{"id":17269,"date":"2020-06-22T09:44:02","date_gmt":"2020-06-22T16:44:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/?p=17269"},"modified":"2024-04-26T12:29:57","modified_gmt":"2024-04-26T19:29:57","slug":"buyer-new-house-construction-problems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-new-house-construction-problems\/","title":{"rendered":"17 New House Construction Problems that Buyers Should Understand"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s what you\u2019ve been waiting and saving for: it\u2019s time to buy a house! You\u2019re leaning toward a new construction build<\/a>, not only because you want to have a custom home crafted as you desire, but you\u2019ve also heard that new construction properties don\u2019t have as many problems<\/a> as existing ones \u2026 Right? Well, not exactly.<\/p>\n

In fact, according to a review of 10,000 structural claims presented to the National Association of Homebuilders by veteran risk manager Will Keaveny, 25% of all homes<\/a> in the U.S. will suffer some type of structural defect in their lifetime \u2014 and that\u2019s just one type of defect!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

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Find a Buyer's Agent to Help You Buy A New Construction Home<\/h3>\n

Work with an expert to help you buy your new construction dream home.<\/p>\n \n

\n Find a Buyer's Agent<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Here are 17 important new house construction problems for which all buyers should be on the lookout.<\/p>\n

\"Outside<\/a>
Source: (Pixabay \/ Pexels)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Outdoor issues<\/h2>\n

1. Incorrectly applied siding<\/h3>\n

If stucco isn\u2019t applied correctly, it might flake or \u201cspall\u201d off; you also might see cracks at window and door corners.<\/p>\n

As for wood siding, it might be wavy or cracked; it might also swell from moisture intrusion.<\/p>\n

Be sure to look at the wood siding where it meets trim around windows and doors, and the trim itself, to see if any of these issues have developed.<\/p>\n

2. Gaps and cracks in decks and patios<\/h3>\n

Another issue that you might see in a new build: gaps and cracks in the outdoor flooring areas around the home and in the garage.<\/p>\n

Check where the deck or patio connects to the house; there shouldn\u2019t be a big gap in between the house and the platform. Additionally, look for any cracks or gaps in the deck and outdoor stair railings, walking surfaces (such as driveways and sidewalks), and garage floors.<\/p>\n

Cracks in concrete could indicate a soil problem or improper installation of the concrete. Gaps in between fixtures such as doors, hose bibs, pipes, or windows can signal a problem with water intrusion.<\/p>\n

3. Cracks in sidewalks and driveways<\/h3>\n

Cracks in concrete could indicate a soil problem or improper installation of the concrete. What many might not know is that concrete actually expands and contracts depending upon changes in the weather, specifically the temperature. When concrete sidewalks and driveways are poured as one big slab, expansion and contraction can cause cracks and breakage.<\/p>\n

4. Grading and drainage issues<\/h3>\n

Another thing you\u2019ll want to do is check to make sure that water drains away from your home (not toward the structure), and that your gutters are set up to direct water away from your foundation. Many issues with moisture in basements and crawl spaces<\/a> are the result of improper grading issues.<\/p>\n