“Broken attic trusses” which are structure and would cost you $500 -$1000 to repair on your own. I can force the builder to repair broken trusses for “free” as per code and builder warranties.

“Roof leaks” are very common in new construction and the county does not fully inspect an attic. Leaks cause mold and water staining of the bedroom ceilings and cost $250.00+/- to repair.

“Disconnected attic furnace ductwork” will cause high energy bills and heating and cooling problems. They must be repaired for 2 years after closing per code, warranties and the NAHB.

“Short or missing attic insulation” will cause high energy bills, cold winter rooms, hot summer rooms and drafting. Short insulation must be repaired and could cost you $1000 to repair.

“Defective attic ventilation” which can cause hot summer bedrooms and pre-mature degrading of roof shingles from the excessive heat in the attic. Potential $5000 cost for roof and energy loss.

“Plumbing fixture leaks” are common below sinks, shower heads, toilet wax rings, hot water tanks, AC condensate drains, dishwashers and etc. and must be repaired. $150.00 per leak.

“Squeaky floors and steps” are usually caused by loose sub-flooring or water damage during construction. Must be repaired per the builder’s warranty and can be an expensive repair.

“Cut or damaged floor joists” structural item can be detected in unfinished areas or during a pre-drywall inspection and must be repaired per code and the builder’s warranty. Expensive repair.

“Drafty windows” are usually caused by missing insulation required around the windows. This item can only be detected before the drywall is installed and must be repaired.

“Drafty cold basement” is common usually caused by missing wall insulation and the builders tell you that’s the way it is. All rooms must heat to 70F per the builder’s warranty and code.

“Cold or hot rooms” are a common problem usually cause by disconnected HVAC ductwork, missing insulation and poor attic ventilation and must be repaired by the builder per code and warranty. Warranties require all rooms to heat to 70F and chill to 78F. Expensive repair.

“Basement leaks” are common on new construction are usually caused by cracks in the concrete foundation, poor foundation grading, non-caulked doors and windows and broken sump pumps. Leaks must be repaired as per code and the manufacture’s warranty. $500-$5000.

“Poor foundation and yard drainage” will cause leaks and are common (every other home) and must be repaired per code and the builder’s warranty. Soils must slope away from the home to channel water 10 feet away from the house. Expensive repair $1000-$10000 if basement floods.

“Exterior trim painting” defects are common and will cause dry rotting and must be repaired per the builder’s warranty. Painters charge $500-$3000 to repair. Dry rot repairs are more. “Exterior caulking” is required around all doors, windows, utility penetrations and trim joints (there’s thousands of linear feet) to provide a weather and insect barrier per code and the builder’s warranty. “Can cause Mold”. Expensive repair if wall leaks and mold occurs.

The below PDF file contains many more common problems that I find. You can view or save the PDF and email it to someone else that you know needs a home inspection.
Click here for the defects PDF file.