How to Know If a New Home is Quality Constructed
Buying a new home is one of the most significant investments you’ll ever make. It’s crucial to ensure your new home is quality constructed to avoid costly repairs and safety hazards in the future. Follow these steps to determine if your new home is built to a high standard.
Check the Foundation
The foundation is the most crucial element of any building. In new home construction, it’s important to have a level foundation free of visible cracks or gaps. Check the concrete for stains, which could indicate water damage, and ensure the foundation has proper drainage to prevent moisture problems.
Examine the Walls
In a quality construction, the walls are straight and plumb. Examine both the interior and exterior walls for cracks or gaps. Inspect the drywall as well for signs of damage or unevenness. The walls should also be well-insulated for efficiency and sound dampening, which you can test by knocking on them. If you hear a hollow sound, this indicates low wall quality.
Inspect the Roof
The roof should be flawless to protect your home from inclement weather for the foreseeable future. Check the shingles for damage and make sure the flashing around the chimney, vents, and other roof protrusions are installed properly. Then, watch out for water stains on the ceiling, which indicate a leak.
Inspect the Electrical System
Electrical wiring and fixtures can pose safety hazards if not installed properly. Look for any exposed wiring or loose connections. Then, test all outlets, switches, fans, and lights to ensure they’re working correctly.
Check the Plumbing
Pipe leaks are a common new home construction problem, so be on the lookout for visible signs of water damage, such as water stains on the ceiling or walls. Turn on every faucet and showerhead and flush every toilet to ensure proper functionality. Then, open under-sink cabinets to check for water stains or dripping.
Look for High-End Materials
Quality construction incorporates durable, beautiful materials. Check the quality of the cabinets, countertops, and fixtures. Then, look for thin drywall, low-grade carpeting, and other inferior materials. Finally, watch out for scratches or dents that a clumsy crew may have left behind.
Assess the Workmanship
A well-constructed home has clean lines and seamless surfaces. Look for signs of shoddy workmanship, such as uneven floor tile, poorly fitted windows and doors, or gaps between walls and ceilings. Also, check the paintwork for drips, smudges, or uneven coverage. These defects could indicate that construction was rushed or not done to a high standard.
Partner with a Quality Custom Builder in Oklahoma City
Landmark Fine Homes is one of Oklahoma City’s premier custom home builders with a reputation for exceeding expectations. We offer a diversified product line of custom and pre-built homes, which we can construct in planned communities or on buyer-owned lots. Our knowledgeable, caring team has been building great homes for great people for over 20 years, and we would love to bring your vision to life! Call us today at 405.400.8616 or contact us online to learn more.
