Should I get a structural survey done on a new home?

Question

we are buying a new house on a small estate. Knowing how builders sometimes cut corners on materials like the number of joists in a floor and the amount of wood in the roof structure, is it worthwhile getting a local surveyor to check the construction a couple of times while the house is being built?

The 10-year guarantee is just for major structural faults. I'm thinking of poor insulation, noisy hollow walls, weak floors etc. (perhaps I should build it myself!)

Answer 1

Yes you should. Here in the States there are Home Inspectors, they come to the home and check out the electrical, heating, water systems. They will also check the physical structure like roofs and wall construction.

It is unlikely that a builder would skimp on joists as they would hate to get caught, but poorly wired - or overloaded - electrical systems are likely. Also roof flashing around the chimney, windows and plumbing vent pipes are things to double check.

Roof drainage is very important. Make sure the water is guided away from the structure. New construction may sit on newly graded earth.

Moreover, you should be able to review the blueprints, they should either be supplied by the builder or on file at the town's building department. Get a copy and have them with you when the Home Inspector does his survey. If the blueprints don't conform to the real house, walk away. A blueprint that says the building is 50 feet wide and the real house is 36 feet wide is a good indication that something is fishy. Also, check the dates and signatures on the building inspection forms. The same handwriting on different forms with differnt names - or vast date gaps ... like the inspector had to come back and double, triple check the work.

Any defects will allow you to re-negotiate the selling price.

If you can't find a home inspector, hire a reitred builder to do it for you. Make sure you find one from another town as to insure that you aren't hiring someone's brother-in-law.

You can find a retired builder by talking to the oldest man at the local lumber yard - a lumber yard, not a DIY center.
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I just re-read your question and noticed that you were wondering if you should have someone go over to the house during construction and I guess I somewhat confused. If you've already put money on the house, then sure either go there yourself or send someone; but if you don't yet have a financial interest in the property it seems like a waste of money since there is no guarentee you'll be the eventual owner.

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

yes. and u can include in the contract to buy the house that current owner has to fix these things (if u havent already signed and bought)

Answer 4

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Answer 5

Doesn't it come with a ten year warranty anyhows?