Yes, we do conduct new home inspections, which are also known as Performance Standards Reviews (PSR). These inspections are distinct from our residential resale inspections, which focus primarily on the condition and functionality of a home.
A new home inspection encompasses not only an assessment of the property's condition and functionality but also ensures that the home meets the minimum workmanship and craftsmanship standards required by Nevada State regulations. We use the RS Means Residential and Light Construction Performance Manual and the Nevada State Contractors Board Residential Construction Performance Guideline to evaluate conformity to these standards.
It's a common misconception that a new home, having been reviewed by a municipal inspector, is free from significant issues. However, relying solely on this assumption can be costly. For example, our inspections frequently uncover issues such as insufficient attic insulation, low air conditioner refrigerant levels, and improperly installed roof trusses problems that can lead to higher energy costs and other concerns for the homeowner. We often find between 60 and 120 builder responsibility issues during a typical PSR inspection, including problems like warped cabinet doors, uneven grout lines, and reversed Low-E windows.
Although a PSR inspection costs slightly more per square foot than a standard Advanced Scope Inspection, it provides a more comprehensive review. If you're interested in a PSR, please contact our office for a quote and to schedule the inspection. This type of inspection is typically conducted when the home is in the condition the builder intends to deliver to the buyer and is sometimes referred to as a fit-and-finish inspection.
Please note that some builders may restrict access for independent inspections until the property title is transferred. However, with nearly 30 years of experience in the Las Vegas Valley, Spectrum Inspection Group is well-regarded by local builders, and our licensing and insurance generally meet their approval criteria. If your builder offers a one-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, you can use our inspection report to address any performance standards issues with their warranty department.
The standards any state-licenced contractor is required to observe are promulgated by industry standards, where we utilise the RS Means Residential and Light Construction Performance Manual for reference. We also utilise the Nevada State Contractors Board Residential Construction Performance Guideline manual as a reference for assessing conformity to the applicable minimum standards.
Many consumers mistakenly believe that because the home is new and has been reviewed by a municipal inspector, nothing of any significance could be amiss with the home. This is generally a costly assumption. Skilled labour is a very loosely used term in Las Vegas Valley construction and, with many home builders, supervisory oversight is often lacking. Many times, our inspections will reveal the installed attic insulation to be less than the minimum required R-30 value. Many times, air conditioner refrigerant levels are found to be low. Just these two issues alone can equate to thousands of dollars in higher energy costs for the homeowner in just one year. (We have inspected many new homes where the attic area was found to be devoid of insulation.)
Finding damaged roof trusses is also a very common issue in Las Vegas Valley homes. Improperly installed carpet seams, warped cabinet doors, improperly spaced grout lines, improper painting, visible wall and ceiling joints, and reversed or missing Low-E windows are but a few of the issues typically found in the course of our PSR inspections. An average PSR inspection will typically reveal anywhere between 60 and 120 builder responsibility issues.
A PSR inspection costs a few cents more per square foot, but the level of the review that is provided is nearly twice the depth of an Advanced Scope Inspection. If you desire this type of inspection, you must call our office for a price quote and scheduling. We perform the PSR inspection when it is in the condition the builder intends to convey the property to the buyer. Some people know this inspection as a fit-and-finish inspection.
Be advised: Some builders do not allow an independent inspector to be on the property as long as the builder owns the property and will not allow us access until title transfer occurs. However, most builders are familiar with our services after over 23 years of Spectrum Inspection Group, Inc. performing PSRs in the Las Vegas Valley, and our licencing and insurance generally meet the requirements that most builders have for approval of an independent inspection. You should also know that you do not lose any rights to have performance standards issues corrected in a timely manner if the builder offers a one-year bumper-to-bumber warranty, as you can submit our inspection report to your warranty claims department.
