Keep this in mind
When purchasing a home, buyers are strongly advised to request a home inspection prior to closing. However, consumers should note that the primary job of a home inspector is to conduct a visual examination of the physical condition of the house and certain systems within it. Since the examination is visual, home inspectors are not required to remove carpets to ensure the floors aren’t warped, for example, and may not walk on the roof to check for defects. Home buyers should interview home inspectors ahead of time to find out what they will and will not cover as part of the inspection.
While a new home may seem to be free of any defects, many real estate professionals still advise home buyers to hire a home inspector. According to one home inspector, nearly 15 percent of new homes have serious structural problems. Additionally, newly constructed homes can be more difficult to inspect than existing homes. A new home doesn’t have any history. For example, because the plumbing has not consistently been used in a new home, small drip leaks may not be easily detectable. A home inspection can alert buyers to defects, if any are present.