Common Problems with Newly Built Homes in Colorado
Buying a newly constructed home should mean fewer problems, not more. Unfortunately, homeowners sometimes discover poor workmanship, incomplete construction, drainage problems, foundation movement, defective windows and doors, concrete cracking, flooring problems, or HVAC issues shortly after moving in.
Many new homes are built on tight schedules with work performed by numerous subcontractors. When trades are not properly coordinated or supervised, construction defects can be missed until after the homeowner takes possession.
Some problems may be covered by a builder warranty, while others may involve claims for defective workmanship, breach of contract, breach of warranty, or construction defects under Colorado law.
If problems begin appearing in a new home, document them carefully and give the builder written notice before conditions worsen or repairs alter the evidence.
Common New Home Construction Defects in Colorado
Improper Grading and Drainage Can Damage a New Home
Proper grading and drainage are a necessity to ensure that water does not seep around the foundation and cause water damage.
This is especially problematic if your home was constructed on “expansive soils.” The water not properly draining off your property can cause the soils under your home to heave or settle when exposed to water. This will cause damage to your foundation, concrete slabs, while will lead to damage to your interior. You really need to look out for negative drainage and uneven surfaces. Also, it’s important to make sure your gutters and downspouts are installed and working properly. You don’t want the builder to turn around and blame you for allowing water to infiltrate the soils near your foundation.
Doors and Windows That Do Not Close Properly May Signal Structural Movement
Or otherwise fail to close properly, even in a newly-built home. In some cases, like exterior doors or windows, this can be an expensive fix.
You should keep in mind that doors or windows that don’t open or close properly could be a sign that you have foundation movement or other structural movement. If you have problems opening doors and windows, and you also have cracking starting to appear in your drywall, you should pay close to attention whether your home might be experiencing movement. This may be a very expensive fix. You should consult a construction defect lawyer for advice.
Expansive Soils and Foundation Damage in Colorado
These soils are fine-grained clay minerals. They have the unique ability to absorb relatively large volumes of water and therefore expand. The extent of expansion is influenced by the percentage and type of clay mineral present and the amount of water available for absorption.
When expansive soils are subject to a water, they can expand. Clay minerals with expansive properties are prone to an increase or decrease in volume depending upon the relative change in water content of the soil.
Over time and without due consideration for the shrink-swell potential of a soil, structures built on or in close proximity to expansive soils are prone to damage from movement as the water content of the soil increases or decreases. You do not want to be left holding the bag trying to repair a home damaged by expansive soils.
When Are Concrete Cracks a Construction Defect?
Improperly-mixed concrete with high water content may develop shrinkage cracks over time, which may not be readily apparent at first glance. These cracks are usually not structural; however, it gives an entrance point for water to seep into the concrete. As the water freezes, it can widen these gaps and lead to sagging and heaving. These cracks should be fixed or at a minimum sealed when they are present in driveways and walkways.
Cracks in interior basement slabs or garage slabs should be inspected for potential movement of the slabs.
Gaps in flooring material can be caused by improper installation
But also because of moisture fluctuations in the home – and large gaps may be difficult to fix. As the wood expands and contracts, movement occurs. The original cause may have been not allowing the wood flooring to acclimate to the environment prior to installation.
Fast moving production schedules can lead to short cuts being taken with the impact not seen for months after move in as the flooring material acclimates to the installed location.
This can be a serious problem.
Proper grading and drainage are a necessity to ensure that water does not seep around the foundation and cause water damage.
This is especially problematic if your home was constructed on “expansive soils.” The water not properly draining off your property can cause the soils under your home to heave or settle when exposed to water. This will cause damage to your foundation, concrete slabs, while will lead to damage to your interior. You really need to look out for negative drainage and uneven surfaces. Also, it’s important to make sure your gutters and downspouts are installed and working properly. You don’t want the builder to turn around and blame you for allowing water to infiltrate the soils near your foundation.
If they’re not installed properly, your doors or windows may have gaps, be crooked.
Or otherwise fail to close properly, even in a newly-built home. In some cases, like exterior doors or windows, this can be an expensive fix.
You should keep in mind that doors or windows that don’t open or close properly could be a sign that you have foundation movement or other structural movement. If you have problems opening doors and windows, and you also have cracking starting to appear in your drywall, you should pay close to attention whether your home might be experiencing movement. This may be a very expensive fix. You should consult a construction defect lawyer for advice.
Expansive soils, also known as soils with high shrink-swell potential, are common in Colorado.
These soils are fine-grained clay minerals. They have the unique ability to absorb relatively large volumes of water and therefore expand. The extent of expansion is influenced by the percentage and type of clay mineral present and the amount of water available for absorption.
When expansive soils are subject to a water, they can expand. Clay minerals with expansive properties are prone to an increase or decrease in volume depending upon the relative change in water content of the soil.
Over time and without due consideration for the shrink-swell potential of a soil, structures built on or in close proximity to expansive soils are prone to damage from movement as the water content of the soil increases or decreases. You do not want to be left holding the bag trying to repair a home damaged by expansive soils.
Contractors love telling homeowners that concrete just cracks and not to worry about it.
Improperly-mixed concrete with high water content may develop shrinkage cracks over time, which may not be readily apparent at first glance. These cracks are usually not structural; however, it gives an entrance point for water to seep into the concrete. As the water freezes, it can widen these gaps and lead to sagging and heaving. These cracks should be fixed or at a minimum sealed when they are present in driveways and walkways.
Cracks in interior basement slabs or garage slabs should be inspected for potential movement of the slabs.
Gaps in flooring material can be caused by improper installation.
But also because of moisture fluctuations in the home – and large gaps may be difficult to fix. As the wood expands and contracts, movement occurs. The original cause may have been not allowing the wood flooring to acclimate to the environment prior to installation.
Fast moving production schedules can lead to short cuts being taken with the impact not seen for months after move in as the flooring material acclimates to the installed location.
Incomplete construction
New homes are often built under tight construction schedules. In some cases, items may be left incomplete, improperly installed, or missed during final inspections.
Homeowners should carefully document unfinished work during walkthroughs and warranty periods, including problems with trim, roofing, siding, drainage, concrete, electrical systems, plumbing, and other building components.
Municipal inspections do not necessarily identify every workmanship or construction-defect issue, so a passing inspection does not always mean that all work was properly completed.
HVAC Problems in New Construction Homes
Improperly installed heating and air conditioning can be costly. You need to try and get your builder to fix these issues for you while they are under warranty.
