New Homeowners Should Have a Professional Snag Inspection

Do you believe that you are protected by buying from a reputable developer or builder? Will you be able to identify all the snags without a professional snag or punch list inspection?

What buyers don’t realise is that other building contractors subcontract to the developer or builder. Both the developer and builders are pressured to complete the units or homes within a contractual timeframe. Often, the builders take shortcuts resulting in best building practices falling by the wayside.

In addition, most new homebuyers believe the NHBRC, bank and municipal building inspectors provide them with this sort of protection.

This is not the case!

Inspectors duties

Bank inspectors

Your bank inspector determines the market value of property, land, and improvements for the bank. Therefore, the inspector is not concerned with the state of the property unless it affects the value of the property. If the valuation is within bank requirements, you will qualify for the bank loan. They don’t issue the builder or developer with a snag or punch list!

Municipal Building Inspectors

The municipal building inspectors check your building to ensure it complies with approved construction drawings, local bylaws and zoning regulations. In addition, they are also responsible for ensuring compliance with local and national building regulations. They will issue an occupation cetificate if they judge that the building is compliant. Snags and defects to finishes are not their problem!

Engineers

Structural engineers inspect and evaluate the structures of your home only. These are the foundations, slabs, walls and roof.  They are not concerned with the snags and defects in installations and finishes which make up more than half the value of your house.

NHBRC inspectors

NHBRC inspectors inspect all new homes to check that the builder is complying with the NHBRC requirements on-site

The NHBRC Warranty Fund covers you against major and defined structural defects for up to five years. Enrolling your new home with the NHBRC is a statutory requirement. Theoretically, this affords you protection against contractors who deliver substandard design, workmanship and poor-quality materials.

As a new homeowner, you have the right to instruct your developer or builder with a snag list or punch list to rectify shoddy and defective work. This includes non-compliance or deviation from the terms, plans and specifications of your building agreement with him.

However, all the required NHBRC inspections are seldom done.

Continue reading “Snag Inspection and Report”