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Judging Construction Before Buying

Beyond the basics of grading, foundation and floors, and walls and roofs, there are a host of smaller - but still essential - elements to inspect.

A house has an amazing number of distinct systems: electrical, plumbing, insulation, siding and/or paint, air conditioning and heating, windows and doors and several others. If defective, or poorly built or installed, headaches can run from expensive repairs to life-threatening conditions.

Even those without expert knowledge of home construction can learn some simple guidelines to reassure themselves that the home they're buying has been made well. Always get a professional inspection, but go one step further and get that added confidence that comes from seeing for yourself.

Whenever possible take advantage of viewing the house during construction.

Insurance regulations will often forbid anyone but licensed professionals from seeing the house during working hours. But carpenters and other home-building professionals start early and leave in the afternoon when there is usually still daylight. Take a little trip and look around.

Don't make a pest of yourself or try to confront the contractor when you think you see something done wrong. Polite questions are ok, but angry accusations generally have the opposite of the desired effect. Use an intermediary to express your concerns.

At various stages, look for electrical systems that are designed to carry the appropriate amount of current and if needed, 220 volt outlets for your needs. Most homebuilders are honest, but sometimes they shave costs by installing circuit breakers and other components that are lower rated than you might need.

Perform some simple arithmetic by adding up all the wattage for computers, appliances, etc that you expect to have. Increase the amount by at least 30%, then divide up among the different circuits in the house.

Check to ensure that insulation isn't lying against sharp metal edges. Even though the wiring is stationary, insects and rodents can chew through these and expose the wire, producing a short.

Check the plumbing to ensure that pipes are routed in a way that will make later replacement and/or repair as simple and low-cost as possible. If the house is already constructed or far along, there's little you can do to change it, but it's always best to know.

If construction has reached the stage where running water is available, check for leaks. It's not unheard of for even brand new homes to have second floor toilets or sinks that leak water down the insides of walls. Though it's unpleasant to have to make other living arrangements or argue with homebuilders, it's better to know before you move in.

At the later stages, windows and doors will be placed in frames. Both are generally made very precisely by manufacturers in standard sizes. But frames, sometimes unfortunately, are always hand made and can be out-of-square and even have the wrong dimensions.

Take a measuring tape and a T-square. Measure some frames to ensure they're standard sizes. You'll want later to be able to buy shades that fit properly. If the windows and doors are in place, check that there are no air gaps.

Most homes are well-constructed by honest, highly competent professionals with years of experience. But, occasionally, you'll find a job where costs have been shaved or the workmanship isn't up to par. Don't be shy about protecting what in most cases is your largest investment, not to mention your future home.