Building a new home can be one of the most exciting and one of the most frustrating experiences a homeowner may ever have.  Homes are built by people, some with little construction experience, often with language barriers, and lets face it we all make mistakes.  Consumer Reports ran an article in 2004 stating that 15% of new homes constructed have serious structural defects.

Local governments have code enforcement officers that monitor new homes while they are being built.  Unfortunately, the code enforcement offices in the area are often overworked, underfunded, and understaffed.  The Charlotte Observer ran a series of articles recently and stated that the typical local code enforcement officer average 40+ inspections per day (that amounts to less than 10 minutes per inspection).  Unfortunately, this does not allow them enough time to give each home the careful review it needs.

As a private home inspector, I cannot force the builder to make my recommended repairs, nor can I replace a code enforcement officer.  I do look for code violations, but point out the reason(s) why the code was written (safety, fire hazard, structural integrity, manufacturer’s requirement, etc.).  In addition, I often find non-code related issues that are important to most homeowners such as: mold; pinched HVAC ductwork; excessively bent plumbing supply lines that can separate under pressure; cut, altered, or damaged trusses; cut or cracked joists and girders; missing columns and piers; cracked slabs, holes in slabs, the list goes on.