On this new construction, to err is oven, to test is divine.
When doing a final inspection on a new home, it is good to be able to test everything.
That is, after all, why we are there.
But with this oven something was wrong.
We were unable to get the key pad to respond to anything! The "Press Cancel-Reset" did not change what we saw. *
Obviously there is something that can be done. But we didn't have a manual to figure it out. An oven can't give an error signal forever without some remedy.
It's always best to be able to test an appliance! One might say that's divine!
My recommendation: new construction needs home inspections as much as older construction does. You never know what will work or not work; what will be installed properly and what is not. Not doing a home inspection on new construction might just get you an Err signal after you move in!
* I find the words "Keyboard" and Key" on the panel to be interesting. There are no keys on that computer pad - and there is no keyboard! I happen to know where those words come from, but I bet a lot of the younger generation have no idea. Similarly, our use of other OLD words as "dial," "ring," and "hang up" with our phones, or "type" and "return" with our computers (and a host of other words) have foundations in real reasons for the use of those words, but those reasons are really not understood by many. The words are just still used!
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC 
Based in Bristow, serving all of Northern Virginia.
Office (703) 330-6388 Cell (703) 585-7560
My older JennAir sometimes does this, Jay Markanich. Most of the time it gives up and goes back to normal operation, although I need to reset the clock. On a few occasions, I've had to trip the circuit breaker to the device to get it back.
I don't remember the brand, Robert, but we tried a few things that didn't work. Not spending a lot of time, I just wrote it up!
Good morning Jay! Hope your Christmas was Merry, and may your New Year be Bright.
Jay, I agree with you, and many home builders do, as well. Builders always have items on a punch list that must be cleared, and anything that could delay the closing is a genuine concern. No matter how professional the builder, it only takes one worker or supplier to sink his schedule. Something as simple and inexpensive as as a wire but could lead to a new home buyer stressing out and flipping out.
That simple error message could disrupt the schedules of two REALTORS®, a builder, and more than one office staff. A first time home buyer will already be absorbed with fears of being taken advantage of, and of being ignored. I have seen them hyperventilating over a quarter inch gap in a linoleum where a piece of quarter round would be installed. In any such case, the home inspector is an INDEPENDENT set of eyes, and can be a source of calm understanding. Catching little things is not nit picking, but paying attention to detail. Hiring a Home Inspector is good insurance, and I encourage every home buyer to do so.
Good morning Jay,
Maybe I'll hold off with the new stove/oven and keep the old that I know there is no problem with.
Make yourself a great day.
Thanks Fred. How long do you suppose that error message was there and nobody did anything about it? So, after the inspection is the best time? Like the disposal I posted about last week that had the plug cord wrapped around (hard to see) the drain line, and there was no receptacle available to plug it in, or switch to turn it on, or circuit breaker to control it. But, AFTER the inspection is the time for all that? What, did they hope nobody would find it?
Raymond - the old dials were so much harder to break! There was no electronic "glitch!"
Jay Markanich Never an argument on this subject from us. We have long maintained that new construction MUST have an independent home inspection particularly since so many builders employ subs.
S&N - I expect this is a simple thing to fix when the instruction booklet is consulted. But we did not have that luxury. Still, it was noted, necessarily.
Yes, yes, yes, inspections are also needed for brand new construction!
I like doing these inspections on new homes. Everything is clean and new, and you get to see the doors that open the wrong way, or the cabinet drawers that won't open because something is in the way, or missing insulation, or the attic pull down stairs installed with drywall screws.... fun stuff!!
Kat - that is well documented and would that the public was better informed.
Fred - I had an attic ladder a couple of weeks ago installed with brads and no shims. The gap on one side of the frame was 3/4"! New construction presents fun stuff indeed.
Jay, I always recommend a home inspection to my clients closing on new construction. Absolutely.
Good practice, Elyse. And hopefully some divine testing goes on!
Nice catch Jay. Hopefully the builder stands behind their work and solves the problem.
It should be easy with the manual Stephen. Without it we are all dopes.