Deciding to purchase one of the new homes in Jersey City is a major decision. It is also an exciting decision. There are a number of considerations, however, when judging if a new construction home is worth purchasing.
New Homes in Jersey City: Construction and Inspection
While a large majority of home builders are reputable, there are, unfortunately, some that can be unscrupulous. It is important to have a complete home inspection done prior to making a purchase of any of the new homes in Jersey City under consideration.
Home Exterior: Start with looking at the home from the outside. Walk around the foundation and look for holes where animals could burrow. Look for cracks in the foundation, peeling home materials and potential termite infestation.
Room-By-Room: Go inside and look hard at each room. Look under sinks for leaks or rust on pipes, cracks in the walls or ceiling or droppings, which could indicate a pest infestation. Also feel around windows and doors for drafts, which can ultimately cost money by heat or air conditioning escaping out those openings.
Basement, Attic and Garage: Three areas that should definitely not be overlooked are the basement, the attic and the garage. Basements are breeding grounds for mold, especially if there has been a flood, so be sure to look for water damage. When walking through the attic, look at the ceiling, which is a good indication of the status of the roof. Again, look for water spots, which are indications of water leaks. A roof can be very expensive to repair or replace, so make sure it is well insulated. Garages are perfect places for mice to hide, so look for droppings, especially behind items that have been moved for a long period of time.
Professional Home Inspection for New Homes in Jersey City
One of the best ways to make sure new homes in Jersey City are safe to live in and solidly built, is to hire an experienced professional home inspector to go through the entire home and check everything. They look for not just the items listed above, but check electrical boxes, plumbing, mold, septic damage, flood damage and more. They can then write up a complete report of the new homes in Jersey City under consideration. This information can then be reviewed by the home owner and potential home buyer to see what needs to be repaired prior to sale and what can be fixed by the new home owner by reducing the home’s sale price. Ultimately, this is the best way to protect both the home seller and home buyer during the purchase process.
