Buying a home can be the single largest financial investment you will ever make. It’s a lifelong process, and of course, you want to get the most out of it.
It’s what you’ve been waiting and saving for: it’s time to buy a house! You’re leaning toward a new construction build—not only because you want to have a custom home crafted exactly as you desire, but also because you’ve heard that new construction properties don’t have as many problems as existing ones… Right? Well, not exactly.
In fact, according to a review of 10,000 structural claims presented to the National Association of Homebuilders by veteran risk manager Will Keaveny, 25% of all homes in the U.S. will suffer some type of structural defect in their lifetime—and that’s just one type of defect!
Here are 17 important new house construction problems for which all buyers should be on the lookout.
Outdoor Issues
1. Incorrectly applied siding
If stucco isn’t applied correctly, it might flake or “spall” off; you might also see cracks at window and door corners.
With wood siding, it may appear wavy, cracked, or swollen from moisture intrusion.
Look closely at where the siding meets trim around windows and doors, and inspect the trim itself for any signs of trouble.
2. Gaps and cracks in decks and patios
In a new build, gaps and cracks around decks, patios, and garages are a red flag.
Check where the deck or patio connects to the home—there shouldn’t be large gaps. Also inspect deck railings, outdoor stairs, walking surfaces like driveways and sidewalks, and garage floors.
Cracks in concrete could suggest soil issues or improper installation. Gaps between fixtures like doors, hose bibs, or pipes could mean potential water intrusion.
3. Cracks in sidewalks and driveways
Concrete expands and contracts with weather changes, and if it’s poured as one solid slab, it can easily crack.
Cracks might suggest soil problems or poor installation—things builders near you should be checking for and avoiding.
4. Grading and drainage issues
Water should always drain away from the house. Make sure gutters guide water clear of the foundation.
Many wet basement issues start with poor grading.
Siding should sit at least six inches above soil level, and grading should slope about four inches away from the house.
Even properly graded homes might need more dirt added after settling in the first few years. Wait on heavy landscaping until the house has settled enough to prevent drainage problems.
Indoor Issues
5. Cracks in drywall
Lumber shrinks as it dries out. The average moisture content in residential lumber drops from 19% to around 9% after one heating season, causing small cracks in the drywall.
Builders usually include a one-year warranty for this reason—so you can fix these cracks once the shrinking stops.
6. Nail pops
As lumber shrinks, it can push drywall nails out, creating small, tent-shaped bumps near corners.
You’ll need to push the nail back in, add new compound, sand it down, and repaint.
7. Truss rise
During winter, the top of your roof truss is colder than the bottom, which is inside your insulated home. This temperature difference can make the truss warp and rise.
Cracks near the ceiling are a common result.
In most homes, this happens only once, but in 20% of cases, it repeats annually—requiring molding to hide the recurring joint gap.
8. Humidity inside the house
Moisture from framing lumber often collects on cool surfaces like windows and walls.
Without proper insulation, water can drip into structural parts and promote rot or mold. This is something any of the builders near me should proactively prevent.
9. Flooring issues
Water seepage or poor workmanship can ruin flooring. Improper prep (like not cleaning off glue or nails) can shorten flooring life.
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Tile cracks might be caused by soil movement or water under the foundation.
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Uneven wood floors can result from rushed installation or poor materials.
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Cracks between boards are often a result of installing during humid weather.
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Curling linoleum is another sign of underlying moisture problems.
Water Issues
10. Wet basements or crawl spaces
A staggering 98% of basements experience water issues.
Runoff from the roof is a common cause, especially if gutters are clogged. Keep them clean to protect your foundation.
11. Doors sticking shut
This might be due to moisture-swollen wood or a settling foundation.
If doors that used to swing easily now stick, it’s time to inspect your home for drainage and basement moisture.
12. Water stains around windows and doors
These can be caused by leaks in flashing, insulation, or caulking. Moisture can seep through, staining walls and feeding mold.
13. Condensation between window panes
If you see moisture between panes, the seal might be broken. This allows condensation to build up, especially if the desiccant is saturated.
14. Water under sinks
Check for leaks in the rim, drain, or supply pipes. Fixing leaks early prevents mold, rot, and further water damage.
Other Issues
15. Cheap appliances
Sometimes builders install low-end appliances. Review your paperwork and talk to your agent.
If upgrades aren’t included, ask about your options—or upgrade later once your finances settle.
16. Not enough wiring
Some builders install only the bare minimum wiring. If you’re planning on using lots of devices, this can be a problem.
Check in early with your builder and electrician to make sure your home is ready.
17. No garage insulation
This might not be standard in all areas, but garage insulation can make a big difference in comfort.
If it’s something you expected and didn’t get, it’s worth bringing up before closing.
There’s a problem—what do I do?
Running into issues in a new home can feel overwhelming. But most builders include a one-year limited warranty, covering labor, materials, systems, and even structural issues.
Always confirm what’s included—or consider purchasing coverage if it’s not offered.
‘Inspect what you expect’
A warranty is great, but it’s no substitute for a home inspection.
Builders near you often encourage buyers to get one, and for good reason. An inspection (averaging $315) can reveal structural concerns early—things like settlement, crown molding misalignment, or wall cracks.
Don’t rely on looks alone—call in an inspector or even a structural engineer if needed.
What to Look for in a Home Contractor
You’re searching for builders near me, and dozens of names pop up. So how do you know which builder is worth trusting?
Here are the 7 essential qualities of a great home contractor:
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Experience – Look for a proven track record. Ask for references and check their work.
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Good communication – You need someone responsive and clear, especially during unexpected issues.
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Integrity – They should be transparent, fair, and accountable.
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Cooperation – A smooth build requires collaboration with teams, subcontractors, and clients.
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Flexibility – Builders must be able to adapt when delays or changes arise.
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Proper licensing – Always verify that your builder is fully licensed and insured.
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Humility – Good contractors own their mistakes and prioritize your satisfaction.
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