What is an NRS Inspection?

When is it required?

What is an NRS Inspection?

     Effective as of July 1, 2017 all Home Inspections in Virginia can only be performed by home inspectors licensed by the state (DPOR licensing board).  Separate (additional) licensing is required to qualify for the ability to legally provide New Home (NRS) inspections.

New Home Inspections (called New Residential Structures - NRS). The definition of an NRS is: a new construction home prior to first transfer of deed from the builder to the purchaser.

Okay. But really - what IS an NRS inspection?

What is the difference between a Standard Home Inspections and NRS Inspections?

An NRS inspections is a full standard home inspection (per INTERNACHI Standard of Practice), however, an NRS inspection also includes attention to new home finish components that would not typically be evaluated during a standard home inspection. 

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The following is further explanation, and this is the comment that is included on your A.P.E. Home Inspection final report:

"This inspection/report is a New Home Inspection (commonly referred to within the inspection industry, and officially referred to by Virginia State DPOR, as a NRS or New Residential Structure inspection. The information contained in this report is for the use and purposes of the inspection client (as in buyer or new owner).This inspection/report is not intended as an evaluation of workmanship by any builder or contractor.This inspection/report is not an inspection of national, state, or local code compliance.All Property Evaluations LLC claims no relationship or responsibility regarding any warranties or agreements between the homeowner and the builder (or builder's representatives).For the purposes of this inspection type - various items, conditions, and concerns (including any condition that may or may not be considered as "cosmetic issues" or "superficial damage" by any involved party) will be noted regardless of any warranty or agreement between the homeowner and the builder (or builder's representatives).Example: Apparent flaws of interior and exterior finish components, incomplete finish or trims, damaged finish/trim components, significant damage of builder provided appliances, equipment & fixtures, significant or plainly visible damage of cabinetry, significant or plainly visible damage to interior/exterior doors & windows, significant or plainly visible damage of floorings & flooring components, significant or plainly visible damage of lighting fixtures & ceiling fans, etc."  

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FAQs:

When should an NRS Inspection be performed?

Excellent question! An NRS Inspection is performed between the time that the builder declares the construction of your new home as complete, AND prior to closing of sale. There can be exceptions - such as - your builder may approve a scheduled NRS inspection while minimal "finish-up" work is being performed in the home. Typically "finish-up" work includes the final cleaning of the interior, punch-list touchups, etc.

Are there any limitations related to an NRS Inspection?

YES. Much like a standard inspection - an NRS inspection is limited to those areas and conditions that are plainly visible and accessible.

Does my Home Inspector arrange for the time/date of the Home Inspection with the builder or builder's representative?

No. The inspection client (buyer or buyer's agent) is responsible for arranging the time/date for their Home Inspection. It is suggested that NRS inspections be performed at least one day prior to the client/builders final walk-thru and/or closing. This allows time for the buyer to review the completed report and to react if/as necessary. Your A.P.E. Home Inspector will gladly work with your builder concerning convenient time/date for your inspection. Feel free to provide your builder the A.P.E. email address or phone number for contact concerning time/date of inspection.



 Does my Home Inspector speak to or otherwise communicate with the builder or builder's representative?

In some cases - YES. This is limited to communication that may be necessary regarding access to the building as required for the inspection.

Does my Home Inspector communicate inspection information to the builder or builder's representative?

 NO. The Inspection is performed for the inspection client (buyer or new owner) only, and the final report is provided for the client only. The report is delivered to the client (and client's agent as approved). 

Does my Home Inspector research, acquire or collect other third party or previous inspection reports, such as municipality (city/county/state) inspections, soil reports, design approvals, water tests, or property surveys?

NO. New Home buyers should use due diligence in acquiring any such documents or reports if/as necessary.

Does my Home Inspector evaluate the design of the building interior or exterior?

NOT EXACTLY. The home inspector does not evaluate or approve the design of the building, or review blueprints, schematics, or building plans - however your inspector may note concerns related to negative affects that the design may have on the building itself or its occupants. These concerns (and comments) may be limited to that which is visible, accessible, and/or active.