Construction expert reveals grim reasons why you shouldn’t buy a brand new house
A Texas-based real estate inspector has revealed the shocking flaws he found in new construction homes, leaving many wondering whether a brand new home is even worth it.
On the TikTok account Inspector Randlethe professional posted videos of all the noticeable problems he encounters in new-build homes.
In one video with over five million views with the caption “as we always say, just because it’s new doesn’t mean it’s good,” Randle discovered several alarming problems in a brand new $420,000 home.
Randle pointed out that the nails intended to connect the trusses that support the weight of the roof and form the framework of the house are not properly aligned.
“Every new construction, every new construction I do, they never get the trusses attached to the ridge,” he said.
A Texas-based real estate inspector has revealed the shocking flaws he found in new construction homes, leaving many wondering whether a brand new home is even worth it (stock image)
On the outside of the roof, he pointed out that the gutters lack counter flashing, which prevents water from entering the gap between the roof and the structure.
In the garage he tested the earth leakage circuit breaker protection in the sockets – which can prevent electrocution – and discovered that, despite being labeled as protected, this was not the case.
Randle discovered in the bathroom that the shower head was not properly sealed and water was leaking from it.
He said the door from the garage to the inside of the house was supposed to be self-closing, but did not have the proper hinges.
He also discovered that the house had missing air filters, leaking pipes and cracks in the tiles.
In another video Randle walked through the front door of a $560,000 new construction home and discovered nails protruding from the hinges.
He also discovered a crack in the foundation and diagonal cracks in the stair treads, which he said “indicates structural movement.”
Experts recommend buyers hire their own third-party inspections before moving into a newly built home (stock image)
Research from LJP Construction Services shared by BuilderOnline found that the most common causes of construction problems in new homes are deficiencies in field workmanship, misinterpretation of plan details, and deviations from manufacturer’s recommendations.
Recent findings from American news and world report suggested there is a growing supply of new-build homes, which could provide relief for buyers looking to purchase in the coming years.
They predict that home sales will remain limited because mortgage interest rates remain well above six percent.
The increasing number of new construction homes is good for buyers because completed homes cost builders money to hold as inventory and they are eager to sell, the report said.
Cy Porter, a home inspector in Phoenix, told the outlet that he suggested buyers hire their own third-party inspections before moving into a newly built home.