Craftsmanship

Where has it gone?

            Are you building a new home, adding on to your existing one or just having some major home improvements completed?   Have you taken an in-depth look at the quality of construction in today’s homes?  They may be large, have intricate trim details, contain fancy cabinets, granite counter tops, and hardwood floors.  However, the overall craftsmanship is often missing.  Craftsmanship is defined as the act of practicing a craft with great skill.  Over time, home owners will have to spend additional money to correct and address the issues caused by the lack of craftsmanship in today’s home construction.    

          The construction of a home begins with the foundation.  Then a framework of wooden components is assembled to define the overall architectural appearance of the dwelling.  This is where the craftsmanship must begin!  If the foundation is not properly installed or shortcuts are taken in the construction of the framework, problems will eventually begin to arise.  Problems that might arise include poor drainage which can cause water infiltration in the basement or notching of engineered lumber causing it to fail pre-maturely.  These effects might not be noticeable today, or even next month, but their causes are most likely present and the effects will, in time, show up.

          Are the exterior finish materials installed correctly?  Will they properly drain infiltrated water to the exterior of the house?  Experience tells me most are not; at least not when it comes to following manufacturer’s installations specifications and local building code requirements.  Today’s exterior finishes rely heavily on engineered materials for siding, trim, and soffit.  These materials carry very good warranties when correctly installed.  All too often the installation instructions have not been followed, thus voiding any available manufacturer’s warranty.  Improperly installed materials consist of missing flashing, inadequate clearances between roof surfaces and trim boards, wrong fasteners used, and improper application of sealant.  Due to these and other poor installation practices and therefore a voided warranty, the home owner will be required to pay once more to have these areas corrected when they ultimately fail.

          What about your windows?  Major window manufacturers also have impressive warranties; however, the windows must be installed per the installation instructions.  In my experience, it is exceptionally rare to see homes with properly installed windows.  Poor window installation again starts with not following the installation instructions, which direct the installer on where and how flashing and sealant should be installed or applied.  When improperly installed, it is only a matter of time until your windows will leak.  If the proper flashing and sealant has been applied, any leakage should be directed to the exterior of the home, thus protecting the framing members and exterior trim components.  Windows only 10 years old often require replacement due to poor installation.

          Is anyone watching the craftsmanship in home construction today?  Local building inspectors are authorized and directed to enforce the building codes, the purpose of which is: to provide the minimum requirements to safeguard the public, health, safety, and general welfare, through affordability, structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation, light and ventilation, energy conservation and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment[i].  The building code is the minimum standard to which a building or structure shall be constructed.  When there is any discrepancy between the manufacturer’s installation instructions and the local building code, the more restrictive application should apply.  Unfortunately, I have seen numerous homes where the building code and manufacturer’s installation instructions were not followed in some aspect.  When builders are confronted about not following the manufacturer’s instructions in an installation, a common reply is: “We don’t do it that way on our houses” or “we have never had a problem with that installation method”.  Such attitudes subvert the intent of installation instructions, void the warranty, and contribute to poor craftsmanship in today’s home building. 

          In a time when even  maintaining the value of your property is a struggle, shouldn’t your home be built at least to the minimum standard available or better yet built to the superior standard recommend by material manufacturers?  This would give you a fighting chance at maintaining your home with minimal cost over the upcoming years.  Don’t jeopardize the investment you have made in your new home with poor craftsmanship.  Consider using a private consultant to look out for your investment and to safeguard your next building project or home remodel.

            Have you made your list?  Have you located everything that needs corrected?  Did you go into the attic, or under the house?  How about across the roof top?  If you have not looked in all of these areas you may be missing something. Something that is in need of repair, something the builder missed, or something the builder just did not execute correctly.

          Todays’ quality of construction is far less than stellar. With your warranty expiring soon you may want to consider hiring a professional to review your home, your largest investment.

          I find issues and concerns in every house I inspect.  Some call it “nit-picky”; I just call it doing my job.  These issues and concerns range from small items that can easily be repaired to large items that are a challenge to address and can affect the long term integrity of the structure.  Wouldn’t you rather find these items today while your home is still under warranty and have the builder address them; than wait till it is time to sell and have them come up during the pre-purchase inspection?

          My inspection of your home is based on my many years in the construction industry as well as professional inspection experience.  I reference the current building codes, which is the minimum standard of construction, as well as many manufacturers’ installation manuals, when available, to ensure your building materials and components are installed in the best manner.  

          So, how about having a professional home inspector perform a pre-warranty inspection to highlight and bring forth areas of concern?  My reports are custom written just for you,and include color photos of the concerns that I recommend you have addressed. 

Countryside Inspecting & Consulting, Inc.

317-432-3570.....inspectorbryan@gmail.com