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3 Ways Some Custom Home Builders Cut Corners

Posted on: August 19, 2013

If you're planning on having a home built, it's important to understand that not all builders hold themselves to the same standards. To get an idea of some of the ways homebuilders may cut corners, let's go over three different examples right now:

Pressuring Buyers Not to Use Their Own Inspectors 

Different phases of a construction project have to by signed off by a municipal building department. What many people who are having homes built don't realize is a public inspector's job is simply to confirm that a home is built to code and safe to live in. This specific inspector's job isn't to thoroughly evaluate the quality of construction.

Because a basic inspection doesn't really tell the whole story, savvy customers of homebuilders often hire their own inspectors to do a more detailed evaluation. However, if a builder knows they've cut corners, they may try to persuade their customers not to have that type of inspection done. The best way to avoid this type of builder is to bring up inspections during your initial meetings. If they quickly try to steer you away from that topic, it's likely a sign that they're not the builder you want to hire.

Don't Add the Right Safeguards for Expansive Soil 

The term expansive soil refers to earth that swells when it rains. Why would a builder ever choose this type of earth for the site of a home? The reason is the supply of residential land in many areas is pretty short. For example, in Southern California, around 1 out of every 2 homes is built on expansive soil. Because this type of terrain is fairly common, there are steps homebuilders can take to ensure that a home and its foundation are secure. However, for builders that want to cut costs, skipping those measures may be one option they ultimately choose. 

Offer a Warranty That Doesn't Stand the Test of Time 

One of the most common ways builders reassure their clients is by offering a warranty. It's common for a warranty to last for ten years. The problem is many warranties have up to seventy exclusions that kick in during the second year. If you want to ensure that your warranty protects more than just a home that's "unsafe, unsanitary or otherwise unlivable," be sure to carefully review its language prior to choosing to work with a specific builder. 

How Can You Ensure Your Home is Built Right? 

Because having a home built is a major investment, the last thing you want is for the builder you hire to take shortcuts. That's why it's so important to take time to select the right company to handle the construction of your home. By choosing a company that has a long history in their local community and a lot of happy references, you can be confident that every aspect of your home's construction will be done the right way. 

If you live in Northern Kentucky, contact us so we can talk more about why we're the homebuilders you can count on to deliver the quality you expect and deserve.

ABOUT WILLIAM CULLEN: Owner and President of Cullen Brothers, LLC building custom homes throughout the greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area since 1997. Cullen Brothers take great pride in their work in a way that is equal to that of their clients. It is this level of commitment which sets them apart and is unmatched in the industry. Cullen Brothers are emotionally invested in helping you fulfill your dreams and providing you with a finished project built to the highest standards within the industry. Click Here for a FREE Consultation