Originally Posted By: jkoehler
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Does anyone have a brief / short list list of “Do not miss items” for new construction inspections…
Does anyone have a brief / short list list of “Do not miss items” for new construction inspections…
Originally Posted By: psisler
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John,
I do these inspections as well. As a retired builder, the only thing I can recommend is that if it is on the building plans/prints, it has to be on the house, unless approved by the architect/engineer/county. Before I take one of these jobs I get my own copy of the prints and go over them weekly as to any changes/additions with the builder. It seems like a hassle but it helps in the long run.
Patrick M. Sisler
Originally Posted By: Ryan Jackson
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A short list would be the IRC.
Sorry, but in my opinion, home inspection and new construction inspection are two very different things.
--
Ryan Jackson, Salt Lake City
Originally Posted By: rrushing
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John,
Ryan from SLC is right. This is a different animal. If you do new construction inspections, you better be damn good with building codes.
One of the misconceptions is, "well the building inspector gave a C of O, so all must meet code. NOT TRUE... The building inspector CANNOT possibly do a full inspection. That is where YOU come in and it's what you are paid to accomplish.
There are a different set of liabilities associated with new construction inspections. I would HIGHLY recommend that you take a new const. course, it's almost a MUST HAVE.
Rich
Originally Posted By: Susan
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John,
In order to really do a new construction inspection you must see and inspect the home at every phase of construction. I challenge any inspector to come up with a "short/brief" list of items to look at!!!!
Like Richard said, if you're going to do new construction you better be extremely well versed in the local codes and you better be able to "cite that code" when faced with the GC/superintendent and any of the trades!!
Many home inspectors (and I do not mean all!!) think new construc. is easy as it's all new, CO's been issued, warranty and all that stuff. It's way more than the cosmetic flaws that need to be addressed.
Don't mean to sound harsh and certainly am not directing this at you. If you're new, know little or no building code, and have no construction background, this is not your type of inspection.....in my opinion.
Sue
Originally Posted By: Brian A. Goodman
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In Mississippi you must have a special designation added to your HI license to be eligible to inspect new construction. Part of the extra requirements are a general contractors license and an ICC designation (working on that now).
Originally Posted By: jmichalski
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Do any of you guys with experience in new construction recommend any specific training program?
Should I cozy up with a copy of all the Code books and just read until my eyes bleed? Then re-read?
Do the ITA courses (to name one at random) adequately prepare you for this? Are any better than another?
Just looking for some help as I would like to do this eventually, but I would like to know where is the best place to spend limited resources at the outset......
Originally Posted By: rwashington
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If possible, shadow another inspector doing them already outside of your territory. Offer to take them out to lunch.
–
Richard W Washington
www.rwhomeinspections.com
Originally Posted By: scieslewicz
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Joseph,
Besides familiarity with the codes you should be able to read blueprints, have a keen familiarity with new construction building materials and items, the ability to follow bearing points and of course the all important intuition (if something doesn't look or seem right, it probably isn't).
Probably the best way to learn this or enhance what you already know is to ride along with the various trades. Spend time on new construction sites, go to builder shows and yes, if you know of a good inspector, try to ride along on a few inspections!
I've heard positive things about local colleges that offer building construction tech. classes. This may be the way to go.
Good luck,
Sue C.
Originally Posted By: jmichalski
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Thanks, Susan!
I guess I should have clarified that I used to sell materials for a supply house to commercial construction sites, so reading blueprints, and understanding materials are right up my alley....
I will REALLY need to hone in on codes, though. Please let me know if anyone hears anything good about certian courses o methods to learn more....
Originally Posted By: jsmith10
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Here’s some info that might be helpful.
http://www.iccsafe.org/membership/
Check out the prices on used code check books.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-form/104-2427089-8212718
Have a great weekend all,
--
Joe,
Vice-President, Idaho Chapter,
www.NachiIdaho.org
Inspected as though my family are to live or work there.
http://www.Treasurevalleyinspections.com
Originally Posted By: Dave Morris
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we do new construction inspections, seperated into 2 phases; framing,final. my father conducts these inspections with one of us assisting(he is also a GC)
it is amazing how many problems we find with brand new homes
Originally Posted By: cradan
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All good advice given in this thread, John. We’ve been doing in-progress inspections for about two years. If you’re working off-of or even thinking about working off-of a “short list,” you ain’t ready. Field experience is a must, plan interpretation is a must, code comfort (ICC certs) is a must. Familiarity with the local codes and practices isn’t a must, but if you don’t have any, prepare for a few unpleasantries at some point down-the-line.
A new construction course wouldn't hurt... I took ITA's some time ago and found it valuable for IRC code background and basics, but it lacks a hands-on component, and it's expensive. I'm told by several colleagues that Inspection Depot's multi-day new construction course in Florida is very worthwile, and includes some hands-on component(s). Also very expensive.
Regards,
--
Chris
http://www.inspect4me.com
Chicago Illinois Home Inspections
Originally Posted By: dandersen
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I would start by getting my GC.
Here they use the Southern Building Code Congress International.
Some more light reading before bed! 
That is another certification. Than as posted, ride along.
You may even want to build a few houses first.
It may be a little cleaner, but it's a whole lot more work in my book.
Originally Posted By: dedwards
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I went through all of the offered building discipline courses at our county Tech school. Only took four years but I know that all of the courses are certified by the state so I am certain it is accepted without question. The price is usually very reasonable and the courses are usually a full 1800 hour program. Now days they have trimmed it down some on hours because of Core training. In other words the math for carpentry isn’t any different than it is for plumbing. You can usually go part time or at night a couple nights a week for a few hours. I learned more there than in any other source. Got to do lots of hands on (we literally built 4 houses from foundation to ridge vents) not to mention numerous other projects. Plus I got to rub elbows with lots of people in the various trades and pick their brains and experiences. Had a blast doing it. Meanwhile I was doing inspections because I had prior HI training but felt the only real way to see what the local builders were doing was to get in on it.
Originally Posted By: sspradling
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John,
Are you asking about construction phase inspections? Or are you asking about finished, completed but never before lived in new construction? If you mean the latter, I go at them like any other house. I inspect the attic before I walk the roof, so as not to step into a cut out that has no roof vent installed. I check to make sure the utilities are all turned on before I check the installation of the water heater, furnace and air conditioners. Make sure the dishwasher drain is hooked up before you turn it on. And never turn your back on a running sink.
Now, if you meant phase inspections, then get a set of codes for your area like what the others said .
Stu
Originally Posted By: dedwards
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Make sure you take all the paper, plastic, cardboard and instructions out of any appliance before you test it.
Originally Posted By: chorne
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I just did one yesterday, the code enforcement officer
hasn’t been back for the final.
I have to go back but an example on this inspection was
the ground electrode system was not complete. I stated
that I am not code enforcement(unable to enforce) and certain items listed
should be complete and checked by code enforcement
and then I will reinspect. Sometimes the Realtor jumps the gun and
the property is not ready for the "home inspection"
another item was the furnace was powered by an extension cord
make it clear with the Realtor that the property is ready for the
home inspection before you schedule your appointment.
Originally Posted By: joetedesco
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Send me your Email address. I have some very useful inspection information and suggestions I have collected related to your inquiries.
–
Joe Tedesco, Massachusetts
Home Inspector Provider
www.joetedesco.org
necmeister@gmail.com
www.nachi.org/tedesco.htm
www.nachi.org/tedesco2.htm
www.nachi.org/illinoislicense.htm
www.nachi.org/jtarticles.htm
Originally Posted By: wdecker
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Things I look for in new construction:
1) Measure voltage drop at a couple of outlets furthest away from the main service equipment panel. Should not exceed 5% at 12 amps. Usually does because of long wire runs (>120 feet with 14 AWG). Could also be cause by back stabbing of the outlets instead of screwing them tight (I will check on or two outlets by removing the cover and looking inside). cal also be caused by bad connections at junction boxes (whicg are usually covered with drywall).
2) Baffles for the soffit vents so insulation won't cover them.
3) Insufficient combustion air for the furnace. See this especially in attic furnaces. Saw one, once, which was getting its air from the attic, but the insulation was blown in cellulose. Closed the hatch and watched the furnace sucking in insulation!
4) If high efficiency furnaces, failure to connect up the combustion air vent.
5) Venting of bathroom exhaust fans and clothes dryer vents to the attic. SOmetimes, the brong the vents right up to withing 1 foot of the roof vents and duct tape the vents to an added peice of wood, but do not directly connect them to the vent.
6) Brick planters up against bricj veneer exterior walls with 3 to 4 " of soil and that darn red mulch bark covering the weep wicks / weep holes. Then the buyer, whose wife 'just loved the speical touch' calling me back 3 months later asking me why the drywall in tha basement (on the other side of the planter) is stained an moist and what is that black stuff coming out from under the shoe molding.
7) No AFCIs protecting bathrooms.
 New GFCIs that will not trip.
9) Really nice tile jobs around huge whirlpool tubs, but no access palen to the motor, drain or GFCI outlet that is powering the bathtub. Just wait for the feces to hit the fan after that GFCI trips and the new owner find out that they have to spen $1000 just to reset it.
10) Brand new, expensive marble tile shower surround installed over regular drywall (not green board) and the tile grout not sealed.
11) Furnaces is small (but the have louvered doors) closets.
12) Gas log lighters with no thermocouple safety system.
13) Split block construction with no coping tile or other protection at the top and/or no waterproof mortar used and/or no sealing.
14) downspouts that extend only 6" away from the foundation and/or located in an area where there is no place to extend them without going over a sidewalk / driveway / stone patio.
15) Service drops and meters rated for 320 amps, fer gosh sakes! Not necessarily a defect, but very interesting.
Hope this helps.
--
Will Decker
Decker Home Services
Skokie, IL 60076
wjd@DeckerHomeServices.com