Admin

New homes are perfect..... Aren't they?

By
Home Inspector with Cox Property Services HI-2899

A short time ago, I was called to inspect a new home for the owner.  It is actually 4 years old, built in 2006.  It's in a nice neighborhood - all built by this builder.  I won't mention the builder's name, but they are a large national builder.

The problem was pretty simple... a 2 story house with moisture staining in the garage ceiling. There is a bedroom above the garage. I was actually not busy at the moment and expected this would be quick and simple, so I agreed to go right over.  I was there for over 3 hours!

Now, the moisture stains were even with the exterior wall of the upstairs bedroom.  And the exterior wall of the bedroom was full of moisture - causing my moisture meter to scream.

After searching, the roof just above the wall did not have "kick-out" flashings where the roof meets the wall.  So, it actually channels rain water down along the lower wall.  This wall soaks up the water and gravity takes over - causing the water to channel into the room below.

This is a design flaw which can be easily fixed.  It should never have happened, and I can see at least 15-20 houses in the neighborhood which will have the same problem, if not already.

I am sure they will have some water damage to the sheathing and framing in the bedroom wall, window, and maybe in the garage ceiling.Fortunately, this homeowner noticed the leaks within weeks of construction, and the builder has been trying to find the problem and fix it for 4 years... it's still covered under the builder's warranty. 

So, when a buyer finds a newly-constructed home, you MUST do inspections, just like a 50 year old home.  There's no such thing as a "perfect" house.  Is there?

Hank Spinnler
Harmony Home Inspection Services of GA - Hoschton, GA
Atlanta Home Inspector

I've met some superintendents who are very cooperative in working with me because as they will freely admit "We try but there's no such thing as a perfect house."  It's the ones who are committed to making it as right as possible who make it easier for their customers.  You can't convert everyone who does not see the value in getting their new home inspected, but there are plenty of "believers".

May 22, 2010 04:54 PM