More examples of why a Professional Home Inspector is needed for any New Home and again within one (1) year for New Home Warranty Inspection for defects to be documented before your Warranty runs out.
Another new House (“high-end”) – Plumber neglected to remember to remove the test-cap on this plumbing stack and so drains from sinks, showers, etc. will not properly drain! The City officials will not even go up on a roof. Their overview is limited to a relatively casual look-around to only check for Building Code violations (“minimum standard”). Although it is hard to see in this photo, the rubber flashing the plumbing stack protrudes through is also torn and must now be replaced (un-shingle, remove old flashing, install new and re-shingle) as it is LEAKING…
This is an apparent attempted ‘home-made’ balcony guardrail – 2 stories up, over a steep drop-off at the rear of the home. This is a serious and dangerous ‘accident-waiting-to-happen’ issue ! The roofing nails used are not even long enough to penetrate the ¾” thick stucco finish into solid framing and so there is just no holding power; this would detach with even a very light amount of pressure applied (obviously not a professional job). Normal guardrail requirement is to withstand up to 250 pounds of body weight applied against this, from left to right (want to try it ?)
Let’s see now: cover plate is attached to the electrical box, the receptacle is also attached to the electrical box, but what about attaching the electrical box to the wall framing??? Just a ‘slight’ annoyance when you’re trying to get out-the-door in the morning…
This pretty shot is of another new home – when the Jacuzzi tub upstairs was being tested, the kitchen ceiling became soaked and began to drip… Obviously – once again – no quality-control at all ! The Client wanted to “run-away” immediately.
Yet another ‘new’ home; this floor joist has been so badly compromised and weakened, a structural repair is required (no wonder so many plumbers are known as ‘wood-butchers’). There is so little strength left is this structural framing member, they might as well have just notched the hole out (easier than coring-through). Did the City inspector catch this ? Obviously not, as the final occupancy permit had been issued and the file ‘closed’…
Incorrect installation of dryer vent, with “duct tape” peeling off with the heat from dryer, within a very short while, and venting into attic. Look out wood -rot and MOLD from all the moisture.
The TEAM of Home and Building Specialists.
Duxbury & Associates-Building Inspection and Consulting Ltd
“Uncovering Tomorrow’s Surprises, TODAY !”
604 524-2502