Top 10 Inspection Issues with New Construction Homes in Van Alstyne, TX – Tips from a Local New Construction Expert
- Nitin Gupta, CRS, REALTOR
- Feb 4
- 5 min read
Van Alstyne, Texas, is quickly becoming a popular destination for families and professionals seeking new construction homes in a charming small-town setting with modern amenities. However, even newly built homes can present issues due to tight timelines and construction oversights. A professional home inspection is essential to ensure your investment is protected. Here are the top 10 inspection issues commonly found in new construction homes in Van Alstyne, TX, and tips to handle them.
1. Foundation Problems
What to Look For
Cracks in the foundation or uneven floors.
Doors and windows that stick or don’t close properly.
Why It Happens
Van Alstyne’s expansive clay soil can shift and expand, leading to foundation problems if the soil isn’t properly prepared.
Tip
Hire a structural engineer to inspect the foundation and ensure it complies with Texas building standards.
2. Roofing Issues
What to Look For
Missing or improperly installed shingles.
Poor flashing around vents, chimneys, or skylights.
Why It Happens
Roofing may be rushed to meet construction deadlines or impacted by adverse weather.
Tip
Request a professional roof inspection to ensure proper installation and prevent potential leaks.
3. Plumbing Defects
What to Look For
Leaks under sinks or visible plumbing connections.
Inconsistent water pressure or slow drainage.
Why It Happens
Plumbing systems may not be adequately tested before the home is completed.
Tip
Test all faucets, toilets, and drains during your walkthrough, and hire a licensed plumber to inspect for hidden issues.
4. Electrical Problems
What to Look For
Missing outlet covers, non-functional outlets, or improperly grounded wiring.
Circuit breakers that frequently trip.
Why It Happens
Electrical systems may be incomplete or improperly installed during the construction process.
Tip
Hire a licensed electrician to inspect the panel, outlets, and wiring to ensure safety and compliance with local codes.
5. HVAC System Concerns
What to Look For
Uneven heating or cooling across rooms.
Leaky or improperly sealed ductwork.
Why It Happens
HVAC systems may not be calibrated correctly or tested thoroughly.
Tip
Have an HVAC specialist inspect the system to ensure it’s sized appropriately for the home and functioning efficiently.
6. Insulation and Air Sealing Issues
What to Look For
Missing or uneven insulation in walls and attics.
Drafts around windows, doors, or outlets.
Why It Happens
Insulation can be poorly installed or skipped during the final stages of construction.
Tip
Verify that the home meets energy efficiency standards and consider a blower door test to identify air leaks.
7. Poor Grading and Drainage
What to Look For
Water pooling near the foundation or in the yard after rain.
Grading that directs water toward the home instead of away.
Why It Happens
Improper grading during lot preparation can lead to drainage problems.
Tip
Check the grading around the home and ask the builder to correct any areas prone to water pooling.
8. Doors and Windows
What to Look For
Misaligned doors and windows that don’t open or close smoothly.
Gaps or drafts around frames allowing water or air infiltration.
Why It Happens
Rushed installations or settling during construction can lead to alignment problems.
Tip
Test all doors and windows for smooth operation and proper sealing during your walkthrough.
9. Cosmetic Issues
What to Look For
Uneven paint, scratches on flooring or countertops, and poorly installed trim.
Misaligned cabinetry or gaps between fixtures.
Why It Happens
Builders often prioritize speed over attention to detail during the finishing phase.
Tip
Document any cosmetic flaws during your final walkthrough, and ensure they’re corrected before closing.
10. Appliances and Fixtures
What to Look For
Non-functional or improperly installed appliances.
Leaks or loose connections in sinks, showers, or tubs.
Why It Happens
Builders may not thoroughly test appliances and fixtures before turnover.
Tip
Test all appliances and fixtures to confirm they are properly installed and operational.
Why Inspections Are Necessary for New Construction Homes
Even though new construction homes in Van Alstyne are built to modern standards, mistakes can still happen. An inspection ensures any issues are identified and resolved before you take ownership, saving you time, money, and stress.
How a Real Estate Agent Can Help in Van Alstyne
Recommend Reliable Inspectors: A local real estate agent can connect you with experienced home inspectors who specialize in new construction.
Negotiate Repairs: If issues are discovered, your agent will work with the builder to ensure they are promptly addressed.
Streamline the Process: From walkthroughs to closing, your agent ensures a seamless experience and protects your interests.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your New Home Investment in Van Alstyne
New construction homes in Van Alstyne, TX, offer a wonderful opportunity to enjoy modern amenities in a growing community. However, an inspection is a critical step in ensuring the quality and longevity of your home. With proper preparation and guidance from a knowledgeable real estate expert, you can confidently navigate the process and enjoy your dream home.
Call us at 469-269-6541 for more information about Van Alstyne real estate!
About us: Van Alstyne New Construction Expert Real Estate Agent
As a Top Real Estate Professional in Van Alstyne, 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 Van Alstyne 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 Van Alstyne looking to buy a home in Fields or whether you are relocating to Van Alstyne 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 Van Alstyne. 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 Van Alstyne? 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.
