-up a notch.
The devastating hurricanes of the early 1990’s/2000’s and the most recent building booms in Florida revealed questionable building standards, practices, cost cutting, and “Valued Engineering” at the expense of quality and safety. New construction home buyers are searching for a way to ensure the quality in workmanship and adherence of local building codes and safety standards. Documentation will give you invaluable peace of mind in knowing that your new home is being constructed in accordance with local building codes and design specifications. We never allow quality control to take a back seat to money saving short cuts. We also perform critical interim inspections to stay on top of the construction progress, in the event the builder follows a different schedule.
Our Six Phase New Construction Inspection Package….
Phase 1: Foundation/Slab
This critical inspection takes place before the concrete is poured ensuring that the footing and/or slab are in accordance with codes and design specifications, i.e., size and /or dimensions, and structural steel content.
Phase 2: Lintel
This phase is for block constructed homes. The block, window layout, and a pre-pour inspection of the lintel and block cells are inspected. Re-bar connections, proper sizing of steel, and proper stationing of pored cells are checked. Interim Inspections-follow progress of block installation for quality control.
Phase 3: Framing
Once the frame walls are complete and the roof sheathing and roof is “dried in”, the structure is basically secure from water intrusion. At this time the wood framing, exterior wall under-laments and new hurricane codes are inspected. Interim Inspections-follow progress of framing for quality control.
Phase 4: Mechanical
Plumbing, electrical, and air conditioning sub-contractors are finished with their preliminary system installations. We inspect the HVAC for design defects and proper installation of ductwork and the electrical and plumbing for plan and code compliance. Interim Inspections-exterior window caulking, stucco lath, roof membrane and finish materials are checked.
Phase 5: Drywall
Upon completion of drywall hanging the nail patterns are checked based on code compliance and manufacturer’s specifications. Interim Inspection – Interior wall finishes, installation of doors and windows, painting, and the installation of all cabinetry, focus is diverted to the completion of the exterior finish, tile roof, and stucco code compliance. At this time site work should begin and proper storm water run-off is checked.
Phase 6: Final
The floor finish has been installed and the sod and landscape completed. A room-by-room inspection checking the operating condition of all the mechanical, plumbing, electrical, air conditioning, thickness of attic insulation and exterior finishes is completed. A complete walk through inspection is done to address cosmetic defects in all finishes: cabinets, paint, drywall, floor coverings, plumbing fixtures etc.
Reports are generated at each phase.
When occurring outside of the above phase schedule, on-site meetings with the builder or their representatives are at an additional cost based on time and an hourly rate of $250.00/hr. . However, if we meet with the builder while we are at the site performing a phase inspection, it is included in our flat fee. All other meetings are at an extra cost.
(Phases can be arranged or eliminated depending on your needs or phases completed)
Some investors make the dumb mistake of assuming that new constructions do not require building inspections. Wrong! New constructions often have the largest problems, particularly if the build-out and construction were sloppy. In addition to structural, plumbing, and electrical woes, new constructions can be vexed by mold infestation and other problems typically associated with longer-standing buildings.
Building a new home can be an overwhelming and confusing process. Most home buyers stake their life savings on an industry they know little about. Quite often their hopes and dreams are drowned by the reality of poor quality control after they have moved in. Most problems typically arise after the one year warranty (provided by the builder) expires. Then then the homeowner is left making a decision; whether to repair the problem out-of-pocket or file legal action against the builder. There are three big reasons to hire an independent inspector. 1. Buyer Inexperience 2. Today’s Building Industry 3. Limited Homeowner Recourse.
1. Limited Homeowner Recourse
Unfortunately the building industry has a strong lobby and legislation can make it difficult to hold a builder accountable. Once the project has a CO and closed the homeowner has very limited recourse. Contracts typically are one sided and favor the builder leaving the unsuspecting homeowner holding the bag. Chasing after the builder can be time consuming, stressful and cost thousands of dollars in legal fees. Stopping and correcting these defects at the right time and before closing is paramount.
2. Today’s Building Industry
There is a significant amount of pressure on the market. Because of rising costs and the recent bursting of the housing market bubble builders are forced to operate on tighter margins and are increasing looking for ways to do “Value Engineering”. Which is produce something close to the design but do it much cheaper. Cheaper means sacrificing quality at your expense. Many time the workers are running at a faster pace to reduce labor costs which lead to hasty construction and less builder supervision. The labor pool has changed significantly from mostly a high school education and years of on-site training to no formal education and a language barrier. Many of the trades are subcontracted out to the lowest bidder which translates into short cuts or sloppy workmanship. An independent inspector can thoroughly evaluate and observe workmanship that complex projects demand and the home buyer deserve.
3. Buyer Inexperience
Most new construction home buyers have no or very limited experience in the building industry and may have difficulty making or knowing which decision is the best. Often, too much trust is placed in the builder, when in reality, the builder is trying to get the job done under budget. Finding and correcting the problem before it becomes a much larger issue saves the home buyer money and time years down the road, after you have moved in and the builder is gone.
Get a quote or Order an Inspection Online Today!
Contact Us
Phone: (727) 420-8993
Fax: (727) 736-8822
Email: chris@suncoastinspections.com