I purchased a new build in Casa Grande at Ghost Hollow Estates from LGI Homes. I just knew the track history of new builds in general (doesn't matter the builder you choose) - a buyer of a new build will lead you down a road of your typical shoddy workmanship and poor quality control or oversight by the superintendent - it just happens. ALWAYS, ALWAYS, hire a home inspector to go through any home you purchase (it a huge investment you are making). Please do not skimp on hiring a home inspector!!!
As a result of the above, I hired "At Down to Earth Inspections, LLC" - owner Rod called the builder's superintendent to schedule the appt for his inspection. The superintendent knew ahead of time what day and time the appt was - so that everyone knew what time he'd be there and when we'd be there. We opted to let Rod do his job and inspect the home so we were not distracting him from performing the inspection; as a result, we'd arrived later.
He took approx. 150 photos (a typical new build inspection he'd normally take 45 pics) and he spent 3.5 hours (maybe more) at the property (normally would be done a lot sooner).
My new build was honestly a mess (cosmetically). He completed his inspection and he had the report back to us within 24 hours (the next morning). It was imperative we get his report quickly so that we could give that to the builder because we were closing in 48 hours. There were so many cosmetic issues found by Rod; I just knew we would not close as expected. I'm sure glad I hired him in the first place - knowing what I know about new builds.
Just because you are buying a new build, do not think that Labor & Trades subcontractors walk into your home "loving it" as much as you do and they normally don't taking pride in their workmanship, sad to say that, but this is my 2nd new build and I've had friends buy new builds so this has been in my opinion the "norm". Well, the norm for me may not be the norm for you; however, when making a large investment, you better believe me nobody but me cares about my investment (nobody will because it is not their investment - it's pretty simple).
Now back to Rod's review - he performed a thorough home inspection and provided us with an honest and accurate report (like I stated above). This is Rod's passion! He kept our inspection professional yet simple; he made it easy to understand the condition of our home. He found things I'd never know to look for and he revealed probably $30,000 in shoddy workmanship which would have been passed onto me (the consumer) to have to clean up what they should have done to begin with!!
Rod's knowledge of home services industry is extensive - he's been a home builder, flipped homes lovingly (by paying attention to detail), he actually cares about your home he's inspecting. He offered me a Military Discount rate as I am in the US Navy.
If you are purchasing a resale home - hire Rod - ultimately you want to buy someone's house, but you don't want to buy someone's problems. Or if you do, at least you "want" to know about those problems - it so that you can make an informed decision on what you can "live" with. Good Luck with your choice on selecting a home inspector, but my bet is you'll hire Rod because he's family, he treated me like family, and he's the uncle I never had.
Rod = Professional, competent, knowledgeable, trust-worthy
(all characteristics I do not recommend lightly)
Thank you for reading my review to the end! :-) read more