As Northeast Pennsylvania enters a housing shortage, new construction homes offer a way to relieve an overinflated market.
Just drive by areas like Dallas, Clarks Summit, and Forty Fort, where demand is sky-high, and you’ll find dozens of new suburban developments and townhouse communities under construction.
Most new construction homes come with the benefit of a choice location and feature modern appliances and fixtures, such as that ultra-desirable new kitchen.
Unlike older homes with greater wear and tear, many home buyers trust newer construction homes to be free of defects.
However, new construction homes should always be inspected, as poor craftsmanship and improper foundation settling are common problems that can spread across these properties.
While the home builder warranty may cover you up to a year after construction, these problems can take years to manifest, though they may be spotted early.
Here are nine common issues found in new construction homes in Northeast Pennsylvania and the importance of new home inspections.
1. Foundation Settling and Grading Problems
How much settling is normal for a house? That’s one of the most common questions from new homeowners who may notice cracks emerge on the walls and foundation of their new home.
While a small amount of settling is expected in the first year of moving in, if you start to notice any of the following signs, it could indicate more serious foundation issues:
- Horizontal cracks forming in drywall, especially around windows and door frames
- Uneven floors that feel sloped
- Doors and windows that are difficult to open or stick
- Gaps forming between walls and ceilings
- Observable cracks in the foundation
- Water pooling around the foundation, leading to moisture intrusion in the basement or crawl space
While some of these are normal symptoms of advanced settling in older homes, they should ring alarm bells if observed within the first two years of occupying an entirely brand-new building. `
2. Improper Drainage and Water Intrusion
One of the most common builder mistakes we observe throughout all homes in NEPA is poor drainage from downspouts, malfunctioning sump pumps, and improper site grading. The heavy rain and snowfall observed throughout the area could have devastating long-term effects on your foundation, asphalt, and landscaping.
While improper downspouts can be easily fixed, poor or improper grading can be much more costly and should be addressed by builders immediately before their warranty expires.
3. HVAC System Deficiencies
Energy efficiency is in high demand among home buyers as energy costs continue to skyrocket in NEPA. However, central air systems and new boilers may be among the most expensive and consistent repairs you make if they are improperly installed.
Some common issues we frequently observe with newer HVAC systems are almost always owed to poor workmanship, such as improper ducting, missing return vents, or incorrect sizing.
If left unchecked, your HVAC system could end up driving up your utility costs and lead to more costly repairs down the road.
4. Insufficient Insulation and Air Sealing
While newer homes tend to have better insulation than older homes, poor contractor work can lead to a bevy of issues. Chief among them is improper air sealing, allowing for outside air and pests to get in and settling if blown-in insulation is used.
Not only can improper insulation lead to higher utility bills, but it can also lead to faster degradation and moisture issues if proper ventilation is not installed.
5. Roofing and Siding Issues
Unfortunately, virtually any home with a new roof or siding can suffer from issues related to poor construction.
Exposed nails, rising shingles, and poor decking are among some of the most common issues we see, even in recently installed newer roofs.
Likewise, if the same roofing contractor was used for siding the house, poor workmanship can easily allow water to enter behind the panels, leading to a whole host of issues behind your walls.
Again, we strongly urge buyers to inspect new roofs and siding just as you would an older roof and siding, as these are complicated projects that are subject to human errors.
6. Electrical System Problems
Modern homes have greater electrical demands than ever, but in some new construction houses, the wiring doesn’t reflect that. Builders may use minimal circuits to save money or fail to include enough outlets, leading to the following issues:
- Breakers that frequently trip
- Insufficient kitchen or bathroom outlets
- Missing GFCI protection near water sources
- Loose or poorly installed switches and outlets
In fact, one home inspector from Arizona recently went viral for exposing many of these same issues found in new builds around the Phoenix area.
7. Plumbing Concerns
Hand-in-hand with electrical concerns tend to come from plumbing concerns. While not as common in newer homes, cheap materials and rushed work can still lead to leaks, low water pressure, and slow-draining pipes that can aggravate homeowners long-term.
Unfortunately, these issues may not be visible during an initial home walk-through but can easily be spotted by your home inspector.
8. Cosmetic Defects and Inconsistent Finishes
One of the most telltale signs of rushed work or poor builder quality is cosmetic defects found throughout the home. This may be noticeable on the trim, paint lines, or caulking of important fixtures. In extreme cases, we’ve observed cabinets and appliance doors that don’t close properly due to poor work.
9. Window and Door Problems
Finally, diagnosing window and door seal problems may be difficult for homeowners without a proper inspection, but they can result in heat loss and other issues throughout the year. For example, you may start to witness window fog due to poor seals or doors that don’t open or close properly.
Over time, these issues will get worse, either requiring an entirely new frame or fixture for your door or window.
Why Multiple Inspections Are Important for New Builds
Most experts recommend that at least three home inspections be conducted during the home construction process:
- Pre-Construction Inspection: Observes the foundation and grading of the site property.
- Frame Inspection: Analyzes the framing of the home.
- Pre-Drywall Inspection: Analyzes interior components, such as electrical work and plumbing.
Afterwards, home buyers should conduct their final walk-through inspection covering the home’s totality from the foundation to the roof.
Remember, mistakes can happen even if you work with a reputable builder. Plus, much of the work involved in constructing a home is outsourced to subcontractors, so all it takes is one mistake by any of these companies to put you on the hook for thousands of dollars in repairs.
How Much Does a Builder’s Warranty Cover?
Unfortunately, many home buyers forgo an inspection on new construction, trusting the builder’s warranty to cover any defects that may manifest. However, most standard builder’s warranties only last 6 months to a year, covering workmanship and materials.
Long-term warranties, such as a 2-year warranty, may be purchased to cover repairs to electrical, HVAC, or plumbing work, but you could also save more money by getting a qualified home inspection in NEPA.
Even getting a post-sale inspection can help cover any issues listed under the warranty so that you do not have to pay out of pocket in the future.
FAQs
How much settling is normal for a house?
Most homes will settle slightly within the first year—up to 1/2 inch is generally considered normal. Horizontal cracks or cracks wider than 1/4 inch may signal more serious issues.
Are foundation cracks in a new home serious?
Hairline cracks are common due to settling, but wider or stair-step cracks may indicate structural problems and should be evaluated by a professional.
Can I negotiate repairs with a builder?
Yes. Most builders will address punch-list items before closing. Having an inspection report can help you make a stronger case.