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:
- Vinyl Siding. Loose siding usually has too few nails. Wavy siding is usually nailed too tight or is defective. Improper sealing around windows, doors, and wall penetrations.
- Stucco. Gaps and cracks around windows and doors. Improperly applied top coat peeling off.
- Brick. No weep holes. Cracked mortar. No sealant around windows and doors. Improper flashing and sloping of the top course.
- Stone. Missing, or poor, flashing and sealants around windows, doors, and wall penetrations.
- Fiber Cement Siding. Wavy siding. Inconsistent overlaps. Lack of sealant around windows, doors, penetrations, and trim boards. Poorly painted.
- Wood Siding. Lack of sealant or no sealant. Not securely fastened. Poor paint or stain. Improper flashing.
3. Roofing
Roofing problems cause expensive house damage. Things to look for include:
- Improper Installation. Inconsistent overlaps. Not enough nails.
- Flashings. Improperly installed or missing entirely.
- Exposed Nail Heads. Rust and leak.
- Gutters. Sloped wrong. Too small. Incorrect downspout locations.
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:
- Leaks. Improperly installed or missing flashing and caulking.
- Improper Installation. Not square, level, and plumb. Difficult to operate and lock.
- Broken Glass Seal. Fog appears between the glass.
- Manufacturing Defects. Cracked frames. Ill-fitting glass and hardware.
Doors:
- Air Leaks. Don’t fit tightly against the weather strip. Maladjusted sweep.
- Water Leaks. Poor or missing flashings and caulking.
- Handle, Locks, and Hinges. Handles and locks are not tight or don’t line up with strikes in frames. Hinges are poorly installed or loose.
- Closing Problems. Drags on the floor. Swings shut or swings open.
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:
- Water Supply Lines. Hot and cold are often reversed.
- Water Heaters. Improper ventilation. Leaking tanks.
- Leaky Faucets. In sinks, tubs, and showers.
- Toilet Leaks. From tanks and around the base.
- Shut-Off Valves. Slow leaks.
4. Electrical System Issues
Some common electrical problems final inspections encounter include:
- GFCI. Missing ground fault circuit interrupters.
- Service Panels. Improperly labeled breakers.
- Light Fixtures. Missing, wrong type, or improperly installed.
- Junction Boxes. Missing cover plates.
- Switch and Plug Outlets. Missing covers. Reverse polarity.
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:
- Caulking and Sealing. Poor job of sealing countertops to walls.
- Appliances. Poor installation. Water leaks.
- Cabinets. Drawers not level or operate poorly. Off-level doors that don’t close properly. Missing or poorly installed hardware.
- Countertops. Not secured properly. Wrong or damaged material.
- Leaks. Under sink plumbing leaks.
About 32% of new home buyers would not recommend their builder to others. There are multiple reasons for such a high number.
- Cost Overruns.
- High Expectations. Low Performance.
- Lack of Communication.
- Change Orders and Hidden Costs.
- Delays. Materials and subcontractors.
- Others.
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:
- One Year. Labor and materials warranty covers almost everything.
- Two Year. System warranty like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical.
- Ten Year. Structural.
