OT: New house walk through- what to look for

[Shaggy]

I couldn't check on the building as it was progressing, since we bought one of the inventory homes at a great price. Thanks for all the suggestions guys, I've made notes and plan on using all of this advice.

Ugh... They definately sound like the mass-builders we have around here.

They actually put wording in the purchase agreement that prohibits the buyer from visiting except on certain dates, and only the buyer is allowed on the property on those dates. In other words, relatives "in the trades", home inspectors, etc can't come in until the builder no longer owns the property. Very shady, that's for sure.

[seanyob]

Lloyd,

Yer all good mang....just stick to your guns. Remember uglymoney's point's, they want to get paid so they can pay the bank. Also, pay particular attention to DJSapp's post, all points are dead on. If you're not satisfied, don't sign it. Take an extra day, they've got time AND money. It's not going to be a deal breaker on the house purchase....you're just making sure that they are doing THEIR job.

At this point, the house is your's, and this is the last chance to get it right and for FREE (actually, you are getting what you paid for). The wifey might think your being obtuse, but in the long run, she'll thank you for it.

And as far as feeling if your house is shoddy or shabby, fear not. As I stated earlier, most contractors are very respectable....they are in business to make money and you don't make money by putting out a shitty product. Also, remember that if you have shoddy workmanship, that's what insurance is for (both your's and the builder's). I'm sure you're getting a great deal for a great product.

Good luck tomorrow mang!! Don't let them bully you or blow you off. The quality of THEIR work has a direct correlation to the future of THEIR business. Congratulations on purchasing a new home! Is this your first? I have to admit, I'm jealous...it's been something that myself and the Lady have been dreaming about, only the market here is outta reach. Eventually, we'll have ours.... Feel free to PM me with any questions if you got 'em .

Sean

edit: feels good to help a maggot out if it's even just words.....Also, just got my copies of Stimulus and Echo....wish I could've done more but that's how it goes...I'm sure Wink, Inc. knows the talent he's got.

[smmokan]

Thanks Sean... this stuff is perfect for me. It is our first house, and I'm not too worried about it (knock on wood). Shaggy, the reason we couldn't check on it during construction was because we didn't buy it until about 3-4 wks ago, when it was already done. They did allow us to go into the house at any point since we put down the deposit, so they weren't hiding anything.

The one saving grace is that we have a year's warranty on everything, so if something doesn't come thru well, we are going to have an inspector come through in 11 months and check it all out, and get it fixed then too.

Again, thanks guys, especially Sean and a few others. I've made notes and thought about things I didn't even know of. I'm sure it'll help me out. (and in case any of you CO mags were wondering, its a DR Horton house in Vista Ridge out in Erie).

[warthog]

Yup- Just read the warranty through. It should cover just about everything. I work with Electricians. They have a year and a day mentality. Basically, as long as their work lasts a year and a day, they are set. Most likely your builder has a similar warranty. Check with your state laws, though. Some states will require them to back up a lot more of their workmanship for a much longer period. Of course, they will not spell this out to you. You have to do your homework. But, things like foundations, piers, structural stuff, all should be covered for at least 5-10 years. At least that is what it is here in Florida. Of course, getting some of these guys to respond may take a lawyer, etc. Better to have a cert. home inspection (not affiliated with the GC) done right now. The $100-200 spent now, could save you some large headaches later. Good luck. Owning a home is a great feeling. Mine was built in 1938, though. So I had different issues than you are going through.

Oh- almost forgot. Look at some of the home warranty deals that are out there, as well. For $300-$400 you can protect all your major appliances, electrical system, HVAC, plumbing, etc. It really is a good deal, once the builder's warranty is done. I have found it invaluable, living in a 68 year old house.

[smmokan]

Thanks Warthog. As for the yr warranty, I was only referring to certain things. Others like the foundation and structural stuff has 10 yrs on it.