Buying a new construction home feels like it should be worry-free. After all, everything’s new—what could possibly go wrong? A lot, actually. While new homes come with the appeal of modern layouts and clean finishes, they’re not immune to problems. In fact, some of the most common home issues show up in the first year after construction wraps up. Understanding where things tend to go sideways in new builds can save you from surprises down the road. If you’re looking into a new build for your next home, here are the most common new construction defects worth watching for.
Poor Drainage and Grading
One of the biggest—and most overlooked—issues with new construction is site grading. If the land around your home doesn’t slope away from the foundation, water can collect around the base. That leads to soggy yards, standing water near your slab or crawlspace, and even basement leaks. These drainage issues don’t always show up right away, especially if the build wraps up during dry weather. But once the first big rain hits, poor grading quickly reveals itself.
Foundation Cracks and Settlement
It’s easy to assume a brand-new foundation is flawless, but that’s not always true. Cracks in the foundation can appear within the first year due to settling, temperature changes, or poor soil prep. Some minor cracking is expected, but larger gaps, shifting, or vertical cracks that keep widening need attention. Builders often move fast to keep up with demand, and if the foundation work was rushed or the soil wasn’t compacted properly, the results can show up quickly.
HVAC Shortcuts
Heating and cooling systems in new homes should be efficient and well-designed. But when builders cut corners, you might end up with an HVAC system that’s too small (or too large) for the home. Poor duct layout is another common problem. That can lead to uneven temperatures from room to room or a system that constantly runs but never quite keeps up. Even brand-new systems can run poorly if the installation wasn’t done right.
Plumbing New Construction Defects
New plumbing doesn’t mean perfect plumbing. Common problems include loose or improperly installed fixtures, slow drains, and even leaks behind walls or under sinks. Sometimes the wrong materials are used in the wrong places, or the lines aren’t properly secured, which causes noise or stress on connections. These issues can slip through unnoticed during a quick builder walkthrough.
Electrical Mistakes
Electrical issues in new homes tend to pop up when corners are cut or details are missed. Outlets that don’t work, switches that control the wrong fixtures, or missing GFCI protection in kitchens and bathrooms are typical examples. Even though new homes are required to meet code, that doesn’t mean the work is flawless. Sometimes wires aren’t properly secured or connections are loose, which can become a safety issue over time.
Roofing and Siding Flaws
Just because the roof and siding are new doesn’t mean they’re problem-free. Flashing might be missing around key areas like chimneys and vents. Siding might not be sealed correctly around windows and doors. Perhaps the shingle installation was sloppy and rushed. These mistakes can lead to leaks, water damage, and expensive repairs later. You won’t always spot these issues right away—especially if the weather stays calm—but they’ll show up when conditions change.
Cosmetic New Construction Defects
Some of the most obvious defects are cosmetic. Uneven flooring, paint touch-ups that don’t match, poorly aligned trim, or visible drywall seams show up often in new homes. These may seem minor, but they’re frustrating to live with—especially when you’ve just moved into a “finished” house. Cosmetic flaws also give you a clue about the attention to detail during the rest of the build.
What You Can Do About It
Don’t assume a brand-new home is perfect just because it passed inspection by the city or county. Those inspections only cover code compliance, not quality or performance. A third-party home inspection is worth it—even on new construction. It gives you a chance to catch issues early and have the builder correct them while you’re still under warranty.
Most builders offer a one-year warranty, and some major systems are covered even longer. The key is documenting defects early and pushing for repairs before those warranties run out. If something doesn’t seem right, say something. Builders usually prioritize warranty claims from homeowners who speak up quickly and clearly.
FAQs on New Construction Defects
Do I still need a home inspection on a brand-new house?
Yes. A municipal inspection checks for code compliance, but an independent home inspector looks for workmanship issues, functional problems, and incomplete work that can easily slip through the cracks.
What’s the most common problem in new homes?
Drainage and grading problems are among the most common. If left uncorrected, water pooling near the foundation can cause serious long-term damage.
How long do I have to report defects to the builder?
Most builders offer a one-year workmanship warranty. However, structural issues and major systems may have longer coverage. Check your specific warranty paperwork to determine your exact deadlines.
Should I wait until the end of the first year to get a warranty inspection?
It’s better to schedule it a few months before the one-year mark. That gives you time to identify issues and get repairs done while you’re still covered.
Can I fix small defects myself instead of calling the builder?
You can, but it’s worth asking the builder to handle it if it should’ve been done right the first time. If you fix it yourself, you might void part of your warranty.
Overview Property Inspection offers home inspection services in Edmonton and the surrounding area. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.