Don't Assume That New Construction Means "No Problems"

Hi, I’m David Lelak with IHI Home Inspections, and if you’re thinking that a newly built home in Alpharetta, Canton, Woodstock, or Cumming, GA doesn’t need a home inspection—let me stop you right there.

You’d be shocked how often I find serious oversights in new construction homes. From unfinished soffits to trim work that doesn’t even line up, many of these issues get missed in rushed builds or overlooked entirely during the builder’s walk-through.

Real Example: What I Found in One Alpharetta New Build

I recently inspected a newly built home in Alpharetta where the trim at the soffit just… stopped. It picked back up halfway down the roofline like someone got distracted mid-job. No caulking, no coverage, just a wide-open space for moisture and pests to make themselves at home.

These aren’t cosmetic issues. These are real, long-term threats to your investment.

Common New Construction Issues I See Weekly

In my inspections across Canton, Cumming, and Woodstock, I regularly spot:

• Unsealed or missing soffits and trim

• Loose fasteners and nails sticking out

• HVAC ducts that aren’t even connected properly

• Roofing shortcuts like missing flashing or uneven shingles

• Sloppy grading around the foundation

• Hidden plumbing leaks that haven’t been pressure tested

Remember, these homes just “passed code.” That doesn’t mean they’re flawless—it just means they’re good enough on paper.

Why Skipping a Final Home Inspection Could Cost You

Let’s talk about what happens when these issues go unnoticed:

• Water Intrusion & Mold: Gaps in the soffit let in rainwater, which turns into mold behind your walls

• Rodents & Bugs: Pests love open entry points

• Higher Energy Bills: Improper insulation or trim lets your heat and A/C escape

• Lower Resale Value: Buyers (and appraisers) notice shoddy workmanship

Every one of these is something I’ve found on a brand-new home that hadn’t even been moved into yet.

Cosmetic? Nope. These Flaws Can Lead to Real Problems

Here in Georgia—especially in humid climates like Alpharetta and Woodstock—moisture intrusion isn’t just a possibility, it’s a probability.

Missing trim means water gets into your framing, attic, or drywall. It leads to:

• Mold growth in less than 48 hours

• Wood rot

• Sagging rooflines

• Structural weakening

And don’t forget energy efficiency. That missing soffit trim? It’s like leaving a window cracked year-round. You’re paying to heat and cool the outdoors.

Why a Builder's Final Walk-Through Isn't Enough

I’ve worked with homeowners who assumed the builder’s inspection was “good enough.” Unfortunately, those inspections are fast, sometimes vague, and often don’t catch what I do with thermal cameras, moisture meters, and a full 360° view of the property.

When you hire IHI Home Inspections for your final walkthrough or 11-month warranty inspection, you’ll get:

✅ A full inspection report with photos
✅ Priority scheduling around your closing date
✅ The chance to negotiate repairs before move-in
✅ Expert eyes that know how to spot what builders don’t expect you to catch

Whether It's Cumming or Canton - New Homes Still Need Inspection

In Cumming, I see drainage grading issues from rapid development. In Canton, builders often rush HVAC install on multi-lot builds. Woodstock? Gaps in flashing and roof lines are more common than you'd think.

The point is: No city is immune, and no builder is perfect.

Serving Your Neighborhood

🔎 Alpharetta, GA
🔎 Canton, GA
🔎 Cumming, GA
🔎 Woodstock, GA
🔎 And across Cherokee, Fulton, and Forsyth counties

Schedule Your New Construction Inspection with IHI Today

Your new home deserves more than a quick once-over. Let me help you make sure it’s truly move-in ready, not just “passable.”

📞 Call 404-788-2581 or
🔗 Schedule online for your pre-closing or builder warranty inspection.

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