Having a home constructed is an exciting but stressful process, there are so many choices to be made during the planning and construction process. Retaining the services of a Licensed Professional Engineer who specializes in home inspections can relieve the home buyer of a lot of stress. The home inspection engineer is familiar with pitfalls that can be avoided early in the construction, it makes good sense not to try to reinvent the wheel when the engineer has been down the same path many times before. The home inspection engineer may know some things that the contractor may not be aware of because the contractor sees the home when it is built when everything looks fine, the home inspector engineer sees the results of the construction many years down the road. Some construction materials and components that are being used these days may be an economical choice to the builder to help increase profits; however, the downside to the home buyer is a shorter service life with increased maintenance expenditures. Speak to your home inspection engineer regarding these construction issues.

Having your home inspection engineer inspect the home at the various stages of construction is advisable. First, it is a good idea to have the engineer visit the site before the construction begins. A visit to the site when the foundation walls and footings are constructed is next in order. Subsequently, the engineer should return to the site when the structural framing is complete to be sure that there are no structural problems or areas that need reinforcement. The next visit should be planned when the rough electrical, heating, and air-conditioning is installed and prior to the installation of the finished walls. At this time, the engineer can look for any defects or omissions that will not be visible once the finished walls are constructed. A final inspection should be scheduled when the house is complete; the engineer can then test all electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems for proper installation and function, and inspect all physical components for proper installation.

Be sure that your home inspection report will be a detailed written report, not a hand written checklist that is given to you at the conclusion of the home inspection. A checklist may be void of details and may not provide all of the information and engineering advice you need.

Retaining the services of a Licensed Professional Engineer home inspector is a well worthwhile investment that can not only help you through the construction process, but the advice you receive can help you avoid pitfalls that might otherwise surface years down the road.

Visit our How to Choose page for tips of choosing a home inspector. Also don't forget to visit our Q&A page for answers to questions many home owners may have.