In Ireland, we seem to have a bit of an obsession with buying new homes. There are a lot of reasons for this, the quality, location, and even availability. But one of the top reasons new build homes are so highly desired is that they are supposed to be in excellent condition when purchased, essentially defect free.
When you buy a new build home the process should be relatively worry free, but as professional engineers providing snag list inspections in Cork City and beyond, we see a surprising number of hidden problems in new build homes. We’ve gone ahead and compiled a list of the most common issues with new builds that we encounter to help you know what to look out for when you are buying a new home.
Cosmetic vs. Structural Defects
You don’t need to be a member of Engineers Ireland like our team at BCE in order to notice some of the most common new build defects as most of these are simple cosmetic issues. But when it comes to structural issues, that’s when you’ll be glad that you hired a professional engineer to conduct a snag list on your property.
Common cosmetic issues are easy to spot. They include issues like poor plastering, cracked tiles in your new bathroom or kitchen, and paint defects like splatters or paint marks in odd places. These new build defects are both easy to spot and simple to rectify. However, when it comes to identifying structural issues, you will need the assistance of a qualified engineer.
Common structural issues include problems such as cracks caused by subsidence, uneven flooring, and misaligned roof installation. Subsidence is an especially common issue in places like Cork and Dublin where homes are built on clay-rich soil. This is one of the many reasons why it is imperative to commission a topographic survey before you begin a building project to help mitigate these sorts of issues in the future.
Plumbing & Heating Problems
Plumbing and heating issues are surprisingly common defects in new build homes. Plumbing issues appear in the form of poor water pressure and leaks. Hidden leaks are particularly insidious as if left unchecked, they can cause serious issues with the structural integrity of your home not to mention health problems caused by mould growth and damp.
Without a snag list survey, heating issues can often go undetected until the colder months when the heating is first turned on. At that point, your new home is not heating up properly when you need it to most. Luckily, these new home issues are all fairly simple fixes if caught early.
Electrical Defects
Electrical defects in new build homes can be easy for buyers to miss as they are often only discovered by homeowners after they have settled into a home. Professional consulting engineers know to look out for loose fittings, poor socket placement, and perhaps most importantly, the lack of professional electrical certification.
All electrical works completed in Irish homes and businesses must be carried out by electricians certified by Safe Electric Ireland. In addition to this, there are multiple certifications that new build homes must have to make sure that they comply with electrical and safety standards. These include certificates like the Electrical Installation Completion Certificate (EIRC), which certifies that the electrical works in a home have been completed up to code, and the property is now safe to connect with a Distribution System Operator Network.
Compliance here is imperative not only for the safety of your new home and its inhabitants but also for insurance purposes. If there are any electrical issues in your home and it is discovered that these certificates are missing, your home insurance will most likely be null and void.
Energy Efficiency & Ventilation Issues
Missing insulation is a very common issue we find in new builds and is something that is so easy for new homeowners and construction teams to miss. The only thing worse than finding an insulation issue in a snag list inspection is forgoing the inspection entirely and going years without realising that your home is not properly insulated. Insulation issues can cause high utility bills and cold spots around the home. Gaps in insulation are most commonly found in the attic or around attic hatches, windows, or pipework.
Not only does missing or poorly installed insulation cause heat loss reducing the energy efficiency of your home, but it can also ventilation issues which can cause damp. This leads to mould growth, and if left long enough, can even go so far as to cause structural issues in your home.
Conclusion
Just because you are purchasing a brand-new home doesn’t mean that you are purchasing a home without issues. Things can go awry in the building process which is why it is important to get an experienced engineer to inspect the property before you move in to catch any issues that may have been overlooked.
If you are moving in to a new build home, a professional snag list inspection can give you the peace of mind that your home is safe, compliant, and finished to a high standard. Get in contact today with our team at BCE to book.
Recent Comments