NEVER TRUST YOUR BUILDER

Building a new home? I can honestly tell you that it doesn't matter what builder you go with, they all cut corners in one way or another to save time and money. Some builders have raving reviews, this is because I haven't inspected one of their homes yet.

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NEVER TRUST A SELLERS DISCLOSURE

It's too easy for the current owner to play ignorant and check the (I don't know) box.

Why is this even an option? 

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HERES THE FACTS

* Idaho home inspectors are not state licensed, state regulated or state managed. There are NO rules, regulations, standards of practice or code of ethics set forth by the state to keep your inspector honest or trained.

 

* I attended The National Association of Real Estate Inspection Evaluation Services (NARIES) in Washington state, passed the WA state home inspectors exam as well as the National home inspectors exam prior to getting my WA state Home Inspectors license. To keep Inspectors honest, we were to abide by the stringent standards of practice and code of ethics set forth by the WA state Board of Home Inspectors. The same Board of Home Inspectors that requires all inspectors to complete 24 hours of accredited continuing education annually. Failure to comply with any of the aforementioned would result in a loss of license.

* Todays construction mottos: Quantity over Quality. It looks nice cause I did it twice. Can't see it from my house. I'm here for the income, not the outcome. It only leaks when it rains. 
* Idaho home inspectors miss a lot of issues because there is no penalty for doing a bad job.

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WHAT I SEE WRONG WITH NEW CONSTRUCTION

* Exterior trim and siding not installed according to the MFG installation instructions, this will void the MFG warranty.
* Decks installed without flashing the ledger board. (code violation)
* Deck posts not attached to the deck in any way. (safety hazard)
* Disconnected plumbing joints. Original inspector missed it and its been dumping water in the crawlspace for four months(new construction)
* Improperly ventilated attics which is wrong for many reasons, all of which are super expensive to repair if not corrected.
* Prefabricated structural members (floor joists / trusses) that are damaged or purposely cut. Prefab Structural members are designed by structural engineers and any repairs to them need to be designed by a structural engineer. I also ask that the repair blueprint be added to the house plans to protect the homeowner for a future sale.

* Improperly constructed headers.
* Interior walls not plumb.
* Windows and Sliding doors installed out of square.
* Windows purposely installed with visible flaws between the panels. Why not just install a new one?
* Gaps in the LVP or hardwood flooring. The only gap should be at the walls and covered with the base board trim.

* Poor planning when it comes to drainage around the foundation and the yard.

* Even though it allowed, why put HVAC units in attics. Even the state and city inspectors frown on this. They are out of sight so they are out of mind. They can leak, routine maintenance does not get scheduled, filters get overlooked, etc... 

* Over the years many builders have rewritten their warranties to say they won't repair a lot of things that used to be repaired without question. It's all about saving time and making money. They are in it for the money and not your satisfaction.

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