Common New Home Construction Problems
Home Design Ideas For Modern Living
Common New Home Construction Problems
Moving into a new house is like buying a new car. Lots of anticipation and excitement. Occasional small or large disappointments. All the planning, oversight, and detailed decision-making can't overcome the human factor. People make mistakes and you should be prepared for construction defects and problems–some small and inconvenient and some large. Here are some of the more common defects to look for.
Common Outdoor Problems
Many common new home problems that occur on the exterior of the house are expensive and time-consuming to repair. They should be dealt with before taking possession of the house and you make the final payment.
1. Grading and Drainage
Water is the enemy of basements. Improperly installed weeping tile, gutters that do not drain water away from the house, and landscape grading that directs water toward the house instead of away all combine to increase the chances of water leaking into the basement or crawl space.
2. Exterior Finishing
Exterior finishes are not just aesthetic. They prevent water penetration and keep pests like rodents and insects out. Common problems include:
3. Roofing
Roofing problems cause expensive house damage. Things to look for include:
4. Concrete Cracking
Cracked sidewalks and driveways are annoying. Cracked foundations are expensive to repair. Inspect basement walls and floors before any finishing is installed to cover them. Small cracks in foundations, sidewalks, driveways, and patios do not repair themselves. If not dealt with early, they are expensive repairs later.
5. Windows and Doors
Defective windows and doors are some of the most common issues of new house construction. Some of the problems include:
Windows:
Doors:
Common Indoor Problems
Some indoor problems like drywall damage and substandard paint are relatively easy to repair. Others like plumbing and electrical can be very involved and costly.
1. Flooring and Wall Damage
Floor covering and walls are damaged regularly during construction. They do not always get repaired before the owners move in. Or a few problems may get missed.
2. HVAC Installation
HVAC installations are supposed to be inspected before the drywall is installed. Sometimes it is missed or skipped. Ask for a copy of the inspection report and evidence that any necessary repairs have been made and the system has been properly cleaned before taking possession.
3. Plumbing Pipes and Fixtures
Common plumbing problems include:
4. Electrical System Issues
Some common electrical problems final inspections encounter include:
5. Insulation Problems
All local building codes specify insulation R-value requirements for attics, walls, basements, and crawl spaces. Insulation may not meet code. It may be installed improperly–leaving cold spots in the house-building envelope.
6. Kitchen Problems
Kitchens are one of the most expensive areas of a home. Some problems that may occur include:
About 32% of new home buyers would not recommend their builder to others. There are multiple reasons for such a high number.
Building a house is a complicated process involving many different materials, people, and regulations–many of which are out of the direct control of the builder or owner. Regular communication, inspections, and having everything in writing help smooth the process.
Most builders provide warranties. Make sure you get yours in writing or spend the money to buy one. They usually cover the following:
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