ᐅ Buying a New Home from a Developer: Is a Building Inspector or Expert Needed?
Created on: 27 Dec 2020 19:32
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Flash.ZeroF
Flash.Zero27 Dec 2020 19:32Hello,
I hope I am posting in the right subforum; if not, please feel free to move this. I considered asking this question in a computer forum, but since it also involves home construction, I thought this would be appropriate.
My wife and I have chosen a mid-terrace house (there are a total of 7 houses) from a company specializing in solid wood construction. The building process has been ongoing since early September 2020 (the basement was already completed). We have visited the construction site several times. The developer has their own site manager who is constantly present on site and works exclusively with local subcontractors. We have a very good relationship with the developer, site manager, etc., and are always professionally supported (our requests are taken into account, advice is given, etc.). The developer is well known, having completed many properties (houses, apartments, etc.).
There is a saying: trust is good, but verification is better. I asked around among colleagues whether we should hire a building surveyor now. One colleague who recently bought a solid wood house said no. Another colleague who is renting said yes (in their new apartment building, constant repairs are needed).
We are now wondering if it is necessary at this stage of construction, at handover, or perhaps not at all. As mentioned, our relationship with the developer is excellent, and we do not want to jeopardize it. On the other hand, we want to ensure proper quality, even though we have a 5-year warranty.
What are your opinions or experiences?
I hope I am posting in the right subforum; if not, please feel free to move this. I considered asking this question in a computer forum, but since it also involves home construction, I thought this would be appropriate.
My wife and I have chosen a mid-terrace house (there are a total of 7 houses) from a company specializing in solid wood construction. The building process has been ongoing since early September 2020 (the basement was already completed). We have visited the construction site several times. The developer has their own site manager who is constantly present on site and works exclusively with local subcontractors. We have a very good relationship with the developer, site manager, etc., and are always professionally supported (our requests are taken into account, advice is given, etc.). The developer is well known, having completed many properties (houses, apartments, etc.).
There is a saying: trust is good, but verification is better. I asked around among colleagues whether we should hire a building surveyor now. One colleague who recently bought a solid wood house said no. Another colleague who is renting said yes (in their new apartment building, constant repairs are needed).
We are now wondering if it is necessary at this stage of construction, at handover, or perhaps not at all. As mentioned, our relationship with the developer is excellent, and we do not want to jeopardize it. On the other hand, we want to ensure proper quality, even though we have a 5-year warranty.
What are your opinions or experiences?
If you have a good feeling and the craftsmen or the builder are not butchers or cooks, then no. It could be that the expert is not allowed to enter the construction site at all. Ask the builder if they accept an expert and their inspection. In our case, with a single-family house and a general contractor, the expert was worth it; we are laypersons with experience from two houses.
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HilfeHilfe27 Dec 2020 21:38During the final inspection, it might be advisable to consult an expert.
A developer-built house is different from being your own builder.
Basically, you buy expert knowledge from a surveyor or building inspector for something you don’t understand. This applies outside of personal relationships, which are not relevant here. Even likeable people can make mistakes.
The expert essentially represents the interests of the client.
Since a developer-built house is purchased and the buyer does not necessarily get access to the construction process, hiring such an expert is often unnecessary.
However, I would still recommend asking and framing it positively, for example as „ensuring quality.“ It’s also advisable to bring the expert along for the final inspection.
Basically, you buy expert knowledge from a surveyor or building inspector for something you don’t understand. This applies outside of personal relationships, which are not relevant here. Even likeable people can make mistakes.
The expert essentially represents the interests of the client.
Since a developer-built house is purchased and the buyer does not necessarily get access to the construction process, hiring such an expert is often unnecessary.
However, I would still recommend asking and framing it positively, for example as „ensuring quality.“ It’s also advisable to bring the expert along for the final inspection.
bauenmk202028 Dec 2020 10:30I believe that hiring an expert is most worthwhile when involved as early as possible. If your construction is already well advanced, they might no longer be able to identify significant defects. However, if there are any issues with the house later on, having an official report can be very helpful. For example, the inspector could include items in the report during the final inspection that you might not have noticed.
What do the other 6 parties in your "terraced housing development" say? Will all these houses be completed at the same time?
What do the other 6 parties in your "terraced housing development" say? Will all these houses be completed at the same time?
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Flash.Zero28 Dec 2020 10:32bauenmk2020 schrieb:
I believe a building inspector is most worthwhile if brought in as early as possible. If your construction is already quite advanced, they might no longer be able to identify significant defects. However, if there are any issues with the house later on, having a report can be very helpful. For example, the expert could note things during the final inspection that you might not have noticed.
What do the other six units in your townhouse development say? Will all these houses be completed at the same time? I’m afraid that many things might no longer be visible (like water pipes, for instance). All houses are scheduled to be finished by the end of March. We don’t know the other owners. So you’re saying that bringing in a specialist at the handover would be useful?
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