Don’t Be Fooled by “New” Why New Construction Homes Still Need a Home Inspection
When most people think about foundation failures, they imagine a 50-year-old home slowly sinking into the ground. But here’s the truth: brand-new homes can have serious foundation issues from day one.
At Kenco Home Inspections, we’ve seen firsthand how hidden problems lurk beneath fresh paint, granite countertops, and sparkling tile floors. A new build doesn’t mean a perfect build—and skipping your new construction inspection can be one of the costliest mistakes a buyer makes.
Why Foundations Fail in New Construction
Even in today’s market, builders face tight deadlines, rushed trades, and budget constraints. That means critical steps can get skipped, leaving your home vulnerable from the start. Here are the most common causes we uncover during new home inspections in Palm Beach County and South Florida:
Unprepared Soil – If the ground beneath your foundation isn’t compacted and graded properly, settlement begins almost immediately.
Poor Drainage – Water is a foundation’s worst enemy. Missing gutters, bad grading, or improper site planning create pressure that leads to cracks.
Rushed Work – Concrete poured too fast, in poor weather, or without proper curing can weaken before you even move in.
Design Oversights – Foundations must be engineered for the soil and slope. Skimping on reinforcement or slab thickness invites trouble.
Lack of Oversight – Without third-party inspections, many issues get buried behind drywall and flooring—only to surface years later when repairs are far more expensive.
Red Flags Our Inspectors Look For
Our experienced team uses specialized tools and years of expertise to catch what others might miss:
Cracks in walls or slabs (vertical, horizontal, or stair-step)
Uneven floors or sloping rooms
Doors and windows that don’t align or stick
Signs of moisture in crawlspaces or basements
Exposed rebar or shallow footings in unfinished areas
Poor grading around the foundation
Damaged or missing damp-proofing materials
The Tools That Set Us Apart
At Kenco Home Inspections, we don’t just “look around.” We invest in advanced inspection tools to protect your investment:
Laser and zip levels to detect even the slightest floor movement
Moisture meters to catch hidden leaks before they spread
Infrared cameras for thermal imaging and water intrusion
Crack monitors to measure movement over time
Drones to evaluate grading and site slope from above
Why Every Buyer Needs a New Construction Inspection
It’s easy to assume that your brand-new home is flawless. But remember: builder warranties don’t cover everything, and some problems only appear after you’ve closed.
Our job is to:
Separate cosmetic concerns from structural risks
Give you a clear action plan and peace of mind
Ensure your builder addresses issues while the warranty is still active
A home is the largest purchase most families ever make. Protecting that investment with a professional new construction inspection in Palm Beach County is a step you can’t afford to skip.
Schedule Your New Construction Inspection Today
Don’t wait until small cracks become big repairs. Let Kenco Home Inspections give you confidence in your new home from the ground up.
📞 561-718-6711
📧 hello@kenco.org
🌐 Kenco Home Inspections
Serving Palm Beach County and all of Southeast Florida since 2003.