Inspections

During construction your home will be subject to inspections by both the local government inspector (county/city building services) and, if you are getting a bank loan, the bank inspector. Keep in mind although these inspectors are there for your protection it does not mean that they are looking at your investment the same way you

Government Inspector -The government inspector is there to see the home is being built to the local and state building codes. He is not interested in whether you have the correct colors, options or other types of features, including structural upgrades. His inspections are paid for by the permit fees that the builder paid.

Bank Inspector - This is generally the appraiser who did your bank appraisal. He may or may not be a general contractor or certified inspector. The bank inspector is there to verify for the bank that the home has been completed to a certain point in order for the builder to receive his next construction draw from the bank. In addition, he verifies that items are installed as outlined in the appraisal. He is basically looking at the home from the bank's investment point of view. The bank inspector is not interested in whether a color is correct or if an item or option is installed to the buyer's satisfaction, just that the items are installed correctly or installed at all. These inspections are paid for by you through the bank.

Independent Inspector - This inspector is generally hired by the Buyer directly and he is interested in all aspects of the home. He is going to look at the home from the Buyer's point of view. These inspectors in Florida are still not as commonplace in new home construction and they are costly, but these inspectors can be well worth their money if you have concerns. His inspections are optional and he is hired and paid for by you directly.

Red Tags

Customers will call builders upset and complaining because their home received a reprimand (commonly referred to as a "red tag") for correction by the local government building inspectors. Do not necessarily be concerned if your home receives a red tag. Red tags are commonplace in the construction business and simply means the builder needs to have the item corrected. That being said be mindful of the reason for the tag. Ask the builder about the tag and what they did to rectify it. Try to work with the builder first, but if you are uncomfortable with your builder's answer contact the inspector at the local building department ask them about the red tag and what the builder did or is going to do to rectify the problem. If you have not been around during construction and you sense a problem with your builder in regards to red tags you can go down to the local building department and ask for a list of all red tags on your home. (Note: Red tags fees are paid for by the builder.)

Last Updated: March 01, 2005 10:41 PM