In reality this is one of the most important inspections a home will ever have. This is the perfect time to see that any deficiencies will be fixed by the builder before you close the deal. I keep hoping I will find that “perfect” home that has no problem at all. So far, it has eluded me.

Here is a small sampling of problems we have discovered on a routine inspection:

1. Probably the most common item is that the shingles are not properly installed, particularly at the starter course. Here the tacky part of the shingle is not cut so that it is at the base of the shingle. In that case, when hurricane Annie or Charlie hits our area, you can say goodbye to part of your shingles.
   
2. Plumbing. On one house we recently inspected we had run the water as always in the upstairs shower/tub checking the drain when we realized water was running outside between the brick and the foundation. It turned out the drain had not been properly sealed in the wall and had come apart.
   
3. A/C. Just last week we realized that no air was coming out of vents in the kitchen and dining area of a house. The owner said that was the way it had always been since they moved in 10 years ago. Upon inspection we discovered that the duct work to that area had never been attached.
   
4. Gas line. Our experience is that many of the homes do not have dirt traps in the gas line just before it reaches the water heater or heating system. This may not seem like much, but many appliance warranties plainly state that this little dirt trap is a requirement.
   
5. Attics are often challenging beginning with the stairs. About 75% of homes do not have properly installed stairways. Most often than not bolts are missing which would make a secure installation. Personally I would prefer not to have the attic stair come tumbling down with me on it. Several houses we have inspected do not even have attic stairs, only bump out entry. Once in the attic many times the rafters are not properly supported. Attic ventilation is inadequate causing higher utility bills. The required walkways, access and maintenance platforms are often inadequate or omitted altogether. In some cases it would take a monkey to service an A/C unit or water heater.
   
6. Dryer vents are often longer than the code allows. In this case the dryer must run much longer and vents can become clogged. Not only will this add to that utility bill but it can become a real fire hazard.

Well, by now you get the general idea as to why new homes need inspecting, too.

All of these above and more are actual problems that we have personally found in many new homes we inspected.