Hire home inspector or not?

[Diana Robayo]

Hello,

I am a first time home owner and I have my buyer walk scheduled for the end of October.  

Although my home is a new construction home, should I hire a home inspector?

If so, what is the average costs for a home inspector on a new build? 

Since this is all new to me, I do not want to miss any small detail that may costs me money in the long run.

Thank you in advance, 

Diana

[Charlie MacPherson]

Absolutely yes.  3 years ago, we relocated to Maine and bought a fairly new (2004) and very nice colonial.  I walked through did my own "inspection" and was impressed enough to forego a real inspection.

Big mistake.

We just discovered that there has been long term water intrusion where the entry way to the basement (dog house) meets the back wall of the living room.  There was no flashing or any effort to direct water away.  Water has been running into the back wall for a very long time.

A big portion (10 sq ft?) of the chip board sheathing has rotted away, along with studs and the sill plate.  We have opened an insurance claim for hidden rot.  The wall is opened with dehumidifiers / HEPA running 24/7.  Large parts of the area are tented off due to mold.

I had years of experience as a Realtor and had personally attended a ton of home inspections.  I thought I knew what I was doing, but missed one small, but VERY important detail.

So should you get a home inspection?  As others have said, YES.