Inspecting a brand new building

It may seem unnecessary to do a home inspection on newer buildings because it is assumed everything that was recently built is up to standard. But for newly-constructed structures, especially in high-rise buildings, there are still multiple factors to look over. That is why new condo and townhome inspections should be conducted before committing to one of those types of properties.

Here's what to expect from an inspection of a new condo or townhouse:

Windows, walls and floors

Even if the building itself is new, that does not automatically indicate everything is perfect. A professional will make sure the windows open properly and the walls do not have any streaks on them, which would indicate a mishap in their installation or painting.

Floor boards will also be looked over for slopes or dents. If they are not aligned or clean, it could be the sign of issues with the foundation. Before you sign a lease on a condo or townhouse, contact a professional to review the floors. Foundation specialists can repair structural damage, but the process may involve removing the floor boards and installing supports, according to HomeAdvisor.com. If the issue is especially bad, the entire house may have to be jacked up, which could take several weeks.

Electrical and HVAC

A review of the electrical, heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment is vital for any new home inspection: turn on lights, plug items into outlets and flick all the switches. An error here is much greater than just the inconvenience of not having a dining room light work. Improper electrical equipment can be a fire hazard, meaning it needs to be inspected prior to moving in.

Additionally, the HVAC systems should all be tested to ensure they are in perfect working order. A full HVAC inspection will ensure the systems, and all of the components, are in good shape, according to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association. If things are not working, the entire HVAC setup could be compromised because of a contamination buildup, which can be a lengthy and expensive process to fix.

Plumbing

Hidden behind walls, it can be tough to tell if a pipe has been installed correctly or not. But a leaky faucet or water damage is easy to spot. This is one of the main reasons why looking over the plumbing is so important.

A common issue in new homes is low water pressure, which can happen for a number of reasons. In new buildings, it often means the main line from the condo or townhouse is not properly connected to the water supply. Have a plumber investigate the pipes in your building first, so that you know what type of issue you are dealing with and ways it can be repaired.

Final overview

Common areas of new high-rise buildings, such as lobbies, laundry rooms and decks or patios, are not the buyers responsibility to inspect. But anything you specifically own or will be paying for down the road if broken should be looked over.