Home Inspector in Phoenixville finds Flooring Defects in New Home

Home Inspector in Phoenixville finds Flooring Defects in New Home

As a home inspector in Phoenixville, I have customers call my office every now and then and ask if they really need a home inspection if the house they are buying is new construction.  

It's always a good idea to have a home inspection prior to settlement.  This is when you have the best leverage to ensure the builder or seller takes care of any issues before you take possession

One issue that comes up every now and then when I do a home inspection on a new home in Phoenixville is flooring defects from improperly installed wood floors.

Tongue and groove solid wood flooring is a high quality, long lasting floor covering that can be installed throughout the house including in the kitchen, bathrooms and basement. 

It is a popular upgrade in new construction and rehabbed properties but needs to be properly installed to prevent future damage and defects. 

One common issue that I see in new  is slight buckling, cupping or lifting at the seams.  Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to correct these issues without replacing the damaged sections of flooring.

Proper installation can greatly reduce future flooring defects.  First, make sure your subfloor is level and your hardwood flooring is acclimated to the room’s humidity and temperature according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.  Acclimating the flooring to the room’s humidity requires that the wood be removed from the boxes and stacked in the room that it is to be installed so that air can flow freely around the entire surface all of the wood.  This is rarely done properly and can increase the risk of slight buckling after installation.  Boards from different boxes also should be mixed so that the flooring has a blended color without patchiness.  It is also important that the flooring be installed after the house is conditioned.  High humidity levels or moisture can increase the risk of cupping.

So as long as your new hardwood floors were installed properly, you'll have many wonderful years to enjoy them!  And don't take chances with one of the largest purchases you may ever make.  Get a home inspection and have that peace-of-mind!