A Few Bricks Short of a Happy Meal...
I ♥ new construction - never a dull moment. You know the drill, the lowest bid gets the job. And, along with that comes the short cuts to profitise the project.
As we all know, home inspectors are not "Codes" inspectors; however, we must know and understand the "accepted trade practices" for the various professions in the municipalities in which we serve.
The HVAC contractor who installed the furnaces and air handling units for this property must have either been a few bricks short of a Happy Meal or was trying to scrimp enough out of the job to buy one for lunch.
Furnaces/Air handlers must rest on stand-offs within the drain pan. Yes, you may argue, the FREE bricks can be used in lieu of $40 stand-offs as they keep the bottom of the unit out of the drain pan so it doesn't rust out in the event of a clogged drain pipe. BUT, if you are going to do this, neoprene vibration pads should be installed between the brick and the bottom of the unit. Also, most home warranty companies will not honor a claim as they deem it either substandard or improper installation.
Let's not forget that the ductwork needs to be sealed with tape to the side of the furnace to reduce air leaks. Oh, did I mention something about a drain line for the air handler and pan? They forgot to connect that too - how embarrassing.
The money saved did not a dollar earn as this will be burned up in another trip charge back to the job to do the project right.
All this talk about Convivial Meals and work is getting me hungry. I wonder if Micky D's is open at this time of the morning...
People always want the lowest price and then complain when they get what they paid for!
That's why I always suggest an inspection on new construction. Unfortunately, most buyers take a pass.
Michael:
One is at the mercy of a contractor. I sure don't know the ins and outs of air conditioning. If there were a problem, I don't I think I would recognize it. As you and others have said, when one has work done on their own property, they should have a home inspection to be sure the work was done properly. One should not have to check on a contractor and on a city inspector, for that matter, but I guess we do have to. What a shame.
That is why I always recommend a home inspection. All kinds of 'stuff' occurs behind the walls. I've seen so many pictures of ridiculous work like this it's astounding.
Michael
Your post is very insightful and should gotten a lot of well desired attention.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
I used to think new construction, nah you don't need a home inspection. Boy have I seen some things in new construction. Never rely on subcontractors doing the right thing!
All the more reason for a home inspection regardless if it is previously owned or new construction.
Michael, you never cease to amaze me with the posts about inspections. Well, actually, I learn a lot! Thank you!
Michael - as I've said many times, this type of post is the best advertisement you can do. A picture of the problem and a brief description for those of us who don't know the codes show the value of your service.
Consumers who shop and buy price instead of value are always the first to complain about getting screwed because of inferior products and services. There is a fine line between ignorance and commonsense and how much space is between the ears.
So sad to see, and unfortunately not uncommon. Glad we have people to inspect and catch some of these.
Some of our local builders will not allow access to home inspectors prior to closing on the sale of the newly constructed home.
Most builders will roll over with enough pressure from the buyer and allow the inspection. The buyer just has to figure out how to get it all together at the end of the process and that's not always easy.
Dear Michael,
I saw one today, where the vent was cut right through the basement wall, ending just a foot above the ground outside. Hmmmm. I am no inspector, but isn't that supposed to go straight up through the roof somewhere? This heater was a retrofit. I love the rubber feet that I insisted on in my retrofit. No more loud banging as the system comes up to temperature & the 4" offset allows for the occasional mop to pass below for a clean utility room.
Just another great reason to hire a quality Home Inspector. If you were not in the wrong Brentwood I would give you a call. I also have been using the same guy for years and he does a good job.
The old saying "you get what you pay for" is so true. It is a shame that good workmanship is so often overlooked for the cheaper price.
and still, over and over, it is difficult to convince buyers to hire an inspector on new construction.........on a resale it is automatic. why?
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