McKinney, Texas, with its thriving economy and family-friendly charm, is one of the most sought-after destinations for new construction homes. While new builds offer modern designs and updated features, they’re not immune to issues that arise during the construction process. A professional inspection is crucial to ensure your investment is protected. As a McKinney new construction expert, here are the top 10 inspection issues buyers often encounter and how to handle them.
1. Foundation Problems
What to Look For
Cracks in the foundation or uneven flooring.
Signs of settling, such as doors and windows that don’t close properly.
Why It Happens
North Texas’s expansive clay soil and improper preparation during construction can cause foundation issues.
Tip
Request a structural engineer’s inspection to confirm the foundation’s stability and compliance with local standards.
2. Roofing Issues
What to Look For
Missing or poorly installed shingles.
Insufficient flashing around chimneys, vents, or skylights.
Why It Happens
Tight deadlines and weather conditions during construction can lead to rushed installations.
Tip
Have a roofing professional inspect for proper installation and potential water intrusion points.
3. Plumbing Defects
What to Look For
Leaky pipes or loose fixtures.
Inconsistent water pressure or slow drainage.
Why It Happens
Plumbing installations may be rushed or poorly tested during construction.
Tip
Run all faucets, flush toilets, and check under sinks for leaks or weak connections during your inspection.
4. Electrical Problems
What to Look For
Missing outlet covers, improper grounding, or overloaded circuits.
Breakers that trip frequently.
Why It Happens
Incomplete or improperly installed electrical systems are common with fast-paced construction.
Tip
Hire a licensed electrician to verify that the electrical system meets safety standards and local codes.
5. HVAC System Concerns
What to Look For
Uneven heating or cooling in different parts of the home.
Leaks or poorly sealed ductwork.
Why It Happens
HVAC systems are sometimes installed incorrectly or not optimized for the home’s layout.
Tip
Have an HVAC professional inspect the system for proper functionality and energy efficiency.
6. Insulation and Air Sealing
What to Look For
Missing or uneven insulation in walls and attics.
Drafts around doors, windows, or electrical outlets.
Why It Happens
Insulation may be overlooked during the final stages of construction.
Tip
Confirm that the home meets energy efficiency standards and conduct a blower door test to detect air leaks.
7. Poor Grading and Drainage
What to Look For
Water pooling near the foundation or in the yard after rain.
Grading that slopes toward the house instead of away from it.
Why It Happens
Improper lot preparation can lead to drainage issues and potential water damage.
Tip
Check the grading around the home and ask the builder to address any problem areas.
8. Doors and Windows
What to Look For
Misaligned doors or windows that are difficult to open or close.
Gaps or drafts around frames.
Why It Happens
Settling or rushed installation can lead to alignment problems.
Tip
Test every door and window for smooth operation and proper sealing during your walkthrough.
9. Cosmetic Flaws
What to Look For
Uneven paint, scratches on countertops, or poorly installed flooring.
Imperfections in cabinetry, trim, or light fixtures.
Why It Happens
Final details may be rushed or overlooked to meet construction deadlines.
Tip
Document all cosmetic issues during your final walkthrough and ensure they’re corrected before closing.
10. Appliances and Fixtures
What to Look For
Non-functioning appliances or improperly installed fixtures.
Leaking sinks, showers, or tubs.
Why It Happens
Builders may not thoroughly test appliances and fixtures before delivery.
Tip
Test all appliances and fixtures during your inspection to ensure they’re correctly installed and operational.
Why You Need an Inspection for New Construction Homes
Many buyers assume that new construction homes are flawless, but issues can still arise due to tight timelines, material shortages, or contractor errors. A professional inspection ensures these problems are addressed before you move in.
How a McKinney Real Estate Agent Can Help
Recommend Reliable Inspectors: Your agent can connect you with experienced inspectors familiar with local construction practices.
Advocate for Repairs: If inspection issues arise, your agent will work with the builder to ensure they’re resolved before closing.
Streamline the Process: From the initial walkthrough to final negotiations, your agent will guide you every step of the way.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Investment
New construction homes in McKinney, TX, offer modern features and family-friendly communities, but inspections are essential to ensure quality and peace of mind. With the right preparation and guidance from a local real estate expert, you can confidently navigate the buying process and enjoy your dream home.
Call us at 469-269-6541 for more information about McKinney real estate!
About us: McKinney New Construction Expert Real Estate Agent
As a Top Real Estate Professional in McKinney, I understand the challenges that arise when buying a new construction home. There are over 100 builders in the DFW area. I work with most of the new home builders in McKinney and understand how various builders operate. I am familiar with the options they offer, current incentives and I frequently visit the upcoming communities they are building. I guide my clients through all steps of the new home construction process and aggressively protect their interests in the transaction.
As a holder of top real estate industry certifications and designations like CRS, ABR & GRI, I can offer my clients experience as a Buyer's Agent and REALTOR®, top Industry Customer Service, in-depth, up-to-the-minute and comprehensive market knowledge; honesty, integrity, dedication, and professionalism in my business.
Whether you are a first time buyer in McKinney looking to buy a home in Fields or whether you are relocating to McKinney from California or moving your entire family from areas like San Francisco, Fremont, Palo Alto, Los Angeles, San Diego in California due to job transfer with your company, I can help you find a new construction home in Fields in McKinney. Our relocation team eases the transition - whether you are moving across town or across the globe. We will work with you to find an area that best suits your professional, family and lifestyle needs. We have all the tools you need to help your home search. Whether it is video previews of homes, extended work hours, digital signatures for documents or more, we can make this process as comfortable as possible no matter where you are located.
What is most important to you in your new construction home in Fields in McKinney? Send us an email at info@NitinGuptaDFW.com or give us a call at (469) 269-6541 to schedule a no obligation consultation. We’ll give you honest advice about Fields community that you can use to help make your home buying decision.
