Building Defects

Building defects can be a vexing problem for new home owners, many of whom choose invest in new construction specifically to avoid the pitfalls that can come with the purchase of an older home. That investment in peace of mind can be quite significant, as the cost of a newly constructed home is often substantially higher than the purchase of a comparable existing one, making issues stemming from building defects all the more frustrating for the consumers involved.

Often, homeowners expect perfection when moving into a newly constructed home, built with the latest in new construction materials and conforming to modern building codes. However, many soon realize the hard way that these expectations are not realistic, as problems begin to appear in their new home. Home building is a complex process that generally involves a vast array of materials and number of subcontractors to complete, such as framers, plumbers, roofers, and electricians to name just a few. Mistakes can and do occur that can result in home defects. For this reason, a home inspection done by a qualified and independent inspector is a wise investment for any potential home buyer.

Faulty materials can often be at the root of building defects in new construction. New, innovative building technologies and materials are introduced into the market every day, many of them designed for increased durability, enhanced energy efficiency, or to reduce home maintenance hassles. While most of these products are tested extensively before being released onto the market and perform well, some of these newer products have not performed as expected and have been the cause of damage to the home. Many building products do come with a warrantee, but claiming against it can be quite difficult, especially if the materials were purchased by a builder or developer, as is most often the case.

Even tried and true building materials, used in home construction for many years, can be the source of building defects if they are not applied correctly. Faulty workmanship is a factor in a significant portion of building defects cases. Builders are generally obligated to resolve home defects caused by poorly done or unfinished work.

Avoiding these issues during the home shopping and purchase process is much easier than resolving them later, after your hard earned money has changed hands. Consumers who hire an independent inspector to investigate the condition of the home before purchase are much more likely to have problems found and resolved before closing, sparing a great deal of hassle and expense in the future.