Three Types of Problems Found in New Construction Homes in Sussex & Kent County Delaware in 2025

If you’re building a new home in southern Delaware, an impartial inspection by a licensed home inspector is a smart move if you don’t want to face costly corrections later when the warranty has long since expired. These are the top three types of defects found in area homes we’ve inspected in 2025. 

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Significant structural damage to framing in attics, basements, and crawlspaces

Unaddressed damage or improper repairs to structural framing are found on many builds. Note that all structural defects must be called out by a licensed home inspector and that these defects will likely threaten buyer financing and could result in costly repairs when it comes time to sell. There is a strong incentive to install damaged engineered building components, such as trusses or I-joists, because of the difficulty and cost involved in obtaining timely replacements. Most manufacturers will include technical bulletins to address common damages on a job site and some builders will obtain local engineering specifications to document repairs. Unfortunately, it is extremely rare that we find these repairs are done properly—even in cases where the required documentation is affixed to the repaired area. Getting someone to check on the work who has experience in reading these technical specifications and properly effecting these repairs will save you headaches and expense.

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Improperly installed components and appliances

Undercabinet mounted sinks should be held in place by manufacturer’s clips, particularly in stone countertops. We frequently see improvised support made of scrap materials and using incorrect fasteners. Tankless water heater installations are frequently not in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and IFGC/UPC/IMC regulations (improper venting and installation of gas line sediment traps/bonding clamps are the most common defects). Interior hollow core door slabs are frequently left with the tops and bottoms unsealed/unpainted—usually voiding the manufacturer’s warranty if not addressed. Dishwasher mounts are not properly installed, leading to base cabinet or countertop damage. Wall cabinet shelving is missing or is missing support clips. Rooftop vents are not connected to exhaust fans or clothes dryer ducts, etc.

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Improper installation or missing areas of insulation or fire blocking sealant in the attic or crawlspace

Most area attics on new construction homes are passively ventilated, which only works if air flow is unobstructed from the soffits to the ridge vents. We commonly see soffit vents closed off or completely covered with blow-in insulation. This creates excessive humidity in the attic and leads to microbial growth, fastener corrosion, and premature wear of building materials. We have also found numerous cases of hard-to-access ceiling or upper-level exterior facing wall areas that have no insulation at all. Fire stop foam or sealant for walls, subflooring, and ceilings is often gapped or completely missing, and, in some cases, the wrong type of sealant is installed (not suitable for fire safety). Finally, it's common to see areas of displaced or severely compressed insulation in attics that have had follow-on service work. Left unaddressed, these areas will contribute to potentially significant energy losses over time.

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Our Certified Master Inspector is also New Residential Structure (NRS) certified and has decades of construction experience.

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We know what to look for when evaluating a newly built home and can save an owner a good deal of grief in identifying defects and errors before the builder’s warranty expires. You need an independent, knowledgeable inspection of any new construction home in Delaware, please give us a call to schedule at least a couple of months before your builder’s warranty is up.