Local HomeTeam Inspection Service Owner Eve Jones helps new construction buyers uncover potential problems in their homes before the warranty runs out.

In today's hot seller's market, builders are rushing to meet the increased demand for housing, which can result in cutting corners in order to meet strict build deadlines. Rushed construction is bad news for buyers who, without knowing the appropriate steps to take prior to closing, may end up moving into a home that isn’t sound.

But not if Eve Jones is involved. A home inspector and franchise owner with HomeTeam Inspection Service — the 150-plus location home inspection company — Jones completed 99 inspections last month within her territory of Humble, Texas, and many of those inspections were new construction builds. Following a thorough inspection, much of what she and her team of inspectors have found is enough to give any buyer pause.

From foundation issues to rotting wood, improperly installed windows, ventilation problems, structural issues and drainage issues, it’s often shocking what some builders will or will not do in order to save time and close the deal, she said.

“Buying a new home is a big investment,” Jones said. “It can already be an extremely stressful process and new construction buyers need to understand that what they think they’re getting is not always what they’re actually getting.”

Fortunately, Jones employs a thorough strategy when it comes to inspecting new construction homes, from the moment the foundation is poured to the point where the last appliance is installed. While Jones recommends inspections at each phase of the construction process to catch issues like improperly poured foundations or wood that’s been left outside in the rain to rot, an 11-month warranty inspection is critical: it’s the homeowner’s last chance to hold the builder responsible for any potential defects before the 12-month warranty period ends.

Jones sheds some light on the five major checkpoints she and her team look at during an 11-month inspection:

Structural. From foundation to drainage and interior to exterior surfaces, Jones said her team most often finds issues with the roof. “Unfortunately, roofs are often installed incorrectly,” she said. “We recently found a roof that had been installed sideways. It had major ripples in it. We see things like that, or sometimes shingles are not secured near the drip edge, so water can drip off. That can cause the wood to rot. There are times when the entire roof needs to be pulled off, and that’s something that a buyer would want to be aware of and handle before the warranty is over.”
Electrical. Shoddy electrical work — including circuits that have not been hooked up in the final phase of construction or are simply not working properly, loose boxes, open ground and other wiring issues — can cause a fire, something no homeowner wants.
Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning. One of the most common problems when it comes to HVAC is leaks in the ventilation system. As most homeowners know, leaks mean water, and water always spells trouble. Luckily, Jones and her team come prepared with an infrared camera so they can easily spot the leaks and stop them in their tracks.
Plumbing. From leaky faucets to running toilets, clogged pipes to blocked drains, plumbing problems are notoriously costly. Faulty plumbing work often comes from builders who took shortcuts during the process. If not discovered promptly, long term issues can lead to mold and even cross-contamination between the sewage system and the freshwater system.
Appliances. According to Jones, it’s quite common for new construction buyers to move into their homes and find that the appliances were never hooked up. “Oftentimes, appliances are delivered immediately prior to closing,” Jones said. “As a result, sometimes builders don’t hook them up or install them improperly, which can cause the appliance to malfunction. We often see issues with dishwasher installations. If the drain hose isn’t installed properly, sewer gas can enter your home through your dishwasher.”

While most builders offer a quality assurance program that includes an inspection, it’s important to know that it’s not the same as getting your own inspection, said Jones. “The builder’s inspector is not your inspector,” she said. “It’s crucial for a buyer to get their own outside opinion.”

According to HomeTeam President Adam Long, new construction buyers in today’s market should be especially cautious. “As the push to build houses quickly to meet demand continues, it’s more important than ever for buyers to find a trusted inspection company to ensure that they feel confident with their home and aren’t saddled with expensive problems down the line,” he said. “Getting a thorough home inspection before the 12-month warranty period ends not only gives buyers peace of mind, it could end up saving them substantial money in the long run.”