Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Sep 25, 2008 6:59 pm Hi all,
We are having our walk through with our supervisor tomorrow and were wondering if anyone can help with things that we chould check or look out for - apart from the obvious like paintwork etc. Would love to hear from others about things that they picked up on or noticed that were a bit hard to spot if you werent thinking about it. Lots of help will be very much appreciated. TIA Re: Walk through inspection 2Sep 25, 2008 8:33 pm I too am looking or resources to get me up to speed on what to expect and what to look out for. Doing a quick Google search; http://books.google.com.au/books?id=oejiVdMpIT0C&pg=PR12 looks like an interesting read. Looks rather extensive, and over the top - but that's what I'm after, I rather have too much info rather than not enough. Re: Walk through inspection 3Sep 25, 2008 8:45 pm Anyone got any personal experiences with this one - it's a really good topic and if you haven't got time to read through the book via the link which I'm sure is fantastic but I for one would have no hope in reading through, a 'checklist' from h1ers will be invaluable to all of us that have not reached that stage yet.... am hoping for a deluge of responses!!!!!:P Re: Walk through inspection 4Sep 25, 2008 8:53 pm I have suggested this in another thread but did you receive and Addenda to sign off on at the start of your build. It is a almost 25 page document that lists everything you have decided on for your build.
It will have everything from your slab down to electrical to paint choices and it lists everything room by room..... We used this to go through our house prior to our walk through (we gained access to do so) and list everything we thought was an issue to bring up with the builder. Good luck Re: Walk through inspection 5Sep 25, 2008 8:57 pm Sounds like the specifications that I received from my builder, though I'm not sure whether it specified room-by-room. Even so, starting point but doesn't really indicate the quality of workmanship to lookout for on each of these items. Re: Walk through inspection 6Sep 25, 2008 9:04 pm Quote: I have suggested this in another thread but did you receive and Addenda to sign off on at the start of your build. It is a almost 25 page document that lists everything you have decided on for your build. It will have everything from your slab down to electrical to paint choices and it lists everything room by room..... We used this to go through our house prior to our walk through (we gained access to do so) and list everything we thought was an issue to bring up with the builder. In our contract we have our specifications that tells us all the things that are included but i am more after tips that will help us to pick up on mistakes that the tradies may have made. Things like dents in walls, paint touchups, all taps and lights working..... That kind of thing. It will be really hard to remember everything so i was hoping for some hints so that i could get a head start and know what things to look out for. Re: Walk through inspection 8Sep 25, 2008 10:17 pm OK this might help did a google and hit some info albeit from an American sight but it's a starting point....... am pasting the lot below. Hope that helps Mr Magoo (LOVE your username) hope you're eyesight is better than Magoo's as you're going to need it!!! Perhaps you can let us know what you found afterwards too.....Cheers :
Walk-Through Tips for New Home Buyers What to look for, what to have fixed before closing Many new home buyers don't know what to look for when they do the "walk-through" on their newly constructed homes. They're often so thrilled that their long-awaited house is finished that they overlook problems--problems that plague them after they move in. While no one expects perfection, buyers should use the walk-through to familiarize themselves with their new home's quirks. Then they should insist that any particularly bothersome problems be corrected before closing. When that's not possible, a written agreement between the builder and buyer that itemizes necessary repairs--and sets forth a deadline for completing those repairs--will suffice. Builder reputation, Realtor-client relationships and buyer satisfaction will all benefit from this level of quality control. Here are some of the most important things to look for in a newly constructed home: Exterior Window installation/function--Windows should be square and fit tightly without binding when they are opened and closed. Attic venting--Vents should be unobstructed by insulation or other materials. Concrete finish--Look for even texture. Cracks should be repaired. Siding/trim/soffit/fascia installation--Look for smooth seams and surfaces, filled nail holes, even paint. Foundation walls--Some hairline cracks are OK, but those more than 1/8-inch wide may indicate serious damage. Gutters and downspouts--Gutters shouldn't sag. Joints between each section should be well sealed. Outlets--Look for weatherproof outdoor convenience outlets with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters to prevent shock in case of electrical equipment failure. Lawn--Will the builder establish or will you? Make sure grading promotes drainage away from the foundation. Roof--Using binoculars, look for loose or missing shingles. Interior Riser heights on stairs--Step heights should be uniform; uneven heights can cause dangerous falls. Handrails--Should be securely fastened to the wall and mounted at an easily grasped height. Floor squeaks--Floor squeaks can indicate sloppy floor construction. Cabinets--Check for secure installation of cabinets and knobs. Drawers should glide smoothly and doors should close squarely. Drywall--Noticeable seams are inexcusable. Also look for stains on ceilings, which may reveal leaks. Wood trim--Look for gapless seams and well-filled nail holes. Doors--Doors should open and close easily and shut tightly without binding. Pay special attention to sliding or bifold doors. Paint--Look for uniform color and even coverage. Basement--In a new house, small horizontal cracks or slight bulging in the walls aren't necessarily serious problems. Ask the builder for a written guarantee of structural soundness. Crawlspace--This area should be easily accessible and deep enough for inspecting under the entire house. The floor should be covered with a vapor barrier to keep out moisture. Check for ample ventilation and insulation. Miscellaneous Switches--Do a random check of light switches and electrical receptacles. Fixtures--Are they mounted securely with no visible gaps around drywall? Faucets--Are hot and cold water on the proper side? Do you see any dripping? Tubs and sinks--Make sure they fill quickly and empty rapidly without gurgling. Insulation--Check for weather seals at typical problem spots: around receptacles, pipe entry holes, vents, etc. Finally, remember this: even for new homes, a professional home inspection is always a good idea. Not only can the inspector offer the buyer peace of mind, he can also provide him with important tips about the new home's construction and maintenance, particularly if the buyer accompanies the inspector during the inspection. Do you really want to accommodate the window? What is on the outside of the window? Do you want to be able to see your towels from outside? I would blank the window from… 2 6653 Electrical just got back to me and said the most they can provide is a single power point on the Bedroom 1 side of that wall. After handover, your towel rail installer… 2 3813 yep sounds good make the footing bigger to to allow for the pipe in the middle 3 7296 |